glossary

Workshop Guides - Glossary

Adjustable open end wrench: Wrench opens to wider or narrower sizes to fit the odd-sized bolt or nut. Useful tool for those who do not have a frequent need for a wrench - it's versatility eliminates the need for several wrench sizes.
Air tank capacity: Air tank capacity represents the volume of air stored in the tank and available for immediate use. The larger the tank, the longer the air tool usage in situations where the air tool requires more SCFM than the compressor can deliver.
Arbor: Arbor is the shaft on which a cutting tool is mounted.
Arc joint pliers: Pliers that have a pivot point which can be adjusted to allow a variety of jaw opening widths.
Backsaw: Is a crosscut saw with a straight, rectangular blade held rigid by a piece of steel along the top edge and a handle held higher than that of the hand saw. This saw can be used in mitre boxes and for other precision cutting.
Ball bearing slides: Chest and/or Cabinet slides that use ball bearings for easier and quieter opening and closing action compared to H formed runners.
Ball pein hammer: Used to shape - or pein - soft metal by striking even blows. It is also used to form heads on rivets and to form sheet metal to conform to a mould.
Band saw: Band saws are among the most popular and versatile bench power tools because of their simplicity of construction and use. In basic terms, a band saw comprises a continuous flexible blade, or band, held taut around two or three wheels driven by a direct drive or belt-drive motor.
Belt sander: Belt sanders (hand-held models) are designed to remove stock rapidly over large areas; finish floors and smooth large, rough sawed, knotty or warped boards. The belt sander can also be used to trim excess wood, strip paint and remove rust.
Belt/disc sander: Belt/disc sanders are bench top models of the smaller hand held models. The belt sander is used to remove stock faster over a greater surface area than the disc. The disc sander is used on smaller edges or workpieces.
Bench grinder: Bench grinders are designed to remove excess metal rapidly and with minimal effort.
Bench planes: Bench planes consist of a plane cutter cap. The plane cutter cap breaks and curls the shavings and works with the piece in the front of the plane to prevent wood from splitting ahead of the cutting edge. A bench plane produces a smooth surface.
Bench top tool: Bench top tools, as the name suggests, are units that can be placed on or mounted to workbenches or other work surfaces. They are typically smaller than their stationary counterparts, lightweight, portable and require less space in which to function.
Bench vise: A vise is usually bolted to the top of a workbench or table to help hold workpieces in place during sawing, planing, gluing, etc.
Bent nose pliers: Pliers have extra thin, tapering jaws bent at a 45 degree angle for getting into corners and other hard-to-reach places.
Block planes: Block planes are small planes designed to cut the end grain of a piece of wood. The low angle cutter makes it a handy tool for planing corners and chamfers on small pieces of wood and other light trimming. The plane should always be set on its side to avoid damage to the blade. This plane is intended for one-handed operation.
Box end ignition wrenches: Box end ignition wrenches are identical to the regular box end wrench except they are smaller and intended for close work.
Box end wrench: Wrench uses a socket to fit down over the bolt head or nut. The closed shape helps prevent slipping. The wrench is stronger and fits better than the open end wrench, but it must be engaged from above and positioned to fit.
C Clamp: C clamp is the carriage maker's clamp and is a small 'C' shaped device with an adjustment bolt on one end. It is widely used for holding both wood and metal in place for sawing, welding and other tasks. Tip: Since pressure is concentrated on the small jaws, it is useful to insert pieces of scrap wood or pads between the jaws and the workpiece. This distributes the pressure more and reduces denting.
Centre punch: The Centre punch is solid steel with a sharp point and is used to mark the starting location for a drill bit. The point of the centre punch is more blunt (90 degrees) than that of the prick punch (60 degrees)
Chalk line plumb bob: The chalk line plumb bob leaves a mark when snapped to indicate the plumb or true vertical. This procedure is essential for lining up pieces (such as wallpaper) evenly or finding a point in the middle of a surface below a known point.
Chamfer: A chamfer is the surface that results when the sharp corner along the edge of a piece is planed to 45 degrees.
Chisel: A chisel is a tool for slicing thin slivers from wood. On one end is a cutting edge and on the other is a handle that may be hit with a mallet to make rough cuts or pushed by hand for fine finish cuts.
