A 5 in 1 is amultifunction hand tool often used for scraping

Abrasive is different grades of rough grit applied to a paper backing to remove material when sanding. Abrasives range from coarse to fine and have numbers to indicate their roughness with lower numbers meaning coarser grits and higher numbers meaning finer

An adjustable wrench is a tool for tightening hex nuts and bolts of various sizes

An axis is a fixed reference line often for a measurement

A battery pack is a portable and rechargeable power source for cordless tools

A belt sander is an aggressive sanding tool that turns a continuous abrasive belt for use on large flat surfaces

Boring is the process of a drill spinning a drill bit to form a hole in a material

A bow is a curve to the right or left traveling the long direction of the board as seen while sighting a board with its edge up

A chalk line is a speed marking tool for making long straight lines

A charging station is anElectrical device for recharging the battery pack used for cordless tools

A check is a crack in the wood that does not penetrate all the way through the depth of the board.

The cheek is the side of the hammer that connects the head and claw to the handle.

A chisel is a sharp ended wood cutting tool often used with a hammer or mallet

A chuck is a Specialized type of clamp with jaws that open and close used to hold a drill bit or driver bit in place in a drill

The claw is a ‘V’ shaped component made to fit around a nail shank and catch on the nail head for removal of the fastener

A clutch is an adjustable feature on a drill allowing the motor to engage and release from the chuck at a specific torque

Coarse threads have fewer threads per inch for faster driving of screws and more bite in materials like wood

A Coating is a thin covering for a fastener that adds performance to it (ex. Weather resistance, more holding power, etc.)

A cordless drill is a battery-powered handheld tool for boring holes and driving fasteners

To countersink a fastener is to set the head of the screw or nail below the surface of a material when driving it

A crook is abend or curve traveling the long direction of the board as seen while sighting its face. Sometimes referred to as the crown of the board

A crowbar is a large steel prying tool used for leverage

A crown is abend or curve traveling the long direction of the board as seen while sighting its face. Sometimes referred to as the crook of the board

A detail sander is a type ofOrbital sander that has a specific shape pad good for detail work and finishing in tight spaces. Usually made with a specially shaped pad for working the tool into tight places and on complex surfaces

A board edge is the narrowest side of any board

Edge grain is the grain pattern of the wood as seen from the side of the board

An electric drill is anelectric powered handheld tool for boring holes and driving fasteners with more torque than a cordless drill

The end grain of a board is the grain pattern of the wood as seen from either cross-cut end

Epoxy coated is a hardened paint coating meant as corrosion protection for exterior screws – usually applied over zinc electroplate

The face is the smooth or waffled surface of a hammer that strikes a nail.

Face grain is the the pattern of wood grain as seen from the face of the board

Fine threads on a screw havehigher threads per inch for slower driving of screws and more grip in materials like sheet metal

A finish hammer is a medium-sized hammer with a flat face for detail fasteners

A framing square is a large measuring tool used to identify 90 degrees and other angles

Friction is resistance that one surface encounters when moving over another which creates heat

Galvanized is a term to describe thin Zinc plating applied to steel to resist corrosion when exposed to moisture

The grain of wood is the pattern of the tree growth rings as they show in a milled piece of lumber. Wood grain affects the strength of wood and follows the cellular structure of the tree which always runs the length of a cut lumber board.

A hammer drill is a special drill that delivers a rapid succession of forward blows while turning the bit simultaneously. Used for drilling masonry, tile, or stone

The handle is the hammer component connecting the grip to hammer head.

The head of a hammer is the entire metal component made up of the hammer face, neck, cheek and claw.

Hot dipped is afastener coating process where the item is covered with molten zinc for extra corrosion protection

An impact is a repetitive force or strike that mimics the action of a hammer

An impact driver is a drill type that delivers a constant forward and rotational force to assist in driving a fastener

A knot is a tough, usually dark spot in a board where a tree limb once was.

Linesman pliers are a wide tipped gripping tool for cutting and twisting wire

A lumber grade is a rating scale for lumber used to judge lumber based on appearance and strength (1 to 4 and A to D)

The neck of a hammer is the area connecting the hammer face to the cheek.

