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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

An air exhaust port on a nail gun is the location where air escapes after the tool is fired

An air filter is a replaceable device for cleaning air as it enters the compressor

An air inlet port is the location on a pneumatic tool where pressurized air enters the tool

The air outlet of a compressor is a connection point for the hose at air compressor

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

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

Amperage is the volume of current flow through a circuit

The American National Standards Institute  or ANSI is an organization that sets safety standards for construction equipment

The arbor is the threaded motor shaft on a saw to which a circular blade is fastened

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

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

Argon is a gas filled between glass panes to slow heat transfer through a window

An axis is a fixed reference line often for a measurement

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

The base section is the fixedladder section that does not move on an extension ladder. It remains planted to the ground and supports the fly section

The base plate of a saw is a flat saw surface that makes contact with the material being cut and helps keeps the tool under control

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 

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

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

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

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

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

A bevel is a type of cut where the blade is tilted left or right from a standard vertical postition.

The bevel adjustment lever is a locking lever adjustment that allows the base plate of a saw to tilt side to side for making angled bevel cuts

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”

Binding is ahazardous condition when cutting unsupported materials where pinching occurs at the blade causing it to not move freely during a cut

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

A blade clamp is a feature that holds the blade firmly in the saw.

The blade depth adjustment lever is a locking lever on a saw that allows the base plate to be raised and lowered to expose more (or less) of the blade for cutting materials of different thickness

The blade guard is a safety feature of a saw that covers the spinning blade when not in use and moves out of the way as material is passed through it

The blade height adjustment of a table saw uses a wheel to raise and lower the blade relative to the table surface to cut through different material thicknesses

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

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

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

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

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

Abrad nailer is a type of nailer for driving 18 gauge nails

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

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

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

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

Cableis a jacketed bundle of individually insulated conductors like Romex

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

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

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

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

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

The charge is thecontents of a fire extinguisher under pressure that smothers a flame when released.

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

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

To clad is to wrap or cover exterior material over a core material to protect a window from weathering (usually vinyl, aluminum or fiberglass)

A Class A fire extinguisher type is suitable to treat fires from ordinary combustibles like wood, rubber, fabrics, and plastics

A Class B fire extinguisher type is suitable to treat fires from flammable liquids and gases like gasoline, oils, paints, and lacquers

A Class C fire extinguisher type is suitable to treat fires involving live electrical sources

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

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 coil nailer is a type of nailer used for roofing, siding, and fencing that uses fasteners that are spiral collated with large head nails  

Collated nails are fasteners held together in a series with plastic or wire strips

Combustible is a term to describematerial in a liquid or solid form that will ignite at a flashpoint of over 100 degrees

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 compound angle is a miter angle and a bevel angle combined into one cut

A compound miter saw is a fixed base saw with hinged motor and blade for precise square and angled cuts in materials

The condensation drain valve is a valve at the bottom of tank for draining of moisture that collects

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

Conspicuity is a term to describe something that is

 easily seen or noticed; readily visible or observable and attracting special attention

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

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 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

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

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 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 cross cut is a type of cut that is made over the width of the material or board face that travels across the grain of the wood

Cross hand cutting is adangerous hand position where the arms cross each other during a cut with a miter saw

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

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

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

Cut guide notches are features of a saw that are usually stamped or marked on the front of the base plate that aid in lining up a cut when the bevel angle is set to either 0 degrees or 45 degrees.

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

Dermal absorptionis the transport of a chemical from the outer surface of the skin through the skin and into the body

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

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

A direct-drive saw is a type of circular sawwhere the blade is directly connected to the shaft of the saw motor. Sometimes referred to as a “sidewinder”

A double bevel compound miter saw is a compound miter saw with a bevel angle adjustment in two directions (left or right)

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

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 drain is a continuously open fitting for collecting and removing wastewater

The driver depth adjustment is an adjustable wheel that sets fastener penetration depth on a nailer

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

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.

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”

A dust bag is a receptacle for saw dust that attaches to the tool

Duty rating is thetotal weight in pounds a ladder is designed to hold including a person and all tools and materials they are carrying

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

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

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

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

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.

