What is a drift punch primarily used for in construction and mechanical tasks?

A drift punch is primarily used in construction and mechanical tasks to drive out pins or align holes. This tool is specifically designed to create or realign holes in metal pieces, ensuring proper fit and mechanical functionality. By using a drift punch, workers can easily knock out tight-fitting pins from assemblies or fixtures without causing damage to the surrounding materials. The tapered design of the punch enables it to fit into misaligned holes, helping to align parts correctly for assembly.

Other tools, though useful in their respective domains, do not serve this specific function. For instance, attaching wire is typically done with specialized fastening tools, smoothing surfaces requires abrasives or brushes, and measuring voltage necessitates the use of a multimeter or voltmeter. Each of these tasks requires tools that are designed specifically for those actions, underscoring the unique role of the drift punch in mechanical work.