Terms Associated with Plumbing Tools

Terms Associated with Plumbing Tools
Click on each term to find out more:
Amperage
A measure of electric current.

Bar Stock
Uncut bar material on hand for use on a project.

Burr
Uneven or jagged edge left on metal by certain cutting tools.

Diameter
The distance across the center of a circle.

Electrical Ground
A conductive connection that provides a path for electrical current to pass from an electrical component into the earth.

Ferrous
Containing iron.

Flux
A water-soluble substance that facilitates the fusion (joining) of metals and helps prevent surface oxidation (rusting, tarnishing) during welding, brazing, and soldering. Also called soldering paste.

Joist
A piece of lumber used horizontally as a support for a ceiling or a floor.

Keel Crayon
A waxy crayon used to mark a cutting line on the surface of a tube. Also call soapstone.

Kerf
The cut or groove made by a saw blade, determined by the way the teeth are set on the blade.

Level
Straight on a horizontal plane.

Miter
A surface forming the beveled end or edge of a piece where a joint is made by cutting two pieces at an angel and then fitting these pieces together.

Nonferrous
Not containing iron and therefore not magnetic.

Offset
A combination of elbow or bends that brings one section of the pipe out of line but into a line parallel with the other section.

Plumb
Straight on a vertical plane.

Reaming
A process that removes burrs from pipe after they have been cut.

Scribe
A sharply pointed and hardened steel tool used for marking a surface to be cut by etching a line or a point into the surface.

Soapstone
Another term for keel crayon.

Solder
An alloy (tin plus antimony, copper, and silver) with a low melting point used to join metals or seal joints.

Soldering
A method of joining metals or sealing joints using solder and heat.

Spirit Level
A level in which the adjustment to the horizon is shown by the position of a bubble in liquid contained in a nearly horizontal glass tube or a circular box with a glass cover.

Straightedge
A length of wood or metal that does not bow or twist along its length.

Temper
The strength and resilience of a metal.

Tolerance
Allowable variation in a given measurement or quantity.

Torque
Twisting or turning force applied in a rotating motion. Measurement is given in either inch-pound or foot-pound.

Tube Stock
Uncut tubing material on hand for use on a project.