Emory clothis an abrasive sandpaper roll used for sanding and prepping copper pipe ends. 

An end cap is a fitting used to seal the end of a pipe or tube 

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

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

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

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

An extension ladder is anadjustable lengthtwo part ladder type used to reach variable heights while leaned against a solid structure

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

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

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

Fall arrest is asafety system that will stop a worker's fall before the worker hits the surface below

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

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

A fence lock is a saw featureused to clamp the fence tight to the table to prevent movement once it is in position for a cut

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

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

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

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

A finish nailer is a tool for driving 15 gauge angle collated nails

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 fire exit is a specially designated exit for fast evacuation required for any public or commercial building. It must be well marked and never blocked or obstructed.

A fire extinguisher is a special device required for fire control in an emergency. Designed to aid in creating a path for evacuation, not to fight a fire.

The fixed blade guard of a saw is the section of the blade guard that does not retract or move during a cut but offers user protection from the blade during a cut

A fixture is a device that accepts wastewater or discharges fresh water ( i.e.- faucets, sinks, toilets, tubs)

Flammable is a term used to describe a material in a liquid or solid form that will ignite at a flash point of under 100 degrees

Flash point is thetemperature at which a particular material will ignite

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”

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

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

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

Flux is an acid paste used when soldering copper pipes and fittings  which is applied before soldering to aid bonding and flow of the solder

The fly section is themoving ladder section of an extension ladder that increases the ladder’s reach

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

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

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

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 framing nailer is a pneumatic tool used for driving 8d to 16d angle collated nails

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

Fuel is material in solid, liquid or gas form that will serve to sustain a fire once it is ignited

A gallon is the liquid volume measurement indicating tank size of a compressor

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

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

Glazing is a term used to describe the glass components of a window

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

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.

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

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 guardrail is ahorizontal protective member intended to prevent persons from passing beyond a given point on a scaffold system

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

A halyard is a specialrope installed on an extension ladder thatallows the user to extend the fly section from the ground easily

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

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

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

HazCom is an abbreviation for Hazard Communication Standard which is a communication system that produces standards for labeling chemicals and SDS sheets with hazard information

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

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

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

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.

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

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

A hose is a flexible tube that connects compressor to air tool and carries pressurized air for use

A hose bib is a water supply valve with a threaded male connector for connecting a washing machine or exterior hose.

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

ID or Inside Diameter is the inside dimension of a round pipe or tube

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

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

Infrared is long wavelengths of radiation that transmits heat

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 jig saw is avariable speed handheld saw with a flat base is used to cut curves out of material using a small straight reciprocating blade

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

Kerf is the notch made when material is lost during a cut. The width of this notch is relative to the blade tooth width.

Kickback is a safety hazard that causes violent and sudden bucking of a saw or ejecting of material from the saw at high speed towards the user – see “Binding”

A kickback arrestor is a safety feature on a table saw that only allows the material to move front to back when cutting, thus preventing the material being thrown forward during a cut

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.

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

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

Krypton is gas filled between glass panes to slow heat transfer through a window

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

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

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

A lavatory is a sink or washbasin in a bathroom

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

Level means perfectly horizontal relative to the earth’s gravity

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A locking hinge is a specially designed pivoting component on an articulated ladder that automatically locks at each predetermined orientation (eg: fully closed for storing, A frame, and straight extension positions)

Locking spreaders are devices on a step ladder for securely holding the front and rear rails apart

The long stroke is the fully extended position of the saw blade as it reciprocates

A Low E coating  is a glass surface treatment that reflects infrared and UV light while allowing visible light to pass through

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)

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

The magazine is the spring loaded chamber of a nailer for holding a supply of collated nails to be fed automatically into the gun

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

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

A miter is an angle cut made with the broad face of the board lying flat on the base of a miter saw and the vertical blade pivoted left or right to form an angle

A miter angle gauge indicates the angle a miter saw is set to. Usually from 0 to up to 45 or more degrees.

A miter gauge is a saw feature that allows for crosscuts in the material on a saw made for rip cuts

A miter latch is a catch that automatically clicks into predetermined angles on a miter saw, like 0 and 45 degrees.