Needle nose pliers are a fine-tipped gripping tool with adjustable jaws

A nominal dimension is one existing in name only and not matching the material’s actual measurements

An orbital sander is a tool that uses very small vibrating circular motions to slowly remove material

OSB stands for Oriented Strand Board which is a Panel made from stranded wood products bound together with glue under high pressure

An oscillating multitool is a vibrating detail cutting tool for making fine cuts in various materials

Penny is a term used to describe variousnail sizing that grows in numbers as the nail size increases

A Phillips is a cross-shaped driver type that has a self-centering design

Phosphate coated fasteners offer minimal corrosion protection for fasteners that appears as a dull black finish – not acceptable for exterior use or long term exposure to moisture

A pilot hole is a hole bored that is the size of a screw shank for easier driving of a fastener. See Predrilling

Predrilling is the process of making a pilot hole before driving a fastener

A pry bar is a small flat tool for separating boards and removing nails

A random orbital sander is a tool that adds a slow spinning motion of an abrasive disc together with an orbital motion for better finishing

The reverse switch of a drill changes the rotational direction of the motor and the chuck.

Ring shank nails have a shank style that adds extra grip with raised ridges along its length

A rubber mallet is a specialty soft faced hammer designed to protect a surface 

A screwdriver is a hand-held tool to install or remove screws and threaded fasteners

The secondary grip is the location where the support hand holds the tool during operation.

The shank of a fastener includes the shaft of a nail or screw not including the threads, head, or point

A short-stroke is the fully retracted position of the saw blade as it reciprocates

To sight a board is to view it from one end to determine its straightness or specific defects

A single bevel compound miter saw is a saw with a bevel angle adjustment in one direction only (typically to the left as you are facing the front of the saw)

A sledgehammer is a larger heavier hammer used for forceful blows like demolition work

A sliding compound miter saw is a compoundmiter saw with an added sliding action of the blade and motor for cross-cutting larger materials

Slip joint pliers are a medium-sized gripping tool with adjustable jaws

The speed select switch of a drill allows foradjustment of the maximum motor speed.  Typical settings are a lower number for a slower top speed and a higher number for faster top speed

A speed square is a small measuring tool used to mark square and angled lines on lumber

Spiral shank nails have raised ridges along their length that works like screw threads for more grip in materials

Stainless steel is a naturally corrosion-resistant material used for fasteners and hardware requiring extra protection in high corrosion environments

A tape measure is a compact measuring tool with a steel blade and markings

A TJI is a Truss Joist I beam which is an engineered beam with an “I” shaped profile made with a top and bottom web and flanges commonly used for floor structure

Torque is a rotational twisting force

A Torx is a star-shaped driver type that is self-centering and less prone to stripping out at the head if driven slightly off-axis

Truss head screws are special screws that have a wider head than normal to offer better holding power for thin sheet materials

Twist is awarp in which the board rotates slightly from one end to the other

A utility knife is a retractable general-purpose razor cutting tool

A variable speed trigger is a trigger control in which more pressure increases motor speed progressively faster.

Vice grips are a locking type gripping tool with a superior holding strength

A waffle face is a textured or raised grid pattern on a framing hammer face for better traction when striking a nail head.

Wane is a missing corner of a board’s square milled edge as a result of cutting the board from a location in the log that was too close to the outer tree perimeter

Zinc is asoft silver colored metal used for protection of fasteners applied as a coating or plating

An Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter  or AFCI is a specialelectrical safety device in the form of an outlet or breaker that shuts the power down when arcing conditions are detected

Amperage is the volume of current flow through a circuit

Arcing is the jumping of current over an air gap caused by poor or damaged electrical connections in a circuit that can become an electrical fire hazard

Cableis a jacketed bundle of individually insulated conductors like Romex

A circuit breaker is a special switch installed in the load center for each branch circuit that disconnects power if too much amperage flow is detected

A conductor is asingle wire that conducts electricity from one connection to another in a circuit

