| Glossary - N-R |
back to index Nail Sizes - Nails are specified by a confusing "penny" designation (abbreviated as "d"). This naming system derives indirectly from pounds per hundred nails-the way nails were once sold. The larger the nail, the greater the weight per hundred. Carpenters refer to a 10d nail as a"10 penny" nail. National Electrical Code (NEC) - Published by the National Fire Protection Association (a private, non-profit organization), the NEC sets out rules for safe electrical installations. Though not law in itself, the NEC serves as the basis for just about all local and state electrical codes. The Canadian Electrical Code is the Canadian counterpart of the NEC and differs from it in some particulars. Needle-Nose Pliers - Purpose: Tight squeezes, wire cutting. Neutral - After current expends its energy, it is said to be neutral. Neutral wires carry current back to the service panel and the earth. Neutral wires are always clad in white insulation. Also see hot and ground.
New Work Box - Other Names: Nail-on box New Work Lighting Boxes - Other Names: Nail-On Box. Nipple - A piece of threaded steel or brass pipe, generally a foot or less in length. Close nipples, which are as short as 11/2 inches, are threaded from one end to the other. Nipples accept female fittings at each end.
No-Hub Coupler - Other Names: Hubless Coupler. Non-Metallic Sheathed Cable (NM)
- Other Names: Romex. Number of Coats (of paint) - When you select the number of coats, include one for primer if you intend to use it. When you check the Unpainted Walls box, the program assumes that you will use primer on the first coat and cover only 250 sq. ft. per gallon. Nut Driver - Purpose: Tightening and loosening small nuts and bolts.
O-Rings - Purpose: Seals valve parts Octagonal Lighting Box
Off-Grade Decks - Decks that stand 30 inches or more off the ground. Offset Driver - Other Names: Wiggly Driver, Speed Driver. Offset Hanger Bar - This device enables you to flush-mount an electrical box in a plaster-and-lath ceiling. You remove a strip of lath between two joists and screw the ends of the bar to the joists. Fasten the box to the center of the bar. It is offset to accommodate the thickness of the box. Oil-Based Paints - Old linseed oil paints (the original "oil" paint) are largely obsolete. Now these paints are mostly made with alkyd and other synthetic resins. Nevertheless, the terms are used interchangeably throughout the trade. Old Work Device Boxes - Other Names: Remodel Box, Cut-In Box. Old Work Lighting Boxes - Other Names: Remodel box, cut-in box. On Center - As measured from the center of the post (rather than the distance between sides). Open Time - The working time after an adhesive has been applied, but before the pieces must be assembled. Organic Matter - Decomposed plant or animal matter that supplies nutrients to plants. Good sources include homemade compost, nitrogen-fortified sawdust, aged steer manure, sphagnum peat moss and leaf mold. Outlet - Any point in a circuit where power is consumed or controlled. Receptacles, light fixtures and switches are installed at these outlets. Overflow Tube - Prevents the toilet tank from overflowing. The overflow tube drains into the toilet bowl so that if the fill valve sticks open, your bathroom doesn't wind up looking like a flood plain in springtime. Overload - When a circuit is carrying more amperage than it was designed to handle, wires heat up, blowing a fuse or tripping a breaker.
Packing Nut - Large, often decorative, nut located directly beneath the handle of a faucet. It caps the faucet valve and compresses the packing washer against the valve stem to create a watertight assembly. Pancake Lighting Box - Purpose: Mounting light fixtures. PAR-Lamps - A parabolic aluminized reflector lamp has a heavy glass lens that focuses the light. This makes it suitable for outdoor as well as indoor use. PAR-lamps come in both incandescent and halogen versions. As with R-lamps, the number indicates the wattage. Parting Strip - On a double-hung window, the wooden strip that separates the two sashes. Also called parting bead. Path Lighting - It doesn't take a lot of light to provide a welcoming glow and a measure of safety along your entry walk. This low-voltage, Malibu-style light spikes into the ground for easy installation. The system is often sold as a kit that includes a transformer, a half-dozen or so lights and connecting wires. Pavers - Flat masonry units resembling thick tiles, used for paving. Peeler Core - The cylindrical remainder of a log that has been turned on a giant lathe to "peel" plywood veneer. Often sold at landscape-supply centers. Peeling and Blistering -
Peeling results from moisture in the wood trying to escape.
