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Glossary
Construction terms, explained
Short, plain definitions of the words you'll see on product pages and spec sheets. Each one links to a guide when there's more to know.
4
- 4-to-1 rule
- Set an extension ladder base 1 foot out for every 4 feet of height. Read the guide →
A
- Amp-hour
- Battery capacity; higher runs longer. Read the guide →
- ANSI Z89.1
- The US standard for industrial head protection. Read the guide →
- ANSI/ISEA 107
- The US standard for high-visibility safety apparel. Read the guide →
- APF
- Assigned protection factor: how much a respirator reduces exposure. Read the guide →
- ASTM F2413
- The US standard for protective toe footwear. Read the guide →
B
- Blade standout
- The unsupported projection a tape measure maker reports for a specific model. Read the guide →
- Brushless motor
- An electronically controlled motor without carbon brushes. Read the guide →
C
- Class E
- A hard hat electrical class tested to 20,000 volts. Read the guide →
- Collation angle
- The angle at which nails are joined in a strip for a particular nailer. Read the guide →
D
- Duty rating
- The maximum load a ladder is rated to carry, including user and tools. Read the guide →
E
- EH rating
- Electrical hazard protection in safety footwear. Read the guide →
H
- Head weight
- The listed mass of a hammer head, separate from the whole tool weight. Read the guide →
- Hex collet
- A quick-change holder used by many impact drivers for compatible hex-shank bits. Read the guide →
L
- Laser detector
- A receiver that finds a laser beam too faint to see. Read the guide →
- Locking cleat
- A connector that secures compatible storage cases within a modular tool-box system. Read the guide →
M
- Metatarsal guard
- Protection over the top of the foot against falling objects. Read the guide →
P
- Payload after upfit
- The remaining vehicle carrying capacity after permanent storage or other equipment is installed. Read the guide →
R
- Retroreflective
- Material that reflects light back toward its source, such as headlights. Read the guide →
- Ring test
- A check for cracks in an abrasive wheel before mounting, using the maker's procedure. Read the guide →
S
- Self-leveling
- A laser that levels itself within a set range. Read the guide →
T
- Table 1
- OSHA's list of silica tasks with required controls. Read the guide →
- Track saw
- A saw designed to run on a compatible guide rail for straight guided cuts. Read the guide →
- Type II hard hat
- A hard hat tested for impacts to the top and sides of the head. Read the guide →
W
- Watt-hour (Wh)
- A unit of stored energy; it describes capacity rather than continuous power output. Read the guide →