A conduit is a metal or plastic tube used to protect conductors from weather and abrasion that are not concealed within the walls, floor, or ceiling of a structure

Continuity is a continuous electrical path that allows unrestricted flow of current

A double pole switch is a disconnect device that controls two circuits

A gang iswidth of a junction box that holds one electrical device like a switch or outlet

A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter  or GFCIis a shock prevention device that shuts off power if an imbalance of current flow is detected between the line and neutral wires

A ground wire is a safety conductor in a circuit identified by a bare copper or green colored insulated wire that can carry rogue current to earth in an emergency

A junction box is a plastic or metal enclosure that houses outlets, switches, wire ends, and connections for user and fire safety purposes

A line is a conductor used to feed electricity to a circuit. This part of the circuit is usually identified by conductors with black or red insulation color and gold colored terminals on devices

A load center is ametal enclosure that holds main supply wires, the main disconnect, and individual branch circuit wires and circuit breakers

A neutral wire is a conductor used to complete a circuit and carry current back to the original power source. This part of the circuit is usually identified by conductors with white-colored insulation and silver terminals at devices

NM or"Non-Metallic" is a term used to describe a (plastic) jacketed multi-conductor cable. Color-coded for gauge sizes commonly used in concealed spaces like walls floors and ceilings. Often Called Romex

Romex is a term used to describe a (plastic) jacketed multi-conductor cable. Color-coded for gauge sizes commonly used in concealed spaces like walls floors and ceilings.

Service wires are large wires that supply power to the load center from the meter

A single pole switch is adisconnect device that controls one circuit

Solid wire is one single strand of material used as a conductor

A stranded wire is a single conductor made of several smaller strands of wire bundledtogether.This wire type is more flexible than solid wire

Strap is special hardware used to secure conduit to a surface. Comes in one hole or two hole design

A terminal is a screw or clamp connection on an electrical device that secures a wire end

Wire gauge is a measurement of the thickness of a conductor. Lower numbers indicate thicker wire

A wire nut is a device for securing two or more wire ends together and while insulating the bare ends from arcing or electrical shock

A wire staple is a simple fastener for securing Romex wire to framing

Blocking is short horizontal boards nailed in between stud bays for added wall strength, material support, or fire control

A Bottom Crippleis a short partial stud placed below the sill in a window rough opening

A Bottom plate is the lower continuous wall framing component that holds the studs in place at the floor. Also referred to as a sole plate or a shoe plate

A box header is a type of header that creates a hollow void in its center with the use of layered materials on the front and back face

A butt wall is a shortened wall in a corner connection that terminates into a through wall. This type of wall helps to define the inside corner of the room or building

A California corner is an energy efficient 3 stud corner design with an accessible void for insulating

A cap plate is an upper continuous wall framing component that rests on top of the top plate. The top layer of a double top plate

A common stud is a full-length vertical framing component placed on layout at regular intervals between the top and bottom plates. Common studs are always identical lengths in a wall panel.

A cripple stud is a partial length stud found under a window sill or over a header added to maintain the proper layout across a wall opening

A deformed shank nail is a fastener with raised ridges on its shank that offer better holding power than smooth shank nails

A double top plate is the combination of the top plate and the cap plate used to produce a stronger upper wall edge for a loadbearing wall

A drop header is a header placed just above a rough opening. Top cripples are used to carry the load from the top plate down to the drop header.

An end stud  is a vertical full length framing component placed at each end of the top and bottom plates that defines the length of the wall

Energy efficient framing is a framing method using fewer framing components with the goal of eliminating unnecessary framing materials and creating fewer points of thermal bridging within the structure. The result is less energy needed to heat and cool a building

Fire blocking is blocking placed between two studs with the purpose of sealing the stud bay and preventing vertical airflow within the wall cavity

A four stud corner is a framing assembly that uses full studs and blocking to create a 90-degree wall connection with the inside corner nailer for drywall. Not considered energy efficient

Framing is theinner support structure of a building made of dimensional and engineered lumber assembled per a set of plans with specific rules and regular spacing

A header is an overhead beam used to carry and distribute weight above and around a rough opening

A high header is placed in full contact with the underside of the top plate and no top cripples. This configuration often requires additional non-structural framing below to define the top edge of the rough opening.

