Red Seal Sheet Metal Worker Practice Exam: Prep & Practice Test

The strength of a weld joint is best tested through destructive testing or visual inspection. Destructive testing involves applying force to the welded joint until it fails, allowing for a direct measurement of how much load or stress the weld can withstand. This method provides definitive data on the weld's integrity and does not rely on subjective assessment.

Visual inspection, while not a definitive measure of strength, is an essential initial step to assess surface defects, alignment, and overall weld quality. An experienced welder can often identify potential weaknesses or issues in the weld through a careful examination.

By combining both methods, one can gain a comprehensive understanding of the weld's strength and reliability. Thus, a combination of these approaches ensures that the joint meets certain standards of quality and performance under load, which is crucial in safety-critical applications.