What is the primary purpose of a chipping hammer in metalworking?

The primary purpose of a chipping hammer in metalworking is indeed to remove slag and debris. This tool is specifically designed to clean metal surfaces after welding or other processes where slag can accumulate. A chipping hammer usually has a hardened tip that can effectively chip away unwanted material, thus preparing the surface for further processing, like painting or additional welding.

While shaping metal, fastening metal pieces, and measuring components are all important tasks in metalworking, they are not the functions of a chipping hammer. Shaping would typically involve tools like hammers or presses specifically designed for that purpose, fastening would require devices like welders or clamps, and measuring is usually done with calipers or rulers. Thus, the chipping hammer is distinctively recognized for its role in cleaning and preparing surfaces in metal fabrication processes.