A Jack stud is a partial-length stud that serves as a stilt or brace underneath each end of a header. Installed in pairs and fastened to the king studs, these define the left and right inside dimensions of the rough opening. Also referred to as a trimmer stud

A king stud is the last full stud on each side of a rough opening. It helps hold the rough opening assembly parts together and connect them to the top and bottom plates.

Ladder blocking is a series of horizontal boards placed in a stud bay for a solid T wall and sometimes corner wall connection

Layout is the regular placement of studs in a wall, floor, roof, or ceiling framing. Common layout patterns are 12”, 16”, and 24” on center

A loadbearing wall is a wall supporting any vertical load in addition to its own weight. These walls must include special framing details like structural headers for rough openings and a double top plate

O.C. or on center is even spacing of studs in a wall or other parts in a ceiling or floor by measuring to the center of each component. 

On center refers to the process of placing studs or other framing members centered on a specific repeated spacing in a wall (like 12”,16”, 24”). Sometimes expressed as "O.C."

A panel break is where the outside edge of a sheet good material will land on framing when the stud layout is correct. Panel breaks on layout usually fall on the centerline of a stud

A rough opening is the four sided open space formed in a wall panel with its edges are defined by the header, jack studs, and sill (window). Usually built larger than the door or window that will be placed in it.

A sandwich header is asolid structural site made beam made of layers of material such as lumber and OSB laminated together to span over a rough opening

Sheathing is panel materials fastened to the exterior of a building to add shear strength to the framing and/or help enclose the structure

A shoe plate is the lower continuous horizontal wall framing component that holds the studs in place at the floor. Also referred to as a bottom plate or a sole plate

The sill is the lower horizontal board that defines the bottom edge of a window rough opening

A single-ply header is a configuration that uses a single layer of material as a header pushed to the front or back face of the rough opening. Additional framing is required to complete the rough opening

A sole plate is the lower continuous horizontal wall framing component that holds the studs in place at the floor. Also referred to as a bottom plate or a shoe plate

Span is the length of a beam, header, or other component or more specifically the distance it travels as it bridges from one side of and opening to another

Span rating is a panel specification used to determine the stud layout needed to adequately support the sheathing material. Larger span ratings allow for greater stud spacings

Staggered blocking alternates high and low block placement along a center line for end nailing of blocks on both sides

Staggered seams are vertical joints shifted along framing members on layout to be non-continuous and dispersed along a wall, floor, or roof surface for the purpose of strength and/or aesthetics

Straight blocking aligns blocks placed in a straight line requiring toenailing of one end of each block

A stud is a general term used for anyvertical framing component found in a wall frame that is often weight bearing and falls on layout. Also see common stud, jack stud, king stud, end stud, cripple stud

A stud bay is the open space that exists between two studs within a wall frame

A 3 stud corner is an energy efficient corner design with an accessible void for insulating. Also referred to as a California corner

A through wall is the longer wall in a corner connection that the butt wall terminates into. This wall defines the outside corner of a room or building

Top cripples areshort partial studs that travel from the top of the header in a rough opening to the top plate while following the stud layout pattern of the wall

A top plate is an upper continuous wall framing component that holds the studs in place at the top of the wall

A trimmer stud is a partial-length stud that serves as a stilt or brace underneath each end of a header. Installed in pairs and fastened to the king studs, these define the left and right inside dimensions of the rough opening. Also referred to as a jack stud

45 degrees is an angle created when 90 degrees is divided in half

90 degrees is an angle created when two lines are square or perpendicular to each other

To align is to place or arrange things in a straight line.

