AC 

Alternating Current. The type of electrical power which normally is supplied
from a wall outlet. 

Aftercooler 

Heat exchangers for cooling air or gas discharge from compressors. 

Amps 

A measure of the amount of current a tool uses. Higher ratings generally
means the tool is suited for heavier use. 

BPM 

Beats Per Minute. A measure of the frequency of the hammering action of a
hammerdrill or rotary hammer. 

Carbide 

A hard material made of compacted binary compounds of carbon and heavy
metals, used to make tools that cut metal. 

CFM 

Cubic Feet per Minute. A measure of the usage of air from an air compressor.
The higher this number is on a tool, the more frequently the compressor will
need to run to keep the tool going. 

Chisel Point 

A point on staples that makes the legs sink in straight as the staple is
driven into a material. 

Chuck 

The part of a drill which holds the bits in place. 

Clipped Head 

Nails collated in 28 degree or 30-33 degree strips have a notch in the head
that allows for each individual nail to be driven efficiently, despite the
angle and tightness of the collation. This notch makes little practical
difference in holding power. 

Collated 

Fasteners which are bound together for use in automatic firing mechanisims.
All staples are collated, but only specific nails and screws are collated. 

Crown 

The crown of a staple is the top portion which connects the legs. This piece
is typically what you can see once the staple has been fastened. 

DC 

Direct Current. The type of electrical power normally supplied by batteries
or generators. 

Displaced 

Displaced is the measure of cubic feet per minute produced by an air
compressor working in a perfect environment at 100% efficiency. 

Divergent 

A point on staples that makes the legs spread outwards as the staple is
driven into a material. 

Full Round Head 

Nails collated in 20-22 degree strips or 15 degree coils feature a round
head with no notches. The collation angle and spacing of the fasteners
allows the manufacturer to use a full head on the nail. 

HP 

Horsepower. The measure of power contained within a motor. 

Keyless Chuck 

A drill chuck which requires no tools to tighten and loosen. 

Magazine 

The part of a nailer, stapler, or screw gun which holds the fasteners and
helps direct them into firing position. 

Ni-CD 

Nickel Cadmium. The oldest of the rechargeable technologies, but also the
least expensive to produce. 

Ni-MH 

Nickel Metal Hydride. Newer rechargeable technology that doesn't get a
"memory" as quickly when charged before the battery is completely drained. 

OPM 

Oscillations Per Minute. A measure of how many times an item vibrates in 1
minute. 

Pancake 

A type of air compressor tank which is flat and round, resembling the shape
of a pancake. 

PSI 

Pounds per Square Inch. A measure of the air pressure generated by an air
compressor. Also used in determining the strength of hoses. Always make sure
the compressor is set below the maximum operating pressure of any tools
attached to it. 

PSIG 

Pounds Per Square Inch Gauge. A measure of the air pressure generated by a
compressor. Also used in determining the strength of hoses. Always make sure
the compressor is set below the maximum operating pressure of any tools
attached to it. 

RPM 

Revolutions Per Minute. A measure of the speed of rotation of a motor. 

SPM 

Strokes Per Minute. A measure of the speed of sawing action for a jigsaw or
recip saw. 

Synthetic 

A man made material. Oils of this type typically have less wear than
conventional oil. 

Torque 

The measure of the turning or twisting power. 

White Friable 

White abrasive wheels which are designed for sharpening fine edges. Made
from aluminum-oxide with a binding material that allows the surface of the
wheel to quickly renew itself as it is used, which causes these wheels wear
out faster than traditional wheels

 



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