Explaining Tool Slang and Nicknames

Throughout many industries, slang or specific words have become familiar names for products. Some are regional, such as a soft drink being called a pop, soda, or “Coke.” Some are brand names that have become synonymous with a specific product, such as many people calling gelatin ” Jello” or tissues “Kleenex.”

The tool industry is no stranger to this concept, causing much debate in shops and garages. From reciprocating saws to miter saws, there are slang and nicknames for almost every tool in your box. We reached out via Instagram for lingo/slang you’ve heard over the years. We’ve used that list to help beginning craftsmen learn the industry jargon, so they can do their best work.

Saws

Saws face the largest name variance in the industry. First, there is the chop saw versus miter saw debate. The saws are similar to each other, but one is more versatile than the other. A chop saw is larger and more powerful but can only make 90-degree cuts. On the other hand, a miter saw swivels left and right to make angled, beveled, and compound cuts. 

Second, one of the most common tools in every garage is the circular saw. It faces slang and the brand name conundrum, sometimes called a sidewinder. Although, the circular saw gets labeled with one of the more common brands, SKILSAW. 

Lastly, reciprocating saws are the same as circular saws. They are often called reciprocals or identified as Sawzall, even though Milwaukee has a specific brand name for them. Ultimately, each name is common; everyone will understand what you’re referencing.

Wrenches

Wrenches are another large group of tools that tend to be known by various names. Beginning with crescent wrenches, it gets a little confusing. A crescent wrench is sometimes called an adjustable wrench or an adjustable spanner wrench in some parts of the world. Don’t get an adjustable spanner confused with an adjustable hook wrench, also called an adjustable pin spanner wrench.

In the plumbing world, you may run into a monkey wrench versus a pipe wrench debate. They look almost the same and serve similar purposes, but they each have their own specialties. A pipe wrench is commonly used in the plumbing industry and features slightly curved serrated jaws to hold round objects better. A monkey wrench also has serrated jaws, but features straight jaws and is usually used to loosen and tighten hex bolts.

Other Tools

A handful of other outliers exist in the industry, such as the oscillating multi-tool or simply multi-tool. Other names for the multi-tool are a vibrating saw, or simply a vibrator, and a buzz saw because of the tool’s sound while in use.

Then there is a HILTI drill or pretty much any HILTI tool, but the most common tool is a hammer drill. On the job site, there often is only one drill, so it’s commonly known as “The HILTI.”

Finally, there are Kleins or linesman pliers, which are usually heard in the electrical industry. Because Klein Tools is one of the largest pliers manufacturers in the market, it becomes a case of a brand name being associated with a tool.

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