Glossary of Tools

clutch-head screwdriver
Features a distinctive bow-tie shaped head that drives screws featured in mobile homes, cars, boats, appliances and electric motors.

cold chisel
A stone-cutting tool that has an integral handle and blade made of steel. The handle is struck by a hammer to cut material. It can cut sheet metal, remove rivets, bolts, nails or cut away ceramic tiles adhered to a surface.

combination hand vise
Indispensable for holding all types of small parts securely; can be fitted on a handle or on a clamplike mechanism to secure it to a work surface.

combination square
A valuable tool, equipped with a six inch long steel rule for marking 90-degree and 45-degree angles.

Compass Saw

compass saw
Similar to a coping saw, but more heavy duty. A thin blade set into a pistol-grip handle, it quickly cuts curves, circles and cutouts in wood, plywood and wallboard. Useful for cutting access holes when installing pipes and electrical boxes. A smaller version is the keyhole saw.

compound miter saw
A miter box and hand saw used in conjunction to make compound-angle (45 and 90-degree) miter cuts. Also can be used with a measuring accessory for cutting frames. Basically a chop saw with a tilt mechanism added to the pivoting head. Miters are set by rotating the tool’s turntable and the head is tilted for bevel cuts. A great choice for working with moldings and trim. A Sliding version has the in-and-out capability of a radial-arm saw that enables it to make most any kind of cut.

construction chisel
Designed for rough carpentry, framing and construction. Made of a single piece of hand-forged alloy steel.

Coping Saw

coping saw
Has a narrow metal frame which supports a thin blade held in place with a hook, loop or pin on each end of the blade. Can be rotated in the frame to make intricate curved cuts. Makes a finer cut than a compass saw.

Corded Drill

corded drill
Maybe the most popular power tool ever, the corded drill is a true jack-of-all-trades. Bore holes in a range of materials, drive screws and nuts, brush away paint and rust, sand edges and stir paint – these are just a few of the tasks this tool can accomplish.

cordless drill
All the benefits of a corded drill, but without a tether. Allows you to work on top of a ladder, on damp ground and without the tangles of a cord. The tradeoff is that a cordless may not be able to handle more rugged work or have quite the power of a corded.

corner chisel
Used for cutting clean, sharp inside corners. Perfect for the serious woodworker and tool collector.

cranked-neck rasp
Ideal for carefully shaping flat or slightly concave surfaces and is especially useful in woodcarving.

crosscut saw
Hand saw used to cut across the grain (the width of the material).

crutch-pattern screwdriver
The large, flattened-oval handle of this screwdriver allows you to deliver tremendous torque to stubborn screws, especially in tight corners.

curved-tooth file
Widely used in auto-body work and on aluminum and sheet metal, it features deeply cut, curved teeth for fast cutting and reduced clogging of soft material.

D

dead-blow hammer
Strikes blows without damaging the work’s surface. The tool’s hollow head is partially filled with small metal shot, which reduces rebounding.

detailing file
Basically a half-round combination file, this tool is handy for working small flats, rounds and hollows. Ends are tapered for work in confined spaces.

Digital Protractor

digital protractor
Four tools in one, featuring an anglefinder, compound cut calculator, protractor and level.

dog-leg chisel
Skewed blades are ideal for trimming joint work in furniture making and for undercutting.

double square
This unique tool is designed for checking squareness of a board’s edge after planing and jointing. Fit’s easily in a work apron pocket.

dovetail saw
The most important of the back saws (and one of the smallest). Almost entirely dedicated to one function: cutting dovetails, where a clean and accurate saw cut is the hallmark of fine work. Have three handle designs: closed, pistol-grip and a turned spindle-like handle.

dovetail square
Lays out and marks dovetail joints with consistent accuracy.

Drill Press

drill press
Extremely versatile tool for hole boring, the drill press bores a variety of holes accurately and easily. It can also sand, rout, polish, saw, shape, grind, sharpen and mortise. Used in both metalworking and woodworking.

drywall hammer
Designed for installing drywall, this hammer has a milled striking face opposite a hatchet blade. Use the hatchet blade to score the drywall to permit snapping it along the scored line of cut.

E

Electronic Level

electronic level
This tool makes use of blinking lights and a beeping signal to indicate level, plumb, pre-selected and unknown angles.

English bow saw
Curves and straight lines can be cut accurately with a bow saw. The blade can be rotated 360-degrees to a convenient working position. Historically used to cut chair legs, arm and arches.

