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Acoustical Tile |
Special tile for walls and ceilings made of mineral,wood, vegetable fibers, cork, or metal. Its purpose is to control sound volume,while providing cover. |
| Adhesive-Backed Foam Tape | Installed by pressing into position and sticking permanently. Requires no nails or tools. Available in different types. |
| Adjustable Wrench | Comes in two styles: locking and non-locking. Non-locking styles feature an adjustable end opening with little provision made for slippage. The locking style also has an adjustable head, but uses a locking mechanism to secure jaws in desired position, eliminating the need for constant readjustment. When properly adjusted to a nut or bolt, it will not slip. |
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Air Duct |
Pipes that carry warm air and cold air to rooms and back to furnace or air conditioning system. |
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Ampere |
The rate of flow of electricity through electric wires. |
| Angle Level | Locates angles and pitches (slopes) from 0 to 90 degrees. It is commonly used when installing drain lines to check for proper fall of pipe and generally reads slope or pitch with inches per foot rise scale. |
| Angle Vise | Contains marked adjustments to permit clamping at different angles. It can also be adjusted to a flat position and used as a regular vise. |
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Apron |
A paved area, such as the juncture of a driveway with the street or with a garage entrance. |
| Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter | An arc fault occurs when the insulation surrounding wire and cable is damaged or deteriorates. The arc fault can flare at temperatures in excess of 10,000ºF and ignite surrounding combustible material. Standard circuit breakers do not respond quickly enough to arc faults. An arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) recognizes an arcing fault and acts instantly. |
| Aviation Snips | Also called compound leverage snips. Cuts easier because of double fulcrum, compound leverage action. |
| Awning Window | Has a single sash hinged at the top. Opens at the bottom with a hand-turned crank. |
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Backfill |
The gravel or earth replaced in the space around a building wall after foundations are in place. |
| Backsaw | Is a thick-bladed saw with a stiff, reinforced back to provide the rigidity necessary in precision cutting. It varies in length from 10" to 30" and is found in tooth counts from seven to 14 teeth per inch. It is also used with miter boxes to cut miters. |
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Balusters |
Upright supports of a balustrade rail. |
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Balustrade |
A row of balusters topped by a rail, edging a balcony or a staircase. |
| Bar Clamp | Has a clamping device built on a flat bar, which is usually made of steel. The length of the bar determines the capacity of the clamp, which is the dimension of the largest object that can be accommodated between its clamping jaws. |
| Barrel Bolt | A sliding lock mechanism used to provide security for average weight doors and windows. It is surface mounted where the bolt slides into a catch on the other side of the door. |
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Baseboard |
A board along the floor against walls and partitions to hid gaps. |
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Batt |
Insulation in the form of a blanket, rather than loose filling. |
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Batten |
Small thin strips covering joints between wider boards on exterior building surfaces. |
| Bay Window | A bay window is made of three windows: one large unit in the middle and two flanking windows that are usually placed at 30- to 45-degree angles. |
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Beam |
One of the principal horizontal wood or steel members of a building. |
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Bearing Wall |
A wall that supports a floor or roof of a building. |
| Bench Band Saw | This saw has a band or loop-like blade that comes in various widths and strengths for different cutting purposes. |
| Bench Vise | Tool that mounts on a workbench or table to hold work pieces securely in place between two flat jaws. |
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Bib or Bibcock |
A water faucet to which a hose may be attached, also called a hose bib or sill cock. |
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Bleeding |
Seeping of resin or gum from lumber. This term is also used in referring to the process of drawing air from water pipes. |
| Bolt Cutters | Heavy-duty cutters that cut bolts, threaded rods, cables and other metals from 1/16" to 5/8" thick. The longer cutters have greater strength. |
| Bow Window | A bow window is made of four or more windows that, all together, form a shape that curves outward. It looks like a bay window, but is free of sharp angles. |
| Box (Box-End) Wrench | Has enclosed head and provides more leverage by completely enclosing the nut. Some are offset to provide knuckle room and clearance over obstructions. |
| Box-Joint Pliers | General utility tool with up to eight adjustments, allowing for jaw openings up to 4-1/2". Either multiple hole or tongue-and-groove designs available. |
| Box Nail | Lighter and smaller than common nails with a larger head. Used for framing and applications where shifting is minimal, such as nailing subfloor to floor joists and attaching roof base to rafters. |
| Bow Saw | Consists of a tubular steel frame and a saw blade for fast cutting of all woods. The bow saw's frame is important, since the thin blade, usually 3/4" wide, must be held under high tension for fast cutting. The advantages of this general-purpose saw are its all-around utility and light weight. |
