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OverviewNature of WorkKnowledge AreasSkills Utilized
Job ActivitiesAbilitiesJob ConditionsWork SatisfactionEducation/Training

Ability Areas

Learn about the most important abilities for Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic. Also, find out how proficient you have to be in each ability.

Importance*More Info
1.Control Precision69
2.Arm-Hand Steadiness66
3.Reaction Time63
Finger Dexterity63
5.Near Vision60
6.Problem Sensitivity56
7.Static Strength53
Multilimb Coordination53
Manual Dexterity53
Selective Attention53
* Importance out of 100

Score Key
  Importance for success in this profession
  Level of proficiency needed

Ability Area Scores

Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
69
52
Adjust a room light with a dimmer switchAdjust farm tractor controlsDrill a tooth
Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
66
43
Light a candleThread a needleCut facets in a diamond
Reaction Time
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
63
45
Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellowThrow a switch when a red warning light goes offHit the brake when a pedestrian steps in front of the car
Finger Dexterity
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
63
46
Put coins in a parking meterAttach small knobs to stereo equipment on an assembly linePut together the inner workings of a small wrist watch
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
60
48
Read dials on the dashboard of a carRead the fine print of a legal documentDetect minor defects in a diamond
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
56
46
Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't workRecognize from the mood of prisoners that a prison riot is likely to occurRecognize an illness at an early stage of a disease when there are only a few symptoms
Static Strength
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
53
43
Push an empty shopping cartPull a 40-pound sack of fertilizer across the lawnLift 75-pound bags of cement onto a truck
Multilimb Coordination
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
53
45
Row a boatOperate a forklift truck in a warehousePlay the drum set in a jazz band
Manual Dexterity
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
53
41
Screw a light bulb into a light socketPack oranges in crates as quickly as possiblePerform open heart surgery with surgical instruments
Selective Attention
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
53
41
Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearbyMonitor security TV screens for intruders throughout the night shiftStudy a technical manual in a noisy boiler room