Circular saw: The circular saw is subjected to rougher treatment than any other portable power tool as it tackles some of the toughest jobs while being used for crosscuts and rip cuts. The higher the amperage, the more capable and easier for the circular saw to cut through any material including waterlogged wood.
Claw hammer: Most common type of hammer for both driving and pulling nails and is available in curved claw and straight claw. The benefit of the straight claw is its use to pry apart fastened pieces.
Cold chisel: The cold chisel is a heavy steel tool with an integral handle for striking with a hammer to shear sheet metal or chip away at heavier bar or rounded materials. The cold chisel can be used to cut bolts, rivets, and alloy steel shafting and to remove the heads from nails, screws, and bolts to make surfaces level.
Combination wrench: Wrench with an open end on one side and a box end on the other.
Compound leverage offset snips: Compound leverage offset snips keep hands above the metal being cut - a very important safety feature for all.
Compound leverage snip: The compound leverage snip has a power ratio that cuts the effort required to operate regular snips in half.
Coping (jig) saw: Designed to make curved and other irregular cuts in wood, thin plywood, plastic, or light metal. It consists of a 'U' shaped steel frame with a thin, short blade.
Cordless drill: Cordless drills are more than just a standard drill - they are also drivers and have an adjustable torque clutch so that the torque can be increased to drill holes and decreased to drive screws. Typically higher voltage cordless drills generate more torque - but two drills of the same voltage do not necessarily deliver the same amount of torque.
Cordless power tools: Cordless power tools run on a rechargeable battery pack that, depending on the model, takes between 1 to 3 hours to charge. Most tools have a removable pack so that the user can pop in a fully charged battery and go.
Cotter pins: Specially shaped pins that hold bolts in place but allow the user to remove the pin without any special tools to facilitate changing the bolt
Crosscut saw: Most popular saw for cutting across the grain of wood and for all cuts in plywood, the more points per inch, the finer (smoother) the cut.
Crosscut: A cut across the wood grain.
Dado: A dado is one of those cuts requiring a specific blade known as the dado blade. A dado is a U shaped groove cut with or against the grain and commonly used to create joints for furniture construction.
Deluxe mitre gauge: The Deluxe mitre gauge has positive adjustable stops with an index pin at 90 degrees and 45 degrees for faster, easier set ups.
Diagonal cutting pliers: Pliers have a nose and full cutting bite designed for cropping metal and cutting wire at a diagonal slant in a tight place. These pliers are also useful for installing and removing cotter pins. This tool is not appropriate for gripping or bending.
Dovetail saw: Resembles a backsaw in the shape of the blade, but has a straight, screwdriver-shaped handle. Blades are short, made of very thin steel, and have fine teeth. Excellent for cutting fine joints.
1/2" Drill: Designed for heavy drilling, which require higher torque and lower speeds.
3/8" Drill: These are drills that have a 3/8" chuck and are designed to meet most every need, from light-duty to light-commercial applications.
Drill: The portable power drill is typically one of the first power tools that a person owns and will end up using more than any other portable power tool.
Drill press: A drill press functions just like an electric drill that is steadily guided into a workpiece and may have varying adjustments to cut holes of varying depths and angles.
Drive size: Size of square end that fits into a drive tool such as a ratchet. Available in four basic drive sizes - 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" & 3/4" drive.
1/4" drive size: 1/4" drive for ignition, electronic, small appliance, and other confined work areas
1/2" drive size: 1/2" drive for automotive and large equipment work
3/8" drive size: 3/8" drive for medium duty appliance and automotive work
3/4" drive size: 3/4" drive for work on trucks, farm equipment, and heavy duty machinery.
Drywall gun: Drywall guns are speciality drills that deliver higher RPMs and lower torque settings to prevent over-tightening and damaging the material or the screw head.
Duckbill snip: The duckbill tin snip is designed especially for cutting intricate patterns and curves. It will make straight, irregular, or circular cuts in sheet metal, screening, or leather, and is suitable for either right or left hand use.
End cutting nipper: Ideal tool for cutting wire or nails.
Extension bar: Accessory used between the drive tool and the socket to extend the reach of the socket.