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Brace |
A piece of wood or other material used to form a triangle and stiffen some part of a structure. |
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Braced Framing |
Construction technique using posts and cross-bracing for greater rigidity. |
| Bricklayer's Hammer | Used for setting or splitting bricks, and chipping mortar from bricks. It features a curved, chisel-like pick and a small, square striking surface. |
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Brick Veneer |
Brick used as the outer surface of a framed wall. |
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Bridging |
Small wood or metal pieces placed diagonally between floor joists. |
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Building Paper |
Heavy paper used in walls or roofs to damp-proof. |
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Built-Up Roof |
A roofing material applied in sealed, waterproof layers, where there is only a slight slope to the roof. |
| Butt Hinge | Fits between the butt of the door and the frame and only the hinge pin is exposed on the inside of the door. |
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Butt Joint |
Joining point of two pieces of wood or molding. |
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Bx Cable |
Electricity cable wrapped in rubber with a flexible steel outer covering. |
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| Cabinet Slotted Tip Screwdriver | Similar to standard slotted, but tip is straight and has no flare. For use with small screws and countersinking screws where regular tips with a flare would mar the wood or material on the side | |
| Cable | Refers to a collection of two or more strands of wire or conductors. Basically, cable has a “hot” line to carry the current and a “neutral” line to complete the loop. They often have a third wire as that acts as a grounding wire. | |
| Calipers | A Tool consisting of two curved pieces of metal that are joined at one end with a pivot that has a screw to adjust the distance between the two pieces. It is used for transferring measurements from a model or prototype to a part being produced. | |
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Cantilever |
A projecting beam or joist,not supported at one end, used to support an extension of a structure. |
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| Capped Nail | Has a plastic or metal flat cap at the head. Used for installing foam insulation to exterior surfaces. Some types are made for hammering into masonry as well. | |
| Carpenter's Level | Tool that employs bubble vials positioned in the center and both ends to check vertical and horizontal surfaces for level or plumb. | |
| Carpet Padding | Installed underneath the carpet. Prolongs the life of the carpet and adds to comfort. Usually made from felted cushion, urethane, foam rubber or sponge rubber. | |
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Carriage |
The member which supports the steps or treads of a stair. |
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| Carriage Bolt | Has a square shoulder under the head that pulls into soft materials such as wood and prevents the bolt from turning while the nut is tightened. It also has coarse, partial threads and a smooth, rounded head. | |
| Cartridge Fuse | Cartridge fuses for circuits above 60 amps are also known as knife-blade cartridges. They look like rifle cartridges with metal caps and blades sticking out of each end. Cartridges fuses for circuits 60 amps or less are also known as ferrule contact or round cartridge fuses. They look like rifle cartridges with plain, capped ends. Used in high-current applications, such as in the main service box and in clamp- or bar-type fuse boxes that serve electric ranges, water heaters, clothes dryers and air conditioners. | |
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Casement |
A window sash that opens on hinges at the vertical edge. |
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Casing |
Door and window framing. |
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| Casing Nail | Similar in appearance to a finishing nail, but is thicker and has a flat head. Used to secure case molding. | |
| Caulking Cord | Temporarily fills large gaps around windows. Consists of soft, rope-like strands of weather strip with the consistency of modeling clay. | |
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Cavity Wall |
A hollow wall formed by firmly linked masonry walls, providing an insulating air space between. |
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| C-Clamp | The most common type of clamp—consists of a C-shaped frame, made of either forged steel or cast iron, into which an adjustable screw is assembled to change the jaw opening. | |
| Ceiling Box | Also known as a junction box or splice box. Used to anchor ceiling fixtures and serves as a junction box where wires can meet and run to other areas of the room. | |
| Chain Wrench | A Pipe wrench used for tightening and loosening odd-shaped objects, such as pipes and square objects. It has an adjustable chain that wraps around the object, with ends that connect teeth of chain to engage and turn the object. | |
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Chimney Cap |
Concrete capping around the top of chimney bricks and around the floors to protect the masonry from the elements. |
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Chair Rail |
Wooden molding on a wall around a room at the level of a chair back. |
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Chamfered Edge |
Molding with pared-off corners. |
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Chase |
