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.