Extension bar: The extension bar is a handy accessory used between the drive tool and the socket to extend the reach of the socket.
Flex head ratchet: The flex head ratchet is the same as a ratchet except it has the added feature of being able to swivel from 15 to 90 degrees.
Fore plane: The fore plane is 18 inches long and is used to true (make straight) uneven surfaces and long edges. The fore plane is often used to trim the edges of doors that are too long.
Front locking chest and/or cabinet: Chests and/or Cabinets that have a metal bar which gets locked in front of the drawers for security.
H formed runners: Chest and/or Cabinet slides that use an H shaped runner inside a C shaped runner similar to a filing cabinet's runners.
Hacksaw: Is a metal working tool which can also be used to shorten and cut the heads off bolts.
Hammer drill: Hammer drills are used for much tougher jobs than ordinary drills such as driving concrete screw fasteners. A hammer drill not only rotates the drill bit, but it also creates a pneumatic blowing actuation to help get through even the toughest concrete, masonry and tile.
Hex key wrench: Also referred to as an Allen wrench. It is used to remove and replace hollow head hex type screws and bolts. The wrench is 'L' shaped with each end functional and of the same size.
Horsepower: Horsepower is a measurement of motor torque multiplied by speed. It is therefore a measurement of the rate of work an electric motor is capable of delivering.
In-line oiler: The in-line oiler helps to continually lubricate air tools that require oiling by delivering the oil through the air flow during operation.
Induction motor: Induction motors are typically found on the larger stationary type tools such as radial arm saws, scroll saws, table saws, band saws, belt/disc sanders, drill presses and planers. They are very quiet with a long life since they do not have any brushes and are therefore more reliable. However, these motors are much larger than the comparable Universal or Permanent Magnet motor and have a higher cost and are limited to lower speeds.
In-line filter: In-line filters remove moisture, oil impurities and small particles. They must be located a minimum of 15 feet away from the compressor to allow the air to cool and for moisture to precipitate.
Joiner: Joiner (biscuit joiner) is a device that is used to cut slots in two pieces of wood so that the biscuit (along with glue) can be used to join them together.
Jointer/planer: The jointer/planer allows the user to make long, even sweeps. It is used on the long edges of boards that will be joined edge to edge. This smoothing process eliminates possible gaps between the two pieces when they are placed side by side. Use this tool to prepare and finish cut stock for more precise project work. Wood is sized or smoothed by being passed along a rotating cutter head. The jointer squares edges of lumber and flattens boards that are slightly warped. The planer is used more to smooth surfaces or reduce wood faces and edges.
Jack plane: The jack plane is 14 to 15 inches long and is intended for heavy use. It is used immediately after a saw cut to remove irregularities on rough surfaces.
Jig saw: Jig saws are one of the most versatile cutting portable power tools. The blade is set vertically and moves up and down while the teeth face outward. A manual scroll allows the user to turn the blade in the direction of the cut without having to turn the entire saw body. An auto scroll automatically moves the blade in the direction of the saws direction. An orbital saw not only moves the blade up and down but it moves it on angles as in a reciprocating action.
Kerf: Kerf is the width of a cut left behind by the saw blade.
Keyhole saw: Has a narrow blade that usually tapers to a small point. It is used mainly for cutting out holes and other irregular shapes in wood, wallboard, and lather and plaster.
Kickback: Kickback occurs when the material being cut gets jammed in the blade and is thrown back towards the user.
Level: The level is used to determine the true horizontal (level) or vertical (plumb) of a surface. A slim, rectangular tool, the level is commonly used for grading, levelling, or aligning fences, driveways, or stonewalls. The air bubble in the liquid centres between two markings on the vial indicate level or plumb.
Lineman's pliers: Also called combination or engineer's pliers are a standard type of solid joint plier. The flat jaws may be used for holding or pulling sheet metal or wire. Side cutting jaws add wire cutting capabilities.
Long nose pliers: Pliers have serrated, tapering jaws to work in confined spaces and hardened cutting edges. Long nose pliers are used to form loops and bends of all sizes.
Metric sizes: Tools that use the metric measurement system of millimetres - ie. 10mm, 11mm, 12mm
Mitre box: A device to guide the saw in making mitre cuts.