A groove in a masonry wall or through a floor to accommodate pipes or ducts. |
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Chimney Breast |
The horizontal projection-usually inside a building-of a chimney from the wall in which it is built. |
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Circuit Breaker |
A safety device which opens(breaks) an electric circuit automatically when it becomes overloaded. |
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| Circuit Tester | Also known as a test lamp, a voltage tester, a neon tester or a test light. Used to determine if there is electricity running through a circuit or if it is properly grounded. | |
| Circular Level | Circular in shape, this tool is used for leveling flat surfaces over a 360 degree plane, such as table tops and appliances. Also called Bull’s Eye or Surface Level. | |
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Cistern |
A tank to catch and store rain water. |
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Clapboard |
A long thin board, thicker on one edge, overlapped and nailed on for exterior siding. |
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Collar Beam |
A horizontal beam fastened above the lower ends of rafters to add rigidity. |
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| Clay Tile | A roofing material known for its durability, as it can last up to 50 years. May be flat or rounded in shape, and may even have a glossy surface. | |
| Clutch-Head Screwdriver | The tip has four points of contact and will lock into the screw head when turned counter-clock-wise. Because of the many contact points, the tip will not damage the screw head under high torque situations. | |
| Cold Chisel | A cold chisel should be used only for cutting and chipping cold metal (unhardened steel, cast and wrought iron, aluminum, brass and copper), never masonry. | |
| Combination Snips | More versatile than regular snips. These snips are used for straight and moderately irregular cuts in either direction and ranges in size from 7” to 16” in length. | |
| Combination Square | Has a grooved blade and head that can be adjusted (by loosening the thumbscrew) to many locations along the 12” blade to provide different measurements and for scribing. One edge of the head has a 90-degree fence for crosscutting while the other has a 45-degree angle for use as a miter square. | |
| Combination Wrench | Has a box and an open end on opposite sides of the same wrench. Both ends are usually the same size. Used for working on machinery and is the most popular of all fixed-end wrench styles.Also available is a reversible ratcheting combination wrench that allows the user to quickly tighten nuts and bolts without lifting the wrench off and repositioning it after each rotation. | |
| Common Nail | Used in general carpentry and wood framing typically used with harder woods. Applications include house foundation, floor joists, rafters and internal studding. | |
| Compact Fluorescent Bulb |
Compact fluorescent bulbs offer different style and performance from standard fluorescent bulbs. Their color nearly equals that of Soft White incandescents, and they offer superior energy efficiency and long life. |
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| Compass or Keyhole Saw | Cuts curved or straight-sided holes. The saw blades are narrow and tapered nearly to a point to fit into most spaces. Keyhole saws are small compass saws with finer teeth that can cut metal. | |
| Compound Miter Saw | Uses a circular blade that is pivoted to the correct angle then dropped onto the material, which is clamped stationary on a plate. In addition to a simple pivot action, the blade tilts to make compound cuts. | |
| Conduit Connector | Used to connect lengths of conduit. Can make straight or bent connections. | |
| Conduit Fasteners | Used to fasten conduit to a wall or other framing member. | |
| Connector | It has slots or openings on the inside designed to receive male receptacles or plugs. | |
| Continuous Hinge | Also called piano hinges. Comes in sizes up to 72” long and is made to fit along the entire length of the door. | |
| Contractor Table Saw | This saw is bulky and originally intended only for temporary use at a job site. It has a circular saw blade extending up through a slot on a flat table. Motor and drive mechanism is located under the table. | |
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Coping |
Tile or brick used to cap or cover the top of a masonry wall. |
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| Coping Saw | Used for cutting irregular shapes, curves and intricate decorative patterns. The saw consists of a thin blade and a C-shaped steel tension frame. | |
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Corbel |
A horizontal projection from a wall, forming a ledge or supporting a structure above it. |
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Corner Bead |
A strip of wood or metal for protecting the external corners of plastered walls. |
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| Corner Clamp | Designed to hold miter or butt joints at a 90º angle. They can be used for gluing picture frames, cabinets, molding and trim. | |
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Cornice |
Horizontal projection at the top of a wall or under the overhanging part of the roof. |
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| Cotter Pin | Versatile fastening device that is made of ferrous and nonferrous wire. The are inserted into a hole in a bolt, shaft or similar part. An eye on one end prevents the pin from going through while prongs at the other end are bent back to lock the pin in place. | |
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Course |
A horizontal row of bricks,cinder blocks or other masonry materials. |
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Cove Lighting |
