Site Glossary

Nail gauge is the measure of the wire or shank thickness of a pneumatic nail. Smaller gauge = thicker nail

A nail plate is a protective steel plate fastened to framing to protect a pipe or tube from damage from  being pierced by a fastener

Nap is the fibers attached to a roller cover. Comes in different lengths for coating different surfaces. Another term for “pile”

Nap size refers to the length of fibers on a roller cover. Also called pile height

The neck of a hammer is the area connecting the hammer face to the cheek.

Needle nose pliers are a fine-tipped gripping tool with adjustable jaws

A neutral wire is a conductor used to complete a circuit and carry current back to the original power source. This part of the circuit is usually identified by conductors with white-colored insulation and silver terminals at devices

NIOSH is an acronym for The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is an organization that sets standards for the manufacture of respirators and other PPE equipment

NM or"Non-Metallic" is a term used to describe a (plastic) jacketed multi-conductor cable. Color-coded for gauge sizes commonly used in concealed spaces like walls floors and ceilings. Often Called Romex

A nominal dimension is one existing in name only and not matching the material’s actual measurements

Notes are text-based enhancements of built components or systems to clarify an aspect or feature. These often include abbreviations to save space

The nozzle is the pointed end of a caulk cartridge that the bead flows from

Nylon is a bristle material suited for latex paint application which is softer and more absorbent than polyester