F

firmer chisel
Designed for heavy-duty work such as timber framing. The heavy blade can keep the chisels from flexing under heavy work loads or from mallet blows. Ideal for cutting and fitting joints in hardwoods, paring and fitting.

flooring chisel (also electrician's chisel)
All-steel tool used primarily for ripping up old wood strip flooring. Used to notch house framing for installing cable and electrical boxes.

four-in-hand file
If you only own one file, this should be it. Has both round and flat surfaces and each side of the file has a double-cut and rasp-cut end.

frame clamp
Uses corner blocks and long-threaded rods with sliding speed nuts to assemble square, rectangular and other oddly-shaped work pieces. Ideal for frames and objects with corners.

framing hammer
For use by house framers. Features an extra-long handle, ripping claw and checkerboard face that reduces glancing blows and flying nails.

fret saw
And adjustable frame can hold blades up to six inches, which allows you to use broken blades. Similar to a coping saw but with a deeper "throat" which allows it a deeper reach to cut further away from the edge of the work. Great for fine, detailed work.

G

graduated straightedge
Indispensable for scribing perfectly straight lines and checking the flatness of a surface.

Hacksaw

H

hacksaw
Cuts metal quickly and smoothly. Proper amount of tension prevents flexing during the cut. The handle provides knuckle protection.

half-round file
Bastard-cut file that is double cut for fast stock removal and one face is round for working concave shapes. Classified as a machinist’s file, it’s also useful for fine trimming in wood.

hammer drill – Specially designed to both rotate the bit and apply a pulsing pressure that breaks through masonry neatly, faster and easier than a rotary-action alone. Intended for concrete and other masonry work.

Handsaw

hand saw (also panel saw)
The most common and recognizable of all handsaws. Has a wide, tapering blade with teeth cut along one edge and a handle riveted to the wide end. Two basic types: crosscut and rip. Most effectively used to cut large, wide or thick pieces of wood.

hand screws
Traditional woodworking clamps, hand screws feature solid maple jaws and dual handles that allow for tremendous pressure. Can be set parallel or at angles. Ideal for complex work with no parallel sides.

heavy-duty drill
Perfect for propelling large multispur bits, Forstner bits and hole saws. Necessary for tasks such as boring fist-sized holes.

hook chisel
Features a harpoon-like tip for light finishing cuts on delicate pieces and hard-to-reach areas.

I

insulated screwdriver
Designed for use by electricians, the blade is covered in plastic sheathing with only the tip exposed. Only a protective measure because it should never be used as protection against a flow of electricity.

Jack Plane

J

jack plane
All-purpose and most useful of all bench planes. Used to smooth rough boards and flatten uneven surfaces.

Japanese panel saw
Although it looks like a standard Western hand saw, actually a Japanese tool. The unique tooth design helps reduce friction at the beginning of the cutting stroke while increasing the cutting action throughout the stroke.

joint-maker's square
Slightly smaller than a standard miter square, this square is especially helpful for furniture builders and model makers.

K

keyhole saw
A small saw with a short, narrow blade and a tight turning radius. Smaller than a compass saw, it can also cut light metal.

keyway rasp
A combination rasp for shaping wood.

knife file
Used by tool and die makers, it is excellent for tight, acute angles.

L

laser plumb bob
Improves on one of the world’s oldest tools by emitting a laser light that indicates exactly where to mark, with no guesswork involved.

log saw
Designed for crosscutting logs and large timbers, it comes with 15 sets of three teeth. The teeth are separated by deep gullets that remove sawdust quickly. Cuts on both the push and pull stroke.

long tape (fiberglass)
Measures extended distances accurately. Tape is made of tough fiberglass that resists stretching and won't rust, kink or conduct electricity.

M

machinist's vise
Designed to be bolted to a worktop. Able to swivel on it's base. Useful for holding metal pieces and provides an anvil surface for striking metal.

magnetic bevel finder
A pocket-sized tool that is actually four tools in one: a level, protractor, square and pitch gauge. Excellent for measuring and transferring angles, as well.

magnetic-tip screwdriver
Enables you to carry one screwdriver instead of four or five by storing five bits in the handle. The shaft is fitted with a magnet that allows the bits to hold steel screws securely.

marking gauge
Used to lay out wood joint lines-of-cut. Designed for marking with the wood grain, it scribes a very fine, precise line more accurate than a pencil line.

mill file
The most common single-cut file. Used for sharpening circular saw blades, draw-filing, lathe work and anywhere else a smooth finish is required.

Miter Saw

miter saw (also chop saw)
The power alternative to the miter box, miter saws are great for basic crosscuts for lumber and trim. Although not capable of beveled or compound-angle cuts, they are simpler to use, durable and less expensive than compound or sliding compound miter saws.

miter square
Designed exclusively for laying out and marking precise 45-degree angles. An oversized blade accommodates large workpieces.

mortise chisel
Has a straight, non-beveled edge, unlike a standard chisel. Designed to take a heavy pounding and prying.