Concealed light sources behind a cornice or horizontal recess which direct the light upon a reflecting ceiling. |
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Crawl Space |
A shallow, unfinished space beneath the first floor of a house which has no basement, used for visual inspection and access to pipes and ducts. Also, a shallow space in the attic,immediately under the roof. |
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| Crimping Pliers | Multi-purpose electrician's pliers to crimp solderless connectors, strip most common gauge wire, cut and hold or bend wire. They also have sheaving holes that cut common sizes of screws without deforming threads. | |
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Cripples |
Cut-off framing members above and below windows. |
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| Crosscut Saw | Designed for cutting across wood grain and produces a smoother cut than rip saws. The best cutting angle for this saw is about 45º. | |
| Cut Flooring Nail | Has a blunt tip to prevent splitting of flooring and is used to attach wood to concrete. | |
| Cutting Pliers | Comes in side, end or diagonal types. Side cutters have a cutting blade on one side only and are available in long-, curved- and short-nose types. End cutting nippers have cutting blades on the end and are used to make sharp, clean cuts close to the surface on wires, bolts and rivets. Diagonal cutters have two cutting blades set diagonally to the handle. They offer leverage when pulling cotter pins and are used by mechanics and electricians for general cutting. |
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Delayed Action Switch |
keeps the circuit open for a few minutes after the switch is turned off. A good use is in a garage where, after the user turns off the switch, it allows the light to remain on in time exit. |
| Dial Calipers | A Tool used for measuring inside and outside diameters of cylinder-shaped objects, such as drill bits and pipe. The dial readout provides accurate measurements in 1/64” or .01”. |
| Dimmer Switch | Controls the amount of current in a light circuit and allows for varying levels of light. |
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Door Buck |
The rough frame of a door. |
| Door Jamb Weather Strip | Used to seal the sides and top of a door to shut out drafts and insects. Available in a variety of forms, including roll-formed and extruded aluminum with vinyl bulbs or flaps. |
| Door Shoe | Made of extruded aluminum and vinyl. Attached to the bottom of a door to help form a seal between the door and the threshold.Used primarily in conjunction with a smooth top aluminum threshold to form a proper seal. |
| Door Sweep | Seals the bottom of an exterior door, preventing drafts, water, noise, light and insects. Usually made of aluminum extrusions with vinyl flaps. |
| Downspout | Attaches to the gutter to carry water down the side of the house. |
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Dormer |
The projecting frame of a recess in a sloping roof. |
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Double Glazing |
An insulating window paneformed of two thicknesses of glass with a sealed air space between them. |
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Double Hung Windows |
Windows with an upper and lower sash, each supported by cords and weights. |
| Double-Pole Switch | Controls power to lights and devices by turning off the hot side of the circuit. Mounted in an electrical box. Has four brass terminal screws. |
| Dovetail Saw | Similar to a backsaw, with stiff reinforced back, only smaller with finer teeth. It is Used for fine finish cuts, such as cutting dovetail joints in woodworking. Also a common saw for trimming molding and furniture repair, as well as cutting plastics and laminates. |
| Dowel Screw | The screw is threaded on both ends and is used or assembling pieces of furniture end to end. |
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Downspout Leader |
Downspout A spout or pipe to carry rain water down from a roof or gutters |
| Drill Press | Used for boring holes in precise, repetitive cuts. With the appropriate accessories, the drill press can also shape, carve, sand, grind, buff and polish. |
| Drill Press Vise | Great for holding work piece still when drilling, tapping and reaming on a drill press. Most models have grooves machined on both sides for mounting to machine table. |
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Drip |
The projecting part of a cornice which sheds rain water. |
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Drip Edge |
L-shaped weather-resistant metal.Installed at exposed roof edges (eaves) to help shed water and to protect the roof’s wood parts. |
| Drive Anchor | Made of high-strength spring steel or of aluminum with a stainless steel pin for use in hard materials. The anchor is driven into a hole where it is compressed and forced against the walls of the hole. |
| Drop-In Anchor | Expandable concrete anchors are set in pre-drilled holes and accepts standard coarse thread bolts or threaded rod. Drop-in style anchors do not require patching after sinking. |
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Dry Wall |
A wall surface of plasterboard or material other than plaster. |
| Drywall/Deck Screw | Used when installing drywall or decking material and is coated to prevent rust. |
| Drywall Hammer | Used to score, sheet and set nails for drywall work. It features a scored head and a notched blade instead of a claw and the notch in the blade is used to remove exposed nails. </p> |
| Drywall Nail | Ring-shanked nail used for attaching sheets of drywall gypsum board to interior wood wall studs. The flat, slightly countersunk head permits driving just below the surface, forming a depression that can be covered with drywall joint compound or spackling. |
