Introduction to Power Tools (00104) Flashcards

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering the types, parts, bits, and safety features of power tools described in the NCCER Introduction to Power Tools module.

Alternating current (AC)

The common power supplied to most all wired devices, where the current reverses its direction many times per second.

Direct current (DC)

An electric power supply where the current flows in one direction only, typically supplied by batteries or transformer-rectifiers.

Pneumatic tools

Tools powered by air pressure, usually produced by electric or gasoline-powered compressors.

Specialty tools

Tools such as powder-actuated fastening tools that use gun powder to drive pins and studs into concrete and steel.

Hydraulic tools

Tools powered by fluid pressure, such as pipe benders and jack-hammers, using hand or electric pumps to produce pressure.

Trigger lock

A small lever, switch, or part used to activate a locking catch to hold a power tool trigger in operating mode without finger pressure.

Countersink

A bit or drill used to set the head of a screw at or below the surface of the material.

Chuck

A clamping device on a drill that holds the drill bit in place.

Chuck key

A small, T-shaped steel piece used to open and close the chuck on power drills.

Twist drill bits

Bits used to drill wood and plastics at high speeds or metal at a lower speed.

Forstner bit

A bit designed for wood that is particularly good for boring a flat-bottom blind hole.

Paddle or Spade bit

A bit used for wood with a diameter generally ranging from $1/2$ to $1\,1/2\,inches$ ($13$ to $38\,mm$).

Masonry bit

A drill bit with a carbide tip designed to penetrate stone, slate, brick, or concrete.

Auger bit

A drill bit with a spiral cutting edge designed to turn at low speeds for boring holes in wood and other soft materials.

Self-feed bit

A drill bit that uses a lead screw to pull the larger rear portion of the bit into the wood.

Step drill bit

A bit with different 'steps' to cut holes in metal up to $1/4\,inch$ thick to a desired diameter.

Charge cycle

One complete charge and discharge cycle for a rechargeable battery.

Amp hour (Ah)

A rating that describes the maximum amps a battery can provide continuously for up to $60\,minutes$.

Voltage rating

A measurement of a tool's power; higher voltage ratings indicate more power delivered for the job.

Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)

A circuit breaker designed to protect people and equipment by interrupting the flow of electricity if a circuit fault occurs.

Shank

The smooth part of a drill bit that fits into the chuck.

Revolutions per minute (rpm)

The rotational speed of a motor or shaft based on the number of times it rotates each minute.

Electromagnetic drill press

A portable drill mounted on an electromagnetic base designed for drilling holes in thick metal while being held in place by a magnet.

Carbide

A very hard material made of tungsten carbide and cobalt, often used on the tips of masonry bits and edges of saw blades.

Hammer drill

A drill with a light pounding action that enables it to drill into concrete, brick, or tile by rotating and hammering simultaneously.

Rotary hammer

A heavy-duty tool designed for harder strikes and slower rotational speeds compared to a standard hammer drill.

SDS (Slotted Drive System)

A technology for fastening bits into a spring-loaded chuck that allows the bit to move up and down while locked in place.

Impact driver

A compact tool that uses a spring to exert perpendicular force, creating more torque for driving or loosening large fasteners.

Torque

The turning force produced by a drill; it decreases as turning speed increases, and vice versa.

Whip check

A safety attachment used to prevent whiplashing in hoses that are inadvertently uncoupled.

Impact wrench

A tool used to fasten, tighten, and loosen nuts and bolts, available in pneumatic, electric, and cordless models.

Arbor

The end of a circular saw shaft where the blade is mounted.

Kerf

The channel created by a saw blade passing through material, equal to the width of the blade teeth, roughly $1/8\,inch$ ($3.2\,mm$) wide.

Rip blade

A saw blade with square chisel teeth designed to cut with the grain of the wood.

Crosscut blade

A saw blade with fine teeth designed to cut across the grain of wood at a $90$-degree angle.

Combination blade

A saw blade featuring both rip and crosscut teeth for cutting hard or soft wood either with or across the grain.

Worm-drive saw

A heavy-duty circular saw where the motor drives the blade from the rear through two gears, delivering higher torque.

Jigsaw

A tool with a fine blade that moves up and down, used for delicate work and cutting irregular shapes and patterns.

Reciprocating saw

A tool designed for heavy-duty jobs and demolition, using a straight blade that moves backward and forward in a straight line.

Portable band saw

A saw with a one-piece thin flat steel blade that runs in one direction around guides, used primarily for cutting metal.

Compound miter saw

A miter saw where the blade can be tilted vertically to make combined bevel and miter cuts.

Abrasive cutoff saw

Also called a chop saw, it uses an abrasive blade spinning at high speeds to burn through materials like angle iron and channel.

Table saw

A saw with a circular blade protruding through a slot in a bench, excellent for precise ripping and crosscutting lumber.

Abrasive

A substance, such as sandpaper, used to wear away material.

Grit

A granular, sand-like material used on sandpaper where higher numbers indicate finer abrasive material.

Angle grinder

A handheld grinder with a rotating disc set at a right angle to the motor shaft, used to grind surfaces like pipes and welds.

End grinder

Sometimes called a horizontal or pencil grinder, it is used to smooth the inside of materials such as pipe.

Detail grinder

Also known as a die grinder, it uses small attachments called points to smooth and polish intricate metallic work.

Bench grinder

An electrically powered stationary machine with two grinding wheels used for rust removal, buffing, and sharpening tool edges.

Burr bits

Special rotary bits used on grinders to remove rough edges from the inside and outside of pipes.

Oscillating multi-tool (OMT)

A handheld tool that moves attachments back and forth at speeds up to $21000$ oscillations per minute for small cutting and sanding jobs.

Power nailer

Commonly called a nail gun, it uses compressed air (pneumatic), gunpowder (powder-actuated), or batteries to drive fasteners into material.

Hydraulic jack

A portable device consisting of a pump and a cylinder (ram) used to lift heavy loads precisely using fluid pressure.

Stroke

The distance a hydraulic cylinder can move a load, measured in inches or millimeters.