The motor is an electric or fuel powered compressor component that moves a piston in a cylinder to produce the compressed air­­

The movable blade guard is a safety feature of a saw that covers the spinning blade when not in use and moves out of the way as material is passed through it

A mullion is a vertical structural divider that separates multiple windows in the same unit

The multi fire setting on a nail gun allows multiple sequential nails to leave the gun with the trigger held each time the safety tip is pressed to the surface

Nail gauge is the measure of the wire or shank thickness of a pneumatic nail. Smaller gauge = thicker nail

A nail plate is a protective steel plate fastened to framing to protect a pipe or tube from damage from  being pierced by a fastener

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 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 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

NIOSH is an acronym for The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is an organization that sets standards for the manufacture of respirators and other PPE equipment

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

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

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

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

An O-ring is a rubber washer that is round in profile instead of flat. Used in valve stems and push-on fittings to create a watertight seal 

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. 

OD orOutside Diameter is the outside dimension of a round pipe or tube

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

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."

The on/off switch is an electric switch that supplies current to the automatic shutoff stage of a compressor

The orbital action adjustment is a dial to set more or less circular motion to the cutting action of a reciprocating blade – more orbital motion = faster, rougher, and more aggressive cut

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

Organic vapors are liquids that evaporate quickly in a gas and are usually petroleum-based (ex – acetone, paint, gasoline)

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

Outfeed supports aresite made supports that hold the cutting material level, so it does not fall or bind during or after the cut.

Outriggers aresupport components of a scaffold that extends beyond the frame down to the ground to provide extra stability to the structure

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

A palm nailer is a pneumatic tool used for easier nailing in confined spaces and driving various single nails with heads

A pancake compressor is a small, flattened, cylindrical type of portable compressor.

A pane isa separate defined glass area of a window

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

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

Particulate is very small airborne particles

PASSis an acronym that stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep -a helpful way to remember method for effectively using a fire extinguisher

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

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

PEX or Crosslinked Polyethylene tubing is a flexible plastic water supply line that is uses special slip in fittings and bands or rings to seal

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

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

A pin nailer is an pneumatic tool for driving 23 gauge collated pins

Pipe joint compound is a thick paste applied to pipe threads to create a water-tight seal at threaded joints. Sometimes call pipe dope

Pipe strap isspecial hardware used to secure plumbing lines to framing

The pivot arm lock is apin that locks the pivot arm, motor, and blade assembly down into a compact and closed position on a miter saw

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

The pivoting feet of a ladder grip different types of ground and allow for minor corrections to make the ladder stable even when it is  on not perfectly flat surfaces

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

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

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 plunge cut is the act of lowering a blade through a material’s surface with no outside edge to start with

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

Pneumatic is a term used to describe tools operated by air or gas under pressure.

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

Potable is a term used for water that is suitable for drinking

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 )

PPE isPersonal Protective Equipment that includes special safety-related gear designed to prevent a specific type of injury to the user

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

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

A pressure gauge is a device with a dial and a needle which visually indicates tank and air outlet pressure – usually in PSI

The pressure regulator of an air compressor is a device which controls outlet tool pressure to the hose

The pressure relief valve is a safety backup device which relieves excessive tank pressure over a certain PSI in the case of equipment failure

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

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

PSI or Pounds per Square Inch is a unit used to measure air pressure where the pressure is measured against a 1” x 1” portion of the tank’s container wall

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

The pull stroke is an upward motion of reciprocating blade travel during a cut = shortest depth of cut

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

A push stick is a table saw safety accessory that keeps helps guide material through a cut while keeping the user’s hands at a safe distance from the blade

The push stroke is the downward motion of reciprocating blade travel during a cut = longest depth of cut

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

PVC is a white plastic pipe used for supply lines and also drain, waste and vent pipes. 

PVC cement is a chemical solvent-based glue used to weld PVC pipe and fittings together

PVC primer is a solvent-basedchemical used to clean and soften plastic pipe and fittings before the glue is applied. Typically purple in color