Glossary


Select the first letter of the word you are looking for. If a letter is not linkable below, it means that there are no terms for that letter:

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A

Adjustable Countersink - a device that cuts the recess for screw heads and threads. It has a drill bit or knife blade for cutting the recess for the screw thread whose length adjusts to the length of the screw head.

See: Fastener Drive

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Adjustable Wrench - a wrench that has an adjustable head to fit various sizes of nuts and bolts. Some adjustable wrenches feature a locking mechanism to prevent slippage.

See: Pipe Wrenches, Quick Adjusting

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Alternate top bevel grind - a tooth style on a saw blade designed for cross-cutting and ripping of all wood types. The bevel alternates from left to right, creating knife-like edges at each side, on alternating teeth. This style of saw blade yields a faster, cleaner cut.

See: Circular Saw Blades

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Anti-stick coating - As used on saw blades, decreases friction and heat buildup and helps provide cleaner, smoother and quieter cutting action. Also resists resin and pitch buildup and improves safety conditions.

See: Circular Saw Blades

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Anti-vibration slots - slots cut in the body of a saw blade, usually in a starburst pattern, that reduce vibration so the blade runs more smoothly and produce a cleaner cut.

See: Circular Saw Blades

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Arbor - a shaft driven by a tool's motor that turns blades or other cutting tools. Also called a mandrel.

See: Circular Saw Blades

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Arbor hole - the central hole in a saw blade through which the saw arbor fits. This hole must be accurately broached or the blade cuts will waver.

See: Circular Saw Blades

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ATB - Alternate Top Bevel - refers to a type of saw blade in which the grinds give the cleanest crosscuts in hard and soft wood or plywood.

See: Circular Saw Blades

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Auger bit - a long, 7" to 10" bit typically used with a brace for drilling holes in wood. An auger bit bores a faster, cleaner hole because of its screw point and spur design.

See: Drill Bits, Woodboring Drill Bits

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Aviation snips - snips used to cut straight or curved lines. They are generally used for heating, air conditioning, gutter work, and general industrial use. Aviation snips are available in right- or left-handed styles.

See: Snips

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