| Drywall Saw | Resembles a kitchen knife in design and is used to cut drywall and plasterboard in the same fashion as a keyhole saw, such as for sawing holes for electric outlets and switchplates. The saw is self-starting with a sharp point for plunge cuts. |
| Drywall Square | Useful tool for measuring and marking 4’x8’ sheets of drywall, plywood and other 4’x8’ building materials. Often used as a guide to score drywall. |
| Duckbill Snips | Also called circular snips. These snips feature long nose design and are used for cutting tight circles or other curved designs in either direction. |
| Duplex Nail | Has a double head to allow for easy removal in temporary construction applications. Used for concrete forming and scaffolding. |
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Eaves |
The extension of roofbeyond house walls. |
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Efflorescence |
White powder that forms onthe surface of brick. |
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Effluent |
Treated sewage from aseptic tank or sewage treatment plant. |
| Edging Clamp | Three-way clamp resembling a C-Clamp with a third screw located in the middle of the throat. It is used to apply pressure at a right angle to the side of the work surface. |
| Elbow | Diverts the direction of the downspout by 45 degrees |
| Encapsulated Insulation | Batt and roll insulation encapsulated for easier handling. Encapsulation enables the insulation to breathe and prevents condensation build-up. Easier to handle by reducing dust and other irritants associated with insulation installation. |
| End Cap | Used to stop a run of gutter |
| Expansion Shield | Also known as lead shield and is used with lag and machine bolts. |
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Fascia |
A flat horizontal member ofa cornice placed in a vertical position. |
| Felt Paper | Also called building paper.Installed under shingles. Composed of a tough, fibrous base saturated with asphalt. |
| Fence Pliers | Used to pull and cut staples in fencing and other work involving wire. It is the only tool needed for work on wood or metal posts. |
| Fiberglass Asphalt Shingle | Has a base mat of glass fibers covered with ceramic-coated mineral granules. Does not absorb water and resists cracking. Features a better fire rating and often has a longer warranty than other types of shingles. |
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Fill-Type Insulation |
Loose insulating materialwhich is applied by hand or blown into wall spaces mechanically. |
| Finishing Hammer | Used for general carpentry, finishing and cabinet making. The head size is generally between 7 oz. and 16 oz and has a smooth striking face so errant strikes don’t leave marks on the wood. |
| Finish Nail | Used around windows, finishing areas, trim and paneling where nails cannot show. The small head size allows the nail to be driven beneath the wood surface so the hole can be filled and finished. |
| Fish Tape | Also known as a snake. Used for pulling the electrical cable or wire through the wall or through electrical conduit. |
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Flashing |
Non-corrosive metal used around angles or junctions in roofs andexterior walls to prevent leaks. |
| Floor Band Saw | This saw has a band or loop-like blade that comes in various widths and strengths for different cutting purposes. It mounts on the floor and usually has wheels sized from 12” to 36” in the industrial models. |
| Floor Chisel | Designed to remove flooring material. This chisel has a larger head design, generally 3”, to increase the striking area. |
| Flooring Nail | Used for laying tongue-and-groove hardwood flooring and is screw-shanked. |
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Floor Joists |
Framing pieces which reston outer foundation walls and interior beams or girders. |
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Flue |
A passageway in a chimneyfor conveying smoke, gases or fumes to the outside air. |
| Fluorescent Bulb | Fluorescent bulbs can vary from straight tubes 6" to 96" long to U-shaped tubes and circular tubes. Wattages for home use range from 4 to 75 watts. Features include a long lamp life, relatively low brightness and low heat content and glare, compared with incandescent lamps. |
| Foam Insulation | Comes in a liquid spray form that quickly foams and hardens. For use only on closed, properly vented exterior wall cavities. It should be sealed from exposure to the interior with vapor- and fume-resistant paints. |
| Foam Sealant | Installs similar to foam insulation, but comes in an aerosol can and is best for do-it-yourself use. Best used for permanently sealing irregular gaps around the home. After curing, it can be trimmed, sanded and painted. |
| Folding Square | Square that conveniently folds for easy storage. Locking mechanism locks tool securely for use. It marks angles from 0 to 60 degrees and is often used in tiling projects. |
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Footing |
Concrete base on which afoundation sits. |
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Foundation |
Lower parts of walls onwhich the structure is built. Foundation walls of masonry or concrete aremainly below ground level. |
| Foundation Vent | Used to ventilate basements and crawl spaces. Used with brick, block or frame construction. |
| Four-Way Switch | Controls power to lights and devices by turning off the hot side of the circuit. Used in connection with three-way switches to control one circuit from three or more points. |
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Framing |
The rough lumber of ahouse-joists, studs, rafters, and beams. |
