Site Glossary

45 degrees is an angle created when 90 degrees is divided in half

90 degrees is an angle created when two lines are square or perpendicular to each other

To align is to place or arrange things in a straight line.

An arc is a partial sweep of a circle’s perimeter from it’s center

An axis is a fixed reference line often for a measurement

The belt clip is a convenient hook for storing a tape measure

A bend is a measurement method for two inside corners – not as accurate as other methods

The blade is along steel strip wound into the tape measure case marked with measured units;

The blade lock is a built-in hands-free feature used to hold the blade while extended

A box level is alarger and longer style of level. 2’, 3’,4’,6’ are common lengths

A bubble level is a device that can measure the condition of plumb or level using a small vial filled with oil and a floatingbubble for reference

To burn an inch means to shift a tape measure over for a more accurate method of measuring. The measurement starts at 1 inch or 10 inches and expects the user to subtract that amount at the end for the true dimension

A crow’s foot is a ‘V’ shaped mark used to transfer a measurement accurately from the tape measure to the material

The fence is a raised edge on a speed square that rests against the material being marked for accurate reference.

Flush is when two surfaces or edges are in perfect alignment.

A foot is a larger standard unit of measure that is equivalent to 12 inches

A fraction is some specific part of a whole. For inches a fraction is expressed as ½, 1/4 , 1/8, or 1/16

Guide notches are aspeed square feature that assists in drawing lines that are parallel to the fence edge

The hook is the bent metal precision part at the beginning of a tape measure that represents zero

An improper fraction is one in which the numerator is greater than the denominator, (ex 5/4).

Level means perfectly horizontal relative to the earth’s gravity

Matte is a term to describe a paint sheen with a no gloss finish. Also called “flat”

O.C. or on center is even spacing of studs in a wall or other parts in a ceiling or floor by measuring to the center of each component. 

Parallel is a term used to describetwo side by side lines that run the same direction and are exactly the same distance apart everywhere

Permanence is the state or quality of lasting

Perpendicular is two lines, planes or surfaces that meet at a right angle or 90 degrees to each other

A pivot point is the location where the fence meets the ruler edge on a speed square. The tool is rotated on this point for measuring angles

Plumb is the condition of being perfectly vertical relative to the earth’s gravity

A plumb bob is aheavy pointed object attached to the end of a string that hangs straight down to determine a perfectly vertical or plumb line

A pull measurement is made by placing the blade hook on an edge, extended the blade from the case and taking a measurement under tension

A push measurement is made by pressing the hook end of the blade into an object, extending the blade, and using standout of the blade to take an accurate measurement

The reel is a spool on which a string line can be wound around inside of a chalk line

A right angle is a90-degree angle that is considered perpendicular and ‘square’

Square is the condition of two lines or planes that forming a 90 degree angle relative to each other

Standout is theability of a tape measure blade to remain straight and extend out on its own, unsupported

The tape of a tape measure is along steel strip wound into the case marked with measured units . Also called a blade

Tension is the state of being pulled and stretched tight.

A torpedo level is a mini pocket level usually shorter than 12”

Avialis a sealed fluid-filled cylinder with a bubble trapped inside that is precision mounted in a level to accurately read the condition of level and plumb