An arc is a partial sweep of a circle’s perimeter from it’s center

An axis is a fixed reference line often for a measurement

The belt clip is a convenient hook for storing a tape measure

A bend is a measurement method for two inside corners – not as accurate as other methods

The blade is along steel strip wound into the tape measure case marked with measured units;

The blade lock is a built in hands-free feature used to hold the blade while extended

A box level is alarger and longer style of level. 2’, 3’,4’,6’ are common lengths

A bubble level is a device that can measure the condition of plumb or level using a small vial filled with oil and a floatingbubble for reference

To burn an inch means to shift a tape measure over for a more accurate method of measuring. The measurement starts at 1 inch or 10 inches and expects the user to subtract that amount at the end for the true dimension

A crow’s foot is a ‘V’ shaped mark used to transfer a measurement accurately from the tape measure to the material

The fence is a raised edge on a speed square that rests against the material being marked for accurate reference.

Flush is when two surfaces or edges are in perfect alignment.

A foot is a larger standard unit of measure that is equivalent to 12 inches

A fraction is some specific part of a whole. For inches a fraction is expressed as ½, 1/4 , 1/8, or 1/16

Guide notches are aspeed square feature that assists in drawing lines that are parallel to the fence edge

The hook is the bent metal precision part at the beginning of a tape measure that represents zero

An improper fraction is one in which the numerator is greater than the denominator, (ex 5/4).

Level means perfectly horizontal relative to the earth’s gravity

Matte is a term to describe a paint sheen with a no gloss finish. Also called “flat”

O.C. or on center is even spacing of studs in a wall or other parts in a ceiling or floor by measuring to the center of each component. 

Parallel is a term used to describetwo side by side lines that run the same direction and are exactly the same distance apart everywhere

Permanence is the state or quality of lasting

Perpendicular is two lines, planes or surfaces that meet at a right angle or 90 degrees to each other

A pivot point is the location where the fence meets the ruler edge on a speed square. The tool is rotated on this point for measuring angles

Plumb is the condition of being perfectly vertical relative to the earth’s gravity

A plumb bob is aheavy pointed object attached to the end of a string that hangs straight down to determine a perfectly vertical or plumb line

A pull measurement is made by placing the blade hook on an edge, extended the blade from the case and taking a measurement under tension

A push measurement is made by pressing the hook end of the blade into an object, extending the blade, and using standout of the blade to take an accurate measurement

The reel is a spool on which a string line can be wound around inside of a chalk line

A right angle is a90-degree angle that is considered perpendicular and ‘square’

Square is the condition of two lines or planes that forming a 90 degree angle relative to each other

Standout is theability of a tape measure blade to remain straight and extend out on its own, unsupported

The tape of a tape measure is along steel strip wound into the case marked with measured units . Also called a blade

Tension is the state of being pulled and stretched tight.

A torpedo level is a mini pocket level usually shorter than 12”

A vial is a sealed fluid filled cylinder with a bubble trapped inside that is precision mounted in a level to accurately read the condition of level and plumb

The actuator is the part of a caulk gun that moves the plunger forward

Adhesion is the ability for a material to stick to a surface

To air dry is the hardening process of a material that depends on the air or solvent in the mix to evaporate completely

Alkyd is the synthetic resin used in oil-based paints.

Back rolling is the process of applying a roller over a brushed or sprayed area to add a uniform texture

Backer rod is a foam strip used to fill larger cracks prior to caulking

A bead is a line of caulk applied to a joint or seam

Binder is the paint component that serves as the glue for all of the other paint ingredients and once dried, forms the solid material that holds the pigment in place and makes up the paint layer. Also called “resin”

To blade pressed is to applymasking tape with pressure from a 5 in 1 tool to better seal the tape edge

Bleed is a painting defect where paint leaks behind the tape edge producing a less than perfect paint line

Bristles are thin strands of different materials that make up the brush head and allow it to absorb and transfer paint

A brush is a painter’s precision hand tool for applying paint

Abrush combis a painter’s tool for thorough brush cleaning

The brush head is the working area of the brush made of multiple bristles or filaments that carries and distributes the paint

A brush spinner is a painter’s tool for proper brush care and water removal

To burnish is to dimple or lower a high spot on a surface by pushing with the end of a spackle knife

