The quickest method of weld inspection is _________ inspection.

Visual inspection is recognized as the quickest method of weld inspection because it requires minimal preparation and can be performed immediately after the welding process. This method involves a simple examination of the weld area by the inspector, often aided by optical tools such as magnifying glasses or borescopes if needed, to identify obvious defects or discontinuities like cracks, undercuts, or porosity.

Visual inspection is beneficial due to its speed and efficiency in assessing the integrity of welds without requiring specialized equipment or lengthy testing procedures. It provides immediate feedback and can be done on-site, facilitating a rapid assessment during construction or maintenance activities.

While other methods, such as ultrasonic, dye penetrant, and radiographic inspections, offer more detailed analysis and can detect flaws that visual inspection may miss, they involve more complex procedures, setup time, and equipment, making them slower when compared to the straightforward nature of visual inspection.