Mitre saw: A backsaw with extra length for deeper, longer and more accurate cuts. These saws are intended for use with a mitre box. Mitring is cutting two pieces of material at a perfect angle so that they can be fitted together.
Mitre saw: A (bench power) mitre saw is almost like a portable radial arm saw. It takes the grunt work out of using a backsaw and mitre box. It makes quick, accurate crosscuts and mitre cuts, as well as bevel and compound cuts. A basic mitre saw cuts basic mitre angles; a compound mitre saw makes mitre and bevel cuts separately or at the same time. A slide compound mitre saw combines the functions of a mitre saw with that of a radial arm saw. The sliding blade allows for cutting wider pieces.
Mitre square: The mitre square is the smallest square and has a bevel angle to mark both halves of a mitre joint at 45 degrees.
Nail puller: The nail puller is a tool that's valuable in the shipping and receiving rooms of plants and stores to open wood boxes and crates. It's also the ideal tool for pulling nails from lumber that is to be reclaimed, such as loose boards which must be repositioned.
Nut drivers: These tools have handles and shafts similar to those on screwdrivers, but instead of a blade, the handle ends in a socket with a head designed to fit over nuts for easy tightening and loosening.
Open-end wrench: Wrench with a different size opening at either end, it is designed to engage the nut or bolt head from the side.
Pad sander: Pad or finishing sanders are capable of providing a smooth, even finish over a variety of woods. A straight-line sander uses a straight back and forth motion of the pad to produce a fine finish. An orbital sander creates a tight circular motion and is best applied to finish sanding and limited paint removal. Dual motion sanders gives the user the ability to choose between straight-line strokes and orbital motion for finish sanding or stock removal. A random orbital sander simulates hand sanding for finishes that are virtually free of swirls, scratches and burns.
Permanent Magnet motor: Permanent magnet motors exist on battery powered tools and variable speed tools. They are compact and have a high starting torque as well as a high stall torque. However, this type of motor requires an inverter which adds to the cost of the tool. As well, its life is limited by the quality of the brushes in the motor.
Phillips screwdriver: Fits round or flat head fasteners with a cross shaped slot on the head.
Pin punch: The pin punch is used to drive various sizes of taper pins, cotter pins, or bolts out of holes.
Pipe clamp: Clamps that use different size piping and clamps to adjust according to the exact requirements of the project. It is useful for repairing glued joints on chairs and other furniture or to clamp wood together for dowelling and gluing.
Plane: A plane is a hand tool designed to trim wood by shaving it. An angled blade extends below the bottom edge of the tool so that it shaves the wood as it is drawn across its surface. Planing with the grain of the wood leaves the wood with a smooth surface. Planing across (or against) the grain leaves a rougher surface.
Plate joiner: The plate joiner is used specifically to strengthen wood joints in applications such as furniture making. The joiner cuts grooves of varying depths into the adjoining side of two work pieces. Plates, or biscuits, are then glued into these grooves to reinforce the newly formed joint.
Plumb bob: The plumb bob is used to find a true vertical (plumb) line. The bob is a weight attached to a string; the force of gravity pulls the bob straight down so that the string follows the true vertical.
Plunge router: A plunge router is just like a standard router however they have the ability to plunge into the work while a router has a setting fixed before being used on the work piece.
6 point: Sockets with only 6 points are for use on rounded-off hex nuts and bolts.
8 point: Sockets with only 8 points are for use on square nuts.
12 point: Sockets with 12 points are for use on standard hex nuts and cap screws.
Portable power tool: Portable power tools are typically those electric or battery-operated hand held tools that can go anywhere and do all.
Prick punch: The prick punch is used to pierce through thin metal and mark layout lines.
Pry bar: The pry bar is a combination prying and jimmying tool. It is a straight piece of heavy steel with one end shaped like a chisel and the other tapered to a point. Shorter than the ripping or wrecking bar, the pry bar is made of 1/2 inch stock.
PSI: Pounds per Square Inch is a basic measure of air pressure.
Punch: A punch is a small steel tool used to mark or make starting holes for screws and drill bits. They are usually hit with a machinist's hammer.