| Framing Square | 90 degree L-shaped tool made from one piece of material (steel or aluminum), with the long end (blade) usually 24" and the short end (tongue) 16". Also known as carpenter’s or rafter square because this tool is generally used for laying out rafters and marking stair stringers. |
| Friction Catch | Helps the cabinet door stay shut and operates by pressure of the catch on the strike. The catch mounts on a doorframe, jamb or underside of a shelf while the strike mounts on the door so that upon closing, it is inserted into the catch. |
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Furring |
Thin wood, or metal appliedto a wall to level the surface for lathing, boarding, or plastering, to createan insulating air space, and to damp proof the wall. |
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Fuse |
A short plug in an electricpanel box which opens (breaks) an electrical circuit when it becomesoverloaded. |
| Fuse Puller | Connects wires with a twisting action. |
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Gable |
The triangular part of a wall under the inverted "v" of the roof line. |
| Gable Vent | Designed to complement most brands of vinyl siding. Features open louvered joints and built-in screens to keep out bugs and birds. |
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Gambrel Roof |
A roof with two pitches,designed to provide more space on upper floors. The roof is steeper on itslower slope and flatter toward the ridge. |
| Gate Hinge | Consists of an L-shaped screw that screws into the post. The L shape holds a strap that is screwed into the gate. |
| GFCI Receptacle | Stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. Used to protect against ground faults, which occur when a person comes into contact with a live electrical wire. |
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Girder |
A main member in a framedfloor supporting the joists which carry the flooring boards. It carries theweight of a floor or partition. |
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Glazing |
Fitting glass into windowsor doors. |
| Glider Window | Slides horizontally to open. Durable, since the sash is fully supported in the frame. |
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Grade Line |
The point at which theground rests against the foundation wall. |
| Greenfield Conduit | Also known as flex conduit. A hollow spiral metal jacket that resembles BX cable. Used for installing wiring in the home |
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Green Lumber |
Lumber which has beeninadequately dried and which tends to warp or "bleed" resin. |
| Grinder | Used to cut and grind metal, concrete and masonry, for sharpening all tools, cutting into corners and tight spots, polishing, buffing and wire brushing. |
| Grounding Adapter | It allows you to use a plug with three prongs in a receptacle that has only two slots. Cube-shaped plastic or rubber. Has a small U-shaped piece that is to be attached to the screw in the middle of the receptacle. |
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Grounds |
Pieces of wood embedded inplaster of walls to which skirtings are attached. Also wood pieces used to stopthe plaster work around doors and windows. |
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Gusset |
A brace or bracket used tostrengthen a structure. |
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Gutter |
A channel at the eaves forconveying away rain water. |
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| Hacksaw |
A fine-toothed saw designed to cut metal or plastic. Hacksaws consist of a blade held in a steel frame with relatively high tension to hold the blade rigidly straight. High-tension models (with tension to 32,000 p.s.i.) are also available. |
| Halogen Bulb | Halogen bulbs produce light by passing current through a coiled tungsten wire. More energy-efficient than standard incandescent bulbs. They generate up to 30 percent more light for the same electricity. |
| Hand Drilling Hammer | Has short handles and is used for pounding hardened nails into concrete or for using with tools that drive nails and pins into concrete or brick. It's the only hammer to use with star drills, masonry nails, steel chisels and nail pullers. |
| Handscrew Clamp | Also called a cabinetmaker’s clamp, it consists of two hardwood clamping jaws adjusted to the work by two opposing steel screw spindles assembled into the jaws. |
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Hardwood |
The close-grained wood from broad-leaved trees suchas oak or maple. |
| Hasp | Consists of a metal hinge and an anchoring bolt so locks can be secured to gates, sheds and garages. |
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Headers |
Double wood pieces supporting joists in a floor ordouble wood members placed on edge over windows and doors to transfer the roofand floor weight to the studs. |
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Heavy-Wall Conduit |
Also known as rigid conduit. Used for carrying wire outdoors and underground. |
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Heel |
The end of a rafter that rests on the wallplate. |
| Hex-Key Wrench | Hex-key wrenches are short, L-shaped tools designed to turn bolts or screws with hexagonal heads. |
| Hex Nut Driver | Similar to a screwdriver, but has a tip like a wrench socket. It is used mainly on small hex nuts and in confined areas such as electronic equipment, car ignitions and plumbing jobs. |
| High Intensity Discharge Bulb | Used primarily for area and security lighting. They feature a lifespan of 20,000 to 24,000 hours. They come in a variety of shapes and in medium and mogul bases. |
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Hip Roof |
A roof that slants upward on three or foursides. |
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Hip |
The external angle formed by the juncture of twoslopes of a roof. |