The carriage is a part of a caulk gun that holds the caulk cartridge firmly; sometimes called the cradle or frame

The carrier is the liquid component of the paint that allows the solids to mix and flow and be applied in a film. The carrier dries or evaporates to leave a hardened paint coat

The cartridge is a round tube with a pointed end used to hold and distribute caulk

Caulk is a type of sealant used to fill a crack, seam or joint to improve its appearance or make it watertight

A caulk gun is a simple tool that holds caulk cartridges for applying precision beads to joints and seams

The cradle is a part of a caulk gun that holds the caulk cartridge

Crepe is small wrinkles in the tape that allows tape to flex and conform to irregularities in the surface

To cure is a chemical process activated by the addition of a catalyst to a paint or other material to harden it within a specific time – a different process than air drying

To cut is the sharpness or ability of an abrasive to remove material

To cut in is abrushing process that makes a clean painted line around all trim and edges prior to rolling

A defoamer is a specially formulated additive to break down and release bubbles suspended in paint

A dimple is an indented spot that is lower than the surface level ready for filling (see burnish)

A drop cloth is a heavy cloth tarp used to protect floors and furniture during the painting process

Dry paint film is the layer of paint solids that remains when the carrier evaporates from the paint

Dry rolling is applying paint with a roller that has little or no paint left in it producing thin uneven coats

Dual-action is another name for “random orbital”

Edge sealing is a masking process where a sealer is applied over the tape edge to help prevent paint bleed

Elasticity is the ability of a material to stretch while still staying adhered to a surface

Epoxy is a durable surface coating that is very abrasion and chemical resistant. This specialized paint usually requires a hardener additive that cures the paint rather than air drying

An extension pole is anadjustable handle for longer reach while using a roller

To feather is aroller or brush technique that requires a lift at the end of a stroke to taper the paint on a wet edge

A ferrule is a metal band used to fasten the bristles to the handle of a paint brush

Filaments are synthetic bristles made of nylon or polyester usually pointed or tipped to produce a better finish

Filler is a material used to level a small hole or void in a surface

Film build is theability of a paint to achieve thickness during application without sagging or dripping

The finish coat is the final paint layer formulated to provide the desired surface color, sheen, texture, level of durability, and protection

Flashing surface variations caused by the difference of underlying materials below the top coat and how the finish paint takes to differences in the surface

Flat is a term used to describe a paint sheen with a no gloss finish. Also called “matte”

Flow is the ability for the paint to level out and heal when being applied for an even finish

Gloss is a term used to describe the highest sheen for paint which has more shine than semi-gloss

Grit is thelevel of abrasion of the sandpaper surface – higher number means a finer smoother finish can be achieved and lower numbers produce a rougher finish

Hand-pressed is a masking process where the tape is sealed with hand pressure only – not best practice

Hand sanding is a manual sanding process using only sandpaper or sanding blocks or sponges. This is a slower method good for small details or intricate shapes and surfaces

HEPA or High Efficiency Particulate Air or HEPA is a designation used to describe filters that are able to trap 99.97 percent of particles that are 0.3 microns

Hook and loop is a mechanical fastening system that does not require adhesive (the technical name for “Velcro”)

Knitted is alooser roller cover fabric backing. Holds more paint but yields less of a smooth finish than woven covers

A ladder is an important tool to assist in reaching heights above the normal level of reach

Latex is a paint category that uses water as the liquid carrier. Remains water soluble until it has fully dried

Leveling is the process of creating a flat fill over an indented area that cannot be seen by the eye or felt with a hand.