Moisture comes through walls that do not have a proper vapor barrier. In new homes, the
moisture may come from improperly dried framing or siding. Siding painted too soon after a
rainfall is also subject to peeling and blistering. Peephole Clamps - A peephole clamp secures armored cable to electrical boxes. Each clamp has an opening so an electrical inspector can verify that you've installed an anti-short bushing at every connection. Penetrating Oil - Lubricant that helps dissolve rust. Common brands are WD-40 and Liquid Wrench. pH - A measure of acidity or alkalinity, on a scale of 0 (highly acid) to 14 (highly alkaline). Soil pH affects how well plants absorb nutrients. At the wrong pH, nutrients may be there but plants can't use them. Most plants do best within a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5; for many, a pH of 6.5 is ideal. Phone Wire - You only need one 24- or 26-gauge wire for each phone, but you may as well run two or four pairs for later use. You may want to add a second line for phone, fax or modem. The same wires can handle computer networks, thermostats and other low-voltage signals. Photoelectric Detectors -
Photoelectric units have a beam of light aimed at a photocell.
Smoke blocks the light, which triggers the alarm. Photoelectric smoke detectors respond
well to slow-burning, smoldering fires in furniture, bedding and draperies. Most
photoelectric units require 120 volts AC. Photoelectric Switch - Other Names: Electric eye. Pigtail - Short lengths of wire spliced with a wire connector. Pilaster - A column of concrete or masonry used to reinforce intervening panels and prevent them from tipping. Pipe Insulation - These slitted foam sleeves fit over your hot-water pipes to reduce radiant-heat loss from the walls of the tubing-and save money and energy. Other types include fiberglass insulation you wrap onto pipes, spiral-fashion, and tape in place.
Pipe Wrench - Other Names: Monkey Wrench Pipe-Joint Compound - Other Names: Pipe Dope Plaster Ears - Other Names: Mouse traps, box supports.
Plaster Rings - Other Names: Mud Rings, Switch Rings. Plastic Boxes - Plastic boxes are less expensive than metal ones and easier to install, since you don't need cable clamps to connect properly stapled non-metallic cable to the box. Plastic boxes are actually more fire-resistant than metal boxes. They are UL-rated for two hours of protection against fire. Plastic Pipe Cutter - Purpose: Making clean, quick cuts in PVC plastic pipe. Plat Map - A legal document that shows the boundaries and easements of your property, as determined by a survey. Plug Auger - A bit that attaches to an electric drill to bore properly sized holes for plugs. Plugs - Small pieces of sod. Plumber's Grease - Other Names: Valve grease
Plumber's Tape - Other Names: Pipe Strap
Plunger - Other
Names: Force Cup, Plumber's Helper, Plumber's Friend Points - Handsaws are measured in point sizes which correspond to teeth per inch. The higher the number, the finer (and slower) the cut. Polarity - Look closely at a new receptacle and you'll notice that its left and right slots are different sizes. The taller slot carries neutral current; the shorter one is hot. Plugs should be wired accordingly. If the wires are reversed, a polarized appliance could give you a shock.
Post Hole Auger - Post hole diggers make neat, cylindrical holes in the soil for
fence posts and footings. Hand-operated diggers have parallel wooden handles and a pair of
curved blades. Pouring and Finishing Concrete -
After you pour concrete, the next step is to
level and finish the surface before it dries. A careful finish is especially important for
visible flatwork such as patios and sidewalks, less so for concrete that will be hidden
under brick or stone. Follow these steps:
Power Line Carrier - A remote-control device that sends and receives coded signals over household wiring. With PLCs you can control lights and appliances throughout the house. Power Mixer -
A tilted drum with a motorized blade or spiral that mixes
mortar. Run it for 3 to 5 minutes to thoroughly combine the materials. Longer mixing
weakens mortar. Compacting the base: To prevent
paved surfaces from settling and cracking later, you'll need to compact the soil and base
beneath them before you build.
Pressure Gauge - Purpose: To measure water pressure in residential plumbing. Pressure-Treated Lumber - Lumber that is impregnated under pressure with chemicals that inhibit the growth of mold and prevent rot. Pressure-treated lumber is particularly useful for situations where wood comes in contact with the ground or concrete, and for numerous outdoor building projects.
Pressure Washer - Other Names: Power washer. Programmable Timer Switch - Purpose: Turns lights on and off according to a programmable
schedule. Pulling El - A 90-degree conduit body. In building trade lingo, any right angle, elbow fitting is termed an "el." Push Nuts - Purpose: Splices up to four solid wires. PVC Cement - A clear, syrupy adhesive usually sold for joining white PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipe. PVC Pipe - Purpose: This familiar white plastic pipe is used mostly for
irrigation systems. In large sizes, it's now widely accepted for DWV systems. Quick-Connect Plugs - Light-duty replacement plugs. To install, snip off the old plug and insert the old cord into the new plug, according to package directions. Prongs inside the plug pierce the insulation when you close the plug (or a lever on top of it) eliminating any need to strip the wires.