| Hold-Down Clamp | This is the screw portion of a “C” clamp, designed to be secured onto any surface, with the screw used to apply clamping pressure. |
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Hollow-Core Wood Door |
Has wooden or cardboard ribs inside for stability. Primarily used as interior doors, as they will warp or disintegrate from weather. |
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Jalousies |
Windows with movable, horizontal glass slats angledto admit-ventilation and keep out rain. This term is also used for outsideshutters of wood constructed in this way. |
| J-Channel | Used to trim out the ends of siding panels where they meet a door or window. Also used to cover cut edges of panels around windows and under the eaves. |
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Jamb |
An upright surface that lines an opening for a dooror window. |
| Jeweler's Screwdriver | Has a rotating head that is held by the forefinger to steady the screwdriver while the thumb and middle finger turn the screwdriver to remove or install small screws. Mainly used by jewelers and hobbyists and others who often work with very small screws. |
| Jointer | Used to smooth the edges of wood and help remove warps. This tool can cut flat surfaces and is often combined with a planer. |
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Joist |
A small rectangular sectional member arrangedparallel from wall to wall in a building, or resting on beams or girders. Theysupport a floor or the laths or furring strips of a ceiling. |
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Kiln-Dried |
Artificial drying of lumber, superior to most lumberthat is air dried. |
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King-Post |
The center post of a truss. Large, heavy screws, usedwhere great strength is required, as in heavy framing or when attachingironwork to wood. |
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Lag Screw Shield |
Used inside drilled holes to provide anchors in the hole for lag bolts as they are wrenched into the shield. |
| Lag-Screws or Coach-Screws | Large, heavy screws, usedwhere great strength is required, as in heavy framing or when attachingironwork to wood. |
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Lally Column |
Asteel tube sometimes filled with concrete, used to support girders or otherfloor beams. |
| Laser Level | Also called laser chalk lines, they are used to level and provide reference lines for hanging pictures, tile work, etc. |
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Lath |
One of a number of thinnarrow strips of wood nailed to rafters, ceiling joists, wall studs, etc. tomake a groundwork or key for slates, tiles, or plastering. |
| Latch Guard | Used on in-opening doors because it reinforces the door and prevents the spreading of the frame. |
| LB Fitting | Generally, an LB fitting is placed outside at the point where the conduit leaves the house. Connects at a 90º angle. Has thick gaskets to make it impervious to moisture. |
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Leaching Bed |
Tiles in the trenchescarrying treated wastes from septic tanks. |
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Ledger |
A piece of wood which isattached to a beam to support joists. |
| Line Level | Used for checking level over distances, such as when installing a patio, floor or a suspended ceiling, and when there is no flat surface available. |
| Linemen's Pliers | Also called electrician’s pliers. Used by professionals engaged in electrical, communications and construction work. They are used for cutting, holding, shaping and twisting wire. |
| Line Switch | Used to interrupt the flow of electricity on cords, most often for lamps and appliances.A variety of styles are available, and they can operate with a toggle, rotary or push-button action. |
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Lintel |
The top piece over a dooror window which supports walls above the opening. |
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Load-Bearing Wall |
Astrong wall capable of supporting weight. |
| Locking Pliers | Adjustable, vise-type locking pliers that can be locked on to a work piece and operate like a clamp. It features an adjustment screw that changes the jaw size to apply the correct clamping pressure. |
| Locking Wrench | Through a locking action, jaws can be locked in a holding position with pressure up to 1 ton. Available with both curved and straight jaws |
| Loose-Fill Insulation | Comes compacted in bags and is poured or blown into walls and between joists of the attic floor. |
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Louver |
An opening with horizontalslats to permit passage of air, but excluding rain, sunlight and view. |
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Machine Bolt |
Comes with regular, square, hex, button or countersunk heads. The square heads fasten joints and materials where bolt requirements are not too severe. The button heads work best where smooth surfaces are necessary, and use the countersunk heads for flush surfaces. |
| Machine Screw | Can have round, oval, flat and fillister heads and are intended to be screwed into prethreaded holes in metal. The come in coarse (24 threads per inch) and fine (32 threads per inch) sizes. |
| Mallet | Has rubber, plastic, wooden or rawhide head and is used to drive chisels or hammer joints together. |
| Masonry | Walls built by a mason,using brick, stone, tile or similar materials. |
| Masonry Chisel | Used when cutting masonry, such as concrete block and brick. |
| Masonry Nail | Made of hardened and tempered steel and the shank comes round, flat, fluted or square. Often used to fasten framing parts such as sills, furring strips, window and door trim to masonry and concrete. |