Leveling is also a flow aspect of paint that allows the applied paint film to flatten out to a consistent finish while wet

Loading is the specific process of adding paint to a brush or roller before applying it to a surface

Machine sanding is a faster sanding process using specialized machines to hold the sandpaper and work the surface. This method is good for large areas, production work, and a more consistent finish

A masker is a hand tool that loads and dispenses tape and masking plastic or paper rolls quickly for production prep work

Masking is a prep process where tape and plastic or paper sheets are used to protect areas that do not receive paint

Masking tape is a roll of adhesive paper or plastic used to prevent paint from being applied to certain areas

Nap is the fibers attached to a roller cover. Comes in different lengths for coating different surfaces. Another term for “pile”

Nap size refers to the length of fibers on a roller cover. Also called pile height

The nozzle is the pointed end of a caulk cartridge that the bead flows from

Nylon is a bristle material suited for latex paint application which is softer and more absorbent than polyester

Oil-based paint is a category of paint that includes Alkyds and Enamels and uses oil as a liquid carrier instead of water. Also requires chemical solvents for cleanup

Overbrushing is an overlapping brush technique that allows the paint to begin to dry before leveling. This method produces obvious visible brush strokes and paint defects

A paint tray is a special container to help load a roller with paint for application

The Paint Tray Well is the deep end of a paint tray that holds the bulk of the paint. 

Painter’s tape is special tape used for masking that offers extended-release time

Pigment is a paint component that determines the color of the finished surface. Often made of ground metal compounds like “iron or titanium oxide”

Pile is the fibers attached to a roller cover. Another term for “nap”

A plasticizer is a paint additive that promotes better flexibility of the film coat

The plunger is the part of a caulk gun that applies pressure to the end of the caulk tube

Polyester is a bristle material suited for latex paint application that is firmer than nylon but less absorbent and harder to clean

Polyurethane is a tough clear finish coat that can be oil or water based which is more resistant to water, solvents, abrasion, and impacts than traditional varnish

A power rating for a caulk gun is the number given related to the mechanical advantage built into the tool. Typically expressed as a ratio ex – (1:10 )

Prep or “prepping” is the process of making a surface or area ready for painting

Primer is a prep coat for raw surfaces that acts as an adhesive layer for the paint. Primers can also work as fillers and surface sealers and always need a top finish coat applied

The pushrod is the part of a caulk gun that connects the plunger head to the trigger; also is used to open the plunger fully for easy loading

The rake is the section of a paint tray where a roller is properly loaded. Sometimes referred to as the “ramp”

Raking light is the placement of a light source at an extreme angle to a surface to help emphasize defects

The ramp is the section of a paint tray where a roller is properly loaded. Sometimes referred to as the “rake”

Random orbital is a sanding action that slowly spins a circular sanding disk while simultaneously using an orbital action to help prevent swirl marks

A rattail is a pointed thin long brush handle style best for detail painting

Release time is the estimated time to remove tape with no adhesive residue left behind

A roller cover is a fabric-covered tube used to apply paint to walls and other large surfaces

A roller frame is a part of a roller system that holds the roller cover and allows it to spin freely

Rosin paper is a heavy paper roll that can be used for floor protection – usually pink in color

Sandpaper is special paper with an abrasive layer attached to one side for smoothing and leveling surfaces in preparation for painting

A sash brush is a detail brush (usually with an angled bristle head) for cutting in and other fine brush work. Sometimes called a “trim” or “cut in” brush

Satin is a term used to describe amedium gloss sheen. It is duller than semigloss with more shine than eggshell

Sealer is a type of primer that seals and protects the surface material being coated.

A seam is aline or gap where two surfaces meet that requires caulking. Often has a level change or corner edge to it

Semigloss is a medium gloss sheen. Duller than gloss but more shine thansatin

Set time is the amount of working time before a setting compound hardens and loses its workability

A shasta is a classic distinctive contoured brush handle favored for larger brushes

A sheath is a protective cover for a tool or brush – usually tool-specific used to protect the tool or user while being stored

Siliconized in a terms used to describe caulk products that are mainly latex based with a certain amount of silicon added in to improve its workability, durability, and elasticity

A sleeve is another term used for a roller cover

Solids are paint ingredients that are left behind after the carrier evaporates. This element in the paint forms the hardened protective paint film

Solvent is a liquid in an oil-based paint that the solids are dissolved in to allow a paint film coat to be applied. The paint coat hardens by the evaporation of the solvent