N

nail-holding hammer
A magnet set into the head grips an iron or steel nail. One sharp strike starts the nail.

nail puller
Has a V-notch, which slips under the nail head and a long handle to provide extra leverage to pull up a nail.

nail sets
For use when a nail head is to be sunk below the work surface. Tips can vary: point, flat or a cup, which permits firm location on the nailhead. Cushioned grip versions can protect your hands, allowing you to concentrate on the work and not your knuckles.

narrow-belt sander
A good sander for narrow spaces and tight spots. Easy to maneuver, but doesn't do well on wide surfaces.

needle rasps
Tiny rasps ideal for model-making or detailed carving and fitting. Come in varied shapes: rectangular, tapered, triangular, round, half-round and square. For metalwork, needle files are available.

nest of saws
Great for homeowners, this tool is actually four saws in one. The tool comes with three interchangeable blades to handle cutting jobs around the home and yard. Features a hardwood pistol-grip handle. Quick-change wingnut and bolt hold the steel blades in place.

ninety-degree corner clamp
For accurate 90-degree joints, allows for gluing and nailing while the pieces are secure. Can be screwed to a bench top.

Orbital Sander

O

orbital sander
Great for finishing work, the square pad can sand inside corners. Should be used with care, because swirl marks can show up when sanding dense hardwoods. Accepts sheet sandpaper.

P

paring chisel
The design allows you to make light finishing cuts with the blade flat on the stock, even when working in the middle of a wide board.

patternmaker's rasp
Like regular rasps that have individual teeth for fast cutting, these tools also are staggered and smaller to give a finer finished surface in wood. Also have cut edges for working in corners.

pincer
Essentially a large nail puller and cutter, a pincer is designed for removing brads and small nails. Can pull nails like a claw hammer.

pinch dogs
Perfect for edge gluing, they pull joints tightly without the need for clamping. The dog is hammered into the butt ends of the work.

pipe clamp fixtures
Long reaching fixtures attached to a pipe, that, once positioned, are tightened by turning a handle. Only pipe length limits capacity. Ideal for joining boards to make wider panels.

plastic-tipped hammer
A steel-core hammer that features two replaceable plastic faces—one hard, one soft. The hammer can strike various materials without marring, including wood, metals, plastic and stone.

plate joiner
A tool designed to quickly and accurately cut matching slots in pieces that are to be joined with a small carbide-tipped blade.

Pneumatic Nailer

pneumatic nailer
Framing: Perfect for frame construction. The most powerful of the air-powered fasteners, it can drive nails up to 3-1/2-inches long. Pin: Used for attaching trim, carpet strips and moldings. Finish: Useful for installing siding, flooring, door and window casing and most types of finish carpentry.

pneumatic stapler
Can drive crown-style staples up to 1/2-inch wide and two inches long. Smaller models are great for installing carpeting, roofing felt, floor underlayment and insulation.

pruning saw
Excellent for trimming trees and bushes, the curved blade folds back into the curved hardwood handle for convenience.

pry bar
Has a curved blade to fit behind molding or between two sections of an object that are to be separated. The long handle provides leverage to pry the sections apart.

Q

quick-action clamps
A workshop favorite designed for easy operation, the lower jaw slides easily on a bar and locks securely in position under the slightest pressure.

R

rabbet plane
Has a wide blade which is ideal for trimming narrow dadoes and rabbets.

random-orbit sander
This tool spins like a disc sander but moves in a circular orbit, like an orbital sander. This action chews through wood grain but doesn’t leave cross-grain scratches. Can sand in any direction.

reciprocating saw
An indispensable tool for contractors and remodelers, the "recip" saw will chew through most any cutting task. Ideal for demolition tasks, such as wall removal. Can cut through wood, metal or plastics easily. Great at cutting rough openings, cutouts for plumbing and heating ducts and can even prune tree branches.

right-angle drill
Allows you to reach around a corner or into a confined space to bore holes or drive screws. Great for smaller jobs such as drilling pilot holes or driving screws inside a cabinet.

rip hammer (fiberglass, wood and solid steel)
Great for rough carpentry work, this 22-oz. hammer has a straight ripping claw. Many workers prefer fiberglass-handled tools because they are virtually unbreakable and more shock-absorbent.

rifflers
Tools for shaping and smoothing details that other files can't handle. One end is fine, the other end is coarse.

rip saw
Hand saw used to cut along the grain (the length of the material).

router
Portable power tool that, when fitted with one of a myriad of bits, can do such things as cutting cabinet joints (dado, rabbet, etc.), trim plastic laminate, shape decorative edges, mill moldings and carve signs and plaques.

round file
Standard file for cleaning up or enlarging holes and shaping tight internal curves. Works on metal or wood.

rubber and plastic mallets
Use these mallets to strike blows without damaging the surface. Useful for assembling furniture parts, setting dowel pins, metalwork, etc.