| Metal Roofing | Steel panels designed to cover the roof in place of shingles.Designed with either exposed or hidden fasteners. |
| Micrometer | A caliper shaped like the letter “P” used for close tolerance work on tools such as drill presses and lathes.These devices can make inside, outside and depth measurements to within .001". |
| Midget Pliers | Include straight, chain, round, end-cutting, diagonal-cutting and flat-nose pliers in extra-small sizes.They are used by professionals such as electronic technicians who work with small objects in confined areas. |
| Miter Box | Used to help cut exact angles for wood trim and rafters. The better models provide a mechanism for a backsaw. |
| Miter Saw | Also known as a chopsaw. Used for making repeated straight or miter cuts and it uses a circular blade that is pivoted to the correct angle, then dropped onto the material, which is clamped stationary on a turntable. |
| Mitre | Changes the direction of a run of gutter.An outside mitre is used for an inside turn of a gutter. An inside mitre is used for an outside turn of a gutter. |
| Moisture Barrier | Treated paper or metal thatretards or bars water vapor, used to keep moisture from passing into walls orfloors. |
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Molding |
A strip of decorativematerial having a plane or curved narrow surface prepared for ornamentalapplication. These strips are often used to hide gaps at wall junctures. |
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Molly Bolt |
Also known as an expansion bolt. When the sleeve is inserted into a pre-drilled hole and the screw is turned, the sleeve spreads. |
| Motion Switch | Turns on the light as you enter the room. Good for both convenience and security. |
| Mounting Block | Offers a waterproof surface for installing outlets, lighting and plumbing fixtures with new siding. Used with wood, aluminum, vinyl, stucco, brick or shake siding. |
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Mullion |
Slender framing whichdivides the lights or panes of windows. |
| Multi-Bit Screwdriver | Allows the user to have a number of different types of tips in one tool. Some models store the interchangeable tips in a self-contained unit. |
| Multiple Tap | Like the table tap, it plugs into an existing outlet to increase the number of outlets at a location. It typically has four to six plugs. |
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| Nail Hammer | Used for general carpentry, household chores and nail pulling, and should be used only with non-hardened, common or finishing nails. |
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Needle-Nose Pliers |
Also called long-nose pliers, they have a pointed nose for doing work in tight places. They are used frequently for electrical and electronics work and mosthave side cutters for cutting wire. |
| Newel | The upright post or theupright formed by the inner or smaller ends of steps about which steps of acircular staircase wind. In a straight flight staircase, the principal post atthe foot or the secondary post at a landing. |
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Nosing |
The rounded edge of a stairtread. |
| Nut | Screws onto the threaded end of a bolt to help tighten the bolt. |
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Parging |
A rough coat of mortarapplied over a masonry wall as protection or finish; may also serve as a basefor an asphaltic waterproofing compound below grade. |
| Phillips Tip Screwdriver | Used on cross-slotted screw heads with modified U-shaped slots of uniform width. Sizes range from 0 to 4, with 0 being the smallest. |
| Photoelectric Switch | operates with a photoelectric cell. It turns off during the day and turns on during the night. |
| Picture Window | A fixed window. Has no moving parts or sashes and does not open. |
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Pilaster |
A projection or thefoundation wall used to support a floor girder or stiffen the wall. |
| Pipe Clamp | Can be mounted to standard threaded or unthreaded pipe to clamp boards together while gluing. |
| Pipe Insulation | For insulating water pipes from freezing in the winter. It also helps control heat loss when pipes carry hot water and controls condensation and dripping. |
| Pipe (Stillson) Wrench | Screws pipes into elbows or other threaded devices. Jaws actually bite into the surface to hold it for turning. They should never be used on plated pipe installations because they will badly mar the finish. |
| Pitch | The angle of slope of a roof. |
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Pitch Gauge |
Used to determine the exact thread pitch needed for replacing screws and nuts |
| Pivot Hinge | Mounts at the top and bottom of the door leaving a small wafer of metal exposed. Commonly used on furniture doors or where doors are intended to be inconspicuous. |
| Planer | Used to square up, resize or smooth wood in width or thickness. Best for larger flat surfaces. |
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Plasterboard (See Dry Wall) |
Gypsum board, used insteadof plaster. |
| Plates | Pieces of wood placed onwall surfaces as fastening devices. The bottom member of the wall is the soleplate and the top member is the rafter plate. |
| Plastic Conduit | Use inside and outside. Best for burying underground as it will not corrode with water. |
| Plastic Pipe Saw | Designed to cut PVC and ABS plastic, but it can also cut wood and drywall. |
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Plastic Screw Anchor |
Used with wood or sheet metal screws. It is inserted into a pre-drilled hole and then the screw is driven through the anchor into the wall. |
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Plenum |
A chamber which can serveas a distribution area for heating or cooling systems, generally between afalse ceiling and the actual ceiling. |