Spackle is a prep step where holes and voids are leveled with filler. Derived from a German word meaning “filler”

A spackle knife is a flat and flexible knife for scraping and filling defects on the surface. Also called a Blade or Putty knife

A spinner is a tool for removing water from a brush or roller cover after washing

Stain blocker is a type of primer that works as a barrier to prevent discolorations in the surface material from leaching into the finish coat layer. Also called a “sealer”

Stipple is the texture created by a rolled paint application. Can appear subtle or extreme based on the nap characteristics

A substrate is a base surface material or layer that is being worked

Swirl marks are a sanding defect identified by regular circular or arced lines in a sanded surface produced from a spinning circular disk

Tape bleed happens when paint seeps past a taped edge producing a less than clean paint edge

A tarp is a large cloth or plastic sheet used for protecting areas while prepping for paint

The thumb release is the part of a caulk gun that removes pressure from the plunger when the gun is not in use

A tie coat is a specially engineered transition coat from the primer to the finish coat. Also called a“bonding primer”

Tooling is the process of working a material with a tool to achieve a certain finish

Tooth is the roughness of a surface produced by sanding that promotes adhesion of coatings

The trigger is the part of a caulk gun that takes finger pressure to move the push rod and plunger forward

Uniformity is theoverall consistency of the appearance of a paint coat

To unload is the process of paint transfer from a properly loaded brush or roller to the target surface before distribution and finish

Urethane is a paint created by mixing pigment with polyurethanes. This paint type is good for exterior use and can be applied over oil-based enamels.

Viscosity isa measure of how thick a fluid is and how well it flows

VOCs are “Volatile Organic Compounds” or vapors emitted from a material that are man-made or naturally occurring that can have long term health effects from exposure

A wall brush is a high volume brush type for painting walls and other large flat surfaces

Water-based refers to paint or other chemical compound that has water as the main ingredient for viscosity

A wet edge is the workablearea where paint has just been applied to a surface where overlap can occur without overbrushing

Workability is how well the material can be tooled to a proper finish before it begins to dry or set

Woven is one process used to attach fibers to a roller cover that provides a denser nap than a knitted roller. This type of roller holds less paint than knitted but yields a finer finish

X paper is heavier reusable rolls of floor protection material

A dimension is a measurable distance of some kind, such as length, width, depth, or height.

An elevation view is a view of a building seen from one side, a flat representation of only one face. This is the most common view used to describe the external appearance of a building.

Extension lines are drawn to clarify the exact starting and ending points to which dimension lines refer

A floorplan is a specific type of plan view from above showing the arrangement of walls and rooms at a particular level of a building

Lines are drawing features of different types and thicknesses used to indicate the built structure and specific components of a building

Notes are text-based enhancements of built components or systems to clarify an aspect or feature. These often include abbreviations to save space

Plan view is a view of a building from directly above. Also called aerial view or bird’s eye view.

Scale is the amount of reduction from actual size that a building is drawn to. Expressed as a ratio (Ex. ¼” = 1’)

Section view is aview showing an interior area or hidden part of a building by cutting away or removing layers of the structure. Also called a cutaway.

A symbol is a simpler mark, character, or drawing used as a substitute to represent a more complex actual object.

Topography is a series of contour lines on a site plan made to represent rises or falls in elevation of the actual site

ABS is black plastic pipe used in plumbing for drain, waste, and vent pipes.

A basin is a bowl for washing which is typically attached to a wall and having faucets connected to a water supply and a drain line for removing wastewater 

Cast ironis a  material used in plumbing for drain, waste, and vent pipes and fittings. It is a very dense, long-lasting, and heavy material that deadens the sound of water passing through it

A cleanoutis an access port in a trap or drain pipe that provides access for clearing an obstruction. 

A couplingis a special straight fitting used to join two ends of pipe in a straight line

CPVC (Chlorinated PolyVinyl Chloride)  is a plastic supply line material that can handle water temperatures up to 200F

A drain is a continuously open fitting for collecting and removing wastewater

An elbow is an angular fitting used to change the direction of a pipe.