S

sabre saw
If you need the ability to follow curved or straight lines, cut metal (as well as plastic, brick, etc. with the right blade) or enclosed holes, reach for this tool. A popular tool, the unique design provides relatively-safe cutting.

Scroll Saw

scroll saw (or jigsaw)
Freehand curve-cutting machine (along with the band saw) with fine-tooth blades that can cut intricate patterns and smooth edges in thinner stock. Operates with little vibration, quick blade changes and easy-to-operate clamps. Is stationary, as opposed to a sabre saw, which is portable.

sharpening stones
Blocks of natural or artificial stones that have been dressed or smoothed. Used with an oil or water lubricant to sharpen blades of woodworking tools such as chisels and planes. Most are rectangular in shape and come in many grades, from coarse to fine.

sliding bevel square (or T-bevel)
Indispensable for marking, transferring and checking angles. Helpful when marking odd angles and dovetail joints and when cutting a board to fit an existing angle.

smooth plane
Designed for general-purpose planing; often used after the jack plane for final polishing.

Speed Square

speed square
One of the most popular and versatile carpenter's layout tools available, combining the best features of a framing, try and miter square with the angle finding capability of a protractor. Use for all framing layout work including wall and roof construction and stairway building.

spiral-cut chain saw file
Featuring a special spiral-cut pattern, this file cuts faster than standard, round chain saw files.

spiral-ratchet screwdriver
A spring-loaded shaft turns the driver bit, driving screws quickly and easily.

spring clamp
Ideal for holding mitered corners, each jaw has tiny teeth that grip and hold angled work pieces, irregular moldings and tough-to-clamp joints. The "paperclip" of the workshop, ideal for small work and light pressure.

square file
When needing to make a round hole square, this is the tool. The long, tapered profile makes it useful for cleaning up right-angle shapes such as slots and keyways.

square-recess screwdriver
A square-tipped tool drives square-recessed fasteners in items like recreational vehicles, boats, mobile homes, hobby equipment and furniture hardware.

squeeze clamps
Light duty clamps applied with one hand with an automatic advancing squeeze handle.

steel straightedge
Worth the price and a staple of most workshops. Etched gradations provide better accuracy. A T-Square is formed by adding a head to this tool.

Studfinder

studfinder
The essential tool for locating wall studs. Crucial when hanging heavy objects.

super shear file
Designed for work on softer metals, iron, annealed steel, plastic and hardwood. Has an offset circular tooth that cuts both fast and smooth.

surform tools
Versatility and speed make these tools the good choice for shaping wood, body filler, fiberglass, aluminum and other soft materials. The round Surform is ideal for roughing out tight curves and shaping holes.

swan-neck mortise chisel
This unusual-looking tool is extremely helpful in smoothing out the bottom of mortises. The curved blade is used like a lever to scrape the mortise bottom flat.

T

tack hammer
Perfect for driving small brads and tacks. Has a magnetized head that holds the tack for one-hand starting. Goes easier on the thumb and forefinger.

tenon saw
Fine-toothed hand saw used to cut tenons and other wood joints accurately. Similar to a back saw, but shorter to offer greater control.

three-way edging clamp
Used to apply and repair moldings, decorative trim and edging. C-clamp design with a third screw that applies right angle pressure to the edge.

torpedo level
No tool box is complete without one. Back-pocket size makes it ideal for work in restricted areas.

trammel points
Allows you to scribe a large diameter circle or arc, or transfer measurements that are too great for dividers.

two-handed screwdriver
Features a unique double-grip handle that allows you to apply extra high torque. Can work in deep holes and narrow spaces.

U

universal clamps
Designed for cabinet framework, these clamps can be secured to the edge of a work to hold two pieces together. Ideal for holding drawer supports, shelves and butt joints.

upholsterer's hammer
The magnetic face of the hammer makes it easy to start upholstery tacks and small nails. Also called a tack hammer.

V

vise-grip hold-down clamp
Squeezes objects together to promote bonding.

violin plane
Small plane used for precision finishing and decorative work.

W

warding file
Designed for shaping and trimming notches in locks and keys. Double cut on the faces and single cut on the edges. The tapered profile makes it useful in situations where an ordinary file won't fit.

Warrington hammer
The woodworker's choice of hammers, it has a cross-peen which enables you to start small nails and brads, then finish hammering with the opposite end.

wet saw
If the job is cutting several bricks, pavers or tiles, this tool uses water to keep the blade and brick cool as well as decrease dust and flying debris.

wood (lignostone) mallet
Use this mallet for striking wood and plastic-handled chisels and gouges, for installing dowel pins and assembling wooden parts. Have tremendous resistance to cracking.

woodworker's vise
Indispensable for the workshop. A solid investment for a workbench. Has smooth jaws designed to not damage wood.

X, Y, Z

zigzag folding rule
Classic woodworking rule that is better for measuring longer runs.