R-Lamps - The R stands for reflector, an interior coating of aluminum that reflects light to the front of the bulb. Some fixtures, notably recessed types, trap light inside. Reflector lamps reduce this loss by projecting light out of the fixture and into the room. In these fixtures, a 50-watt R-lamp provides equivalent lighting and uses less energy than a 100-watt standard incandescent bulb. The number after the R is the bulb's wattage. Rabbet - A rectangular groove in the edge of the sash. Radiant Heat - Electromagnetic waves traveling in straight lines. Rafters - Rafters are the roof-framing members that provide support for sheathing and roofing. Rebar - Short for "reinforcing bar". This steel bar is embedded in concrete and masonry to strengthen it. Sold in 20-foot lengths and in various diameters. Rebar Bender - A rebar also has a built-in bender. With the handle up, lay the rebar between three heavy-duty pins on the bender's head, then push down the handle to bend the rebar. You can bend to any angle up to 90 degrees. Receptacle Cover - This cover fits standard duplex receptacles. These covers are also used to finish stack switches and switch/receptacle combinations. Receptacle Tester
Receptacles - Commonly referred to as plugs, outlets or sockets. Standard household receptacles come in white, ivory and brown. Decorator lines have more colors. For heavy-duty appliances, get a receptacle rated for the proper amperage. Recessed Lighting - These unobtrusive lights cost between $15 and $35 for the basic can. Each requires some sort of decorative trim ring. Some models include the ring. If you want to use compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) in a recessed light, be sure to get a model designed for it. CFLs require a different reflector to push their light down efficiently. With incandescent models, use reflector spots or floods. Reciprocating Saw - Other Names: Sawzall. Reducers: Bells and Bushings - Purpose: Transitions between different diameters of pipe Resistance - All materials, including wires, hamper the flow of electricity to some extent, converting some of the energy in the current to heat. Resistant to Heavy Wear - For surfaces subjected to heavy wear such as floors, furniture, countertops and other surfaces that are subject to heavy use. Resistant to Scrubbing - Paints able to withstand abrasion and household cleansers and detergents. Right-Angle Clamp - Right-angle clamps exit a wiring box at 90 degrees. Use these when you don't have room to bend armored cable into place. Right-Angle Drill - Purpose: Drilling holes in tight places. Rigid Metal Conduit - Purpose: Use for outdoor wiring that may be exposed to damage
(lawnmowers and cars are two common hazards). Rigid Plastic Conduit - Purpose: Underground wiring. Ring Latch - A latch you open by pivoting a ring off the end of a horizontal bar. Ring-Shanked Nail - A nail with raised edges along its shank--like threads in a screw--that make it hard to pull out. Ripping - Cutting in line with wood grain; to rip a board is to cut along its length. Rise - The vertical distance from the bottom to the top of a slope or step. Riser - The vertical part of a step. Rock Salt - Rock salt is lightly and evenly broadcast, then troweled into a surface. The salt dissolves after the surface is lightly washed and leaves pocks or voids in the surface. Roller - A metal or plastic drum you fill with water and roll over the lawn to tamp down soil or newly planted grass. Roll Size - Wallpaper is sold in two sizes: American rolls cover 36 sq. ft., European rolls cover 28 sq. ft. Roof Sheathing - Finish roofing materials are applied on top of roof sheathing, which serves to provide a flat, sound nailing base. Sheathing also strengthens your roof's structure. Common sheathing materials include plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), wood shingles, and 1-by-6's. Roofing Felt - Also called "underlayment," roofing felt is a thick, black, asphalt-impregnated, paper-like material. On your roof it provides an additional rain barrier. It is impervious enough to block out and shed rain but also porous enough to allow moisture and condensation to escape from your attic. Rubber mallet - A mallet with a rubber or plastic head, used to tap stones or masonry into place without chipping them. Run - The horizontal distance covered by a slope. Runoff - Rainwater or snow melt that runs over the ground instead of soaking in. It runs off because the ground is too steep, too hard, or too saturated with water.
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Typical Applications: Use
whenever cables or flexible conduit are notched into framing or run through holes too
close to the edge. 
Purpose: Pressure washers
make quick work of light-duty cleaning tasks such as washing cars, decks, siding and
driveways. They blast mildew off siding and decks to help restore the original color. They
deep-clean exterior siding for repainting, and they scour mold from sidewalks, patios and
walls.