Radial arm saw: The Radial arm saw is primarily used to make rip and crosscuts, but can be used to make mitre and bevel cuts as well. The radial arm moves the blade across a stationary work piece so that the area required by the saw is the same size as the work piece.
Ratchet: The ratchet is used with a socket to fasten or remove a nut or bolt where a full swing of a handle is not possible. The ratchet locks into position between strokes to allow fastening and unfastening with a back and forth action.
Ratcheting box end wrench: Box end wrench with ratcheting action that allows the user to tighten or loosen a nut without removing the wrench from the work.
Rated horsepower: Rated HP is a motor's running torque at its rated running speed. The motor can be run continuously at its rated HP without overheating. When the motor is required to give more power while it is running, the motor is overloaded and develops extra horsepower. The most horsepower than can be expected from a motor to handle this extra effort is its Maximum Developed Horsepower. This overload capacity is normally a temporary one. If the motor is overloaded for too long or too often, it will heat up and may blow a fuse or trip a circuit breaker. If overloaded continuously, damage to the motor may occur.
Rear locking chest and/or cabinet: Chest and/or cabinets that are locked through a mechanism at the rear of each drawer for security and cleaner appearance.
Reciprocating saw: The reciprocating saw is typically called a demolition tool as its main use is in making rough cuts and demolition work such as cutting through rebar or support beams.
Rip cut: Rip cuts are when the cut goes with the wood grain such as when cutting along the length of a board of wood.
Rip saw: Made especially to cut with the grain of the wood, along the length of a piece of lumber.
Ripping bar: The ripping bar is a thick, heavy tool for a wide range of prying, stripping and tearing jobs. The bar is hexagonal steel forged from high grade material and treated for durability. A wide chisel-type end has a nail slot and a 'V' slot for pulling nails.
Robertson® screwdriver: Fits fasteners with a square shaped indent on the head
Rotary tool: Rotary tools are also known as hobby tools as they are small and easy to handle for jobs that require precision. They combine high speed with the right accessory to produce a very versatile tool that can be used for fine detailing, precision moulding, etching glass, routing and drilling, as well as polishing and cleaning different materials.
Router table: A router table creates a worksurface whereby the workpiece is run over the router which is attached to the table rather than having the router run over the workpiece. This allows for greater consistency.
Router: A router is used to finish edges and given the right bit, a router can plane edges, cut multi-curved mouldings, produce relief panels, rabbet and dovetail for professional joints, trim formica and cut delicate grooves for professional inlay work.
Rubber mallet: Used to straighten dents in sheet metal or driving objects without marring surfaces.
SCFM: Standard Cubic Feet per Minute is the measure of the volume of air delivered by a compressor or consumed by an air tool. If the Air tool requires more SCFM than the air compressor can deliver, the length of time the user can use the air tool will be dependent on the amount of compressed air stored. The larger the air tank capacity, the longer the air tool will run before the user will need to give the compressor a chance to replenish the compressed air.
Scratch awl: The scratch awl is a small, sharp-pointed tool that resembles an ice pick. It is used for punching, scribing, removing staples, and marking on sheet metal, wood, linoleum, and leather where pencil marks might smear or rub off.
Scroll saw: The scroll saw is one of the easiest power bench tools to use. They are well suited for detailed work such as cutting intricate patterns. The narrow wide of the blade allows it to make tighter turns and much smoother cuts than its larger cousin the band saw. It also has the ability to have the blade threaded through the work piece for interior cuts - it is the only bench top power tool that can do this.
Side cabinet: A cabinet that attaches to the side of a roller cabinet providing additional storage space.
Sledge hammer: Used for heavy duty striking, such as driving stakes or breaking concrete.
Slip joint pliers: Pliers that have a two position slot at the pivot point so the jaws can open to two different widths.
Slotted screwdriver: Screwdrivers used on fasteners with slotted heads (straight line).
Smooth plane: A smooth plane is 8 to 1- inches long and the universal choice for most planing operations. Its small size makes it easy to use in the final finishing of uneven surfaces. A cabinetmaker uses the smooth plane, but it is just as likely to be found in the homeowners workshop.
Socket adapter: Converts one drive size to another - ie. converts a 3/8" drive down to a 1/4".
Socket adapter: The socket adapter converts one drive size to another. The adapter connects the drive tool to the socket of the required size.
Socket wrench: Sockets have a square hold into which handles can be fitted to drive the wrench - ie. ratchet wrench.
Solid joint pliers: Pliers with a stationary pivot and only one opening width.
Speeder wrench: Speeder wrenches are used for faster removal or insertion of nuts or bolts. They are ideal for jobs that demand repeated loosening or tightening of fasteners in easy-to-reach places.
Spinner handle: The spinner handle is used with sockets for light tightening of fasteners
Spring clamp: The spring clamp is like a pair of scissors with a spring that holds the jaws closed. It provides quick action clamping where light spring pressure is adequate and speed may be important.
Square: The square is basically used to test the squareness of lumber and to mark angles.
Standard mitre gauge: The standard mitre gauge allows accurate 90 degree crosscuts as well as mitre cuts
Standard sizes: Tools that use the imperial measurement system of inches - ie. 1/4", 3/8", 1/2".
Stapler: The stapler is the best tool for installing insulation, ceiling tile, weather stripping, asphalt roofing, building paper, shelf covering or carpeting.
Stationary tool: Stationary tools are typically larger units that are affixed to a base or a stand and are constructed to handle larger work pieces and provide more power for heavy duty jobs and usage.
Stud finder: The stud finder helps find the wood support beams between walls (studs) by locating the hidden nails. The stud finder is moved along a wall, and a magnetic force indicates the presence of a nail underneath the plaster or wall board. This tool is useful to find the beam which will hold a screw needed to mount a heavy object.
T slot mitre gauge: The T slot mitre gauge allows for faster, easier set ups.
Table saw: The table saw is noted for its accuracy and ease of adjustment, particularly over the radial arm saw which required more adjustments. Because the circular blade of the table saw can be moved up, down and at an angle, it can make all conventional cuts. The table saw is also considered the tool of choice when making rip cuts.
Tack hammer: Used mainly in upholstery work and for installing carpet.
Tool box: General purpose tool boxes are the best option for the homeowner with a limited supply of tools or the mechanic who needs to carry tools to the job.
Tool cabinet: Tool cabinets provide added storage flexibility. Cabinets have numerous drawers, and some have doors too. An important feature is the ease of rolling out the drawers no matter how heavily they are loaded. Drawers with ball bearing drawers open easier and quieter.
Tool chest: Tool chests are usually heavier and stronger than tool boxes and have a greater capacity. These chests come in portable sizes or larger dimensions. Chests have drawers, and some have a tote tray that can be removed to carry tools needed for a specific job.
Torque: Torque is a measurement of the amount of pressure which is used to produce rotation or torsion.
Torque wrench: Wrench that has a built-in device to measure the torque or turning force of the tool. This wrench is used when a bolt must be tightened to a predetermined tightness, for example, on car engines.
Torx® screwdriver: Fits exclusively on Torx fasteners, is sometimes called the star fastener because of its shape.
Try square: The try square checks work more 90 degree angles and for smoothness. It also marks right angle cuts on boards.
Universal charger: A universal charger can charge battery packs of different voltages.
Universal joints: Add flexibility to a socket by allowing the socket to be used at various angles in tight places.
Universal motor: Universal motors are typically found on drills, circular saws, pad sanders, belt sanders, jig saws, mitre saws, routers and wet/dry vacs. They have the advantage of being compact while being able to produce high speeds and offer a wide range of speed and power. They are however noisier than induction motors and their life is limited by the quality of their brushes.
Wet/Dry vac: The primary purpose of the Wet/dry vac is to make cleanup around the home, garage and basement quicker and more efficient than the standard household vacuum cleaner for rough debris such as wood chips, gravel and wet pick-up.
Wide-jaw diagonal cutting pliers: Works well for cutting cable and other heavy wire.
Wood lathe: A wood lathe rotates the workpiece on a horizontal axis. Wood turning chisels are then applied to the piece to round the stock or to create straight, rounded, squared, and V shaped cuts.
Wrecking bar: The wrecking bar is used for heavy duty prying, stripping, and ripping. The basic difference between it and the ripping bar is size, the wrecking bar is much larger.

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