Architecture and Construction - Measuring and Drafting Tools

Here you will learn some English words related to measuring and drafting tools such as "stud finder", "clinometer", and "prism pole".

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voltage tester [noun]

a handheld tool used to determine the presence or absence of electrical voltage in a circuit or electrical outlet

Ex: The technician grabbed his voltage tester to make sure the power was turned off before replacing the fuse .

multimeter [noun]

an electrical testing device that combines multiple measurement functions in one tool, typically used to measure voltage, current, and resistance in electrical circuits

Ex: The technician used the multimeter to measure the voltage in the power supply .

circuit breaker finder [noun]

a device used to locate and identify specific circuit breakers in an electrical panel or distribution board

Ex: The electrician used the circuit breaker finder to pinpoint which breaker was connected to the faulty outlet .

megohmmeter [noun]

a specialized electrical testing instrument used to measure the resistance or insulation quality of electrical insulation materials, such as wires, cables, motors, and transformers

Ex: When troubleshooting electrical problems , a megohmmeter can help identify issues with the insulation of wiring .

circuit analyzer [noun]

a device used to check the electrical condition of outlets, circuits, and wiring in buildings

Ex: After the power went out , the technician grabbed the circuit analyzer to diagnose the problem .

tape measure [noun]

a flexible measuring tool consisting of a long strip of metal, cloth, or plastic with measurement markings, used to measure lengths and distances accurately

Ex: The tailor used a tape measure to take precise measurements for the custom-made suit .

steel square [noun]

a measuring and marking tool with a straight edge and a perpendicular arm, typically made of steel, used in carpentry and construction for checking right angles and laying out accurate measurements

Ex: The builder double-checked the roof angles with a steel square to avoid mistakes .

wood moisture meter [noun]

a handheld device that measures the moisture content in wood for woodworking and construction purposes

Ex: The inspector used a wood moisture meter to ensure the lumber met building standards .

chalk line [noun]

a carpentry tool consisting of a reel or container filled with powdered chalk and a string, used to create a straight reference line on a surface by snapping the string coated with chalk

Ex: The mason stretched a chalk line across the foundation to align the first row of bricks .

electrical meter [noun]

a device used to measure and monitor the amount of electrical energy consumed in a building or specific electrical circuit

Ex: The homeowner monitored energy usage with an electrical meter to identify which appliances consumed the most power .

yardstick [noun]

a long, slender measuring tool typically made of wood or metal and marked with measurements in yards, feet, and inches

stud finder [noun]

a handheld device that utilizes electronic or magnetic sensors to detect the presence and location of wooden or metal studs hidden behind drywall or other wall materials

Ex: I always use a stud finder to avoid drilling into electrical wires or pipes in the wall .

level [noun]

an instrument showing horizontal alignment when a bubble is centered in a liquid tube

Ex:

sliding bevel [noun]

a woodworking tool consisting of a handle and an adjustable blade that can be set and locked at any angle

Ex: She used a sliding bevel to match the angles on the new door frame .

laser level [noun]

a tool that emits a visible laser beam to project a straight, level, or plumb line onto a surface, facilitating precise alignment and positioning during construction, carpentry, or other projects

Ex: The laser level made the process of hanging pictures much easier and faster .

spirit level [noun]

a tool consisting of a vial filled with liquid and an air bubble used to determine horizontal or vertical alignment

Ex: The carpenter used a spirit level to verify the floorboards were even .

torpedo level [noun]

a compact level with multiple vials, including horizontal, vertical, and 45-degree angles, commonly used in tight spaces for accurate leveling

Ex: She used the 45-degree vial on the torpedo level to check the angle of the stairs .

box level [noun]

a long level with multiple vials used for measuring horizontal, vertical, and 45-degree angles, providing accurate leveling over larger surfaces

Ex: The builder checked the foundation with a box level before starting the construction .

line level [noun]

a small level designed to be attached to a string or line to ensure proper alignment in a horizontal plane

Ex: The surveyor relied on the line level to make sure the new building foundation was level across the entire site .

digital level [noun]

an electronic tool that utilizes sensors to measure angles and provides digital readouts of level or plumb measurements, offering precise and convenient leveling capabilities

Ex: Using a digital level , the tiler ensured the floor tiles were laid flat and even .

transit level [noun]

a surveying instrument that combines a telescope with a spirit level, used for measuring horizontal and vertical angles, as well as distances, in surveying and construction projects

Ex: Using a transit level , the construction team set the correct grade for the drainage system .

clinometer [noun]

a specialized level or angle-measuring tool used for determining the angle of slope or inclination in various applications such as forestry, construction, and surveying

Ex: The forestry technician used a clinometer to measure the height of the tree by calculating its angle to the top .

machinist level [noun]

a precision tool used in machining and metalworking to ensure the flatness and alignment of machine surfaces, providing accurate measurements for precise machining operations

Ex: Before beginning assembly , the engineer used the machinist level to check the machine ’s foundation .

mason's level [noun]

a specialized level used in masonry work, typically featuring one or two vials, and is designed to assist in aligning bricks, blocks, or other construction materials accurately

Ex:

plumb bob [noun]

a weight attached to a string or line used by plumbers and builders to establish vertical alignment and ensure accuracy in construction

Ex: The carpenter attached a plumb bob to the ceiling to measure the height of the walls .

carpenter's level [noun]

a heavy-duty level commonly used in carpentry and woodworking, featuring multiple vials for precise leveling of surfaces, ensuring accuracy in construction and installation projects

Ex:

concrete slump test [noun]

a test measuring the consistency of a concrete mix, mainly performed in a lab or at the site of construction

Ex: They used the concrete slump test to verify that the concrete would flow easily into the mold .

total station [noun]

an electronic surveying instrument that combines an electronic theodolite for measuring angles and a distance meter for measuring distances

Ex: The construction crew relied on the total station to ensure all corners of the building were perfectly square .

theodolite [noun]

precision optical instrument used for measuring horizontal and vertical angles in surveying and engineering applications

Ex: The team used a theodolite to accurately map the terrain before starting the road construction project .

penetrometer [noun]

a device used to measure the consistency or firmness of materials by assessing the depth of penetration of a probe or needle into the substance

Ex: Before laying the foundation , the construction team used a penetrometer to ensure the ground was stable .

compaction hammer [noun]

a device used to assess the compaction properties and density of soil or asphalt by delivering a standardized impact to the surface and measuring the resulting resistance or penetration

Ex: The operator carefully used the compaction hammer to level the surface and prevent future settling .

leveling rod [noun]

a graduated rod used in surveying to determine differences in elevation or establish benchmarks

Ex: After setting up the total station , the crew member held the leveling rod in place while the surveyor took the readings .

dumpy level [noun]

a surveying instrument used to establish horizontal levels and measure height differences

Ex: The construction crew checked the level of the floor with a dumpy level before laying down tiles .

measuring wheel [noun]

a wheel-like device with a calibrated measuring mechanism used to measure distances on the ground

Ex: The team used a measuring wheel to assess the size of the area for the new playground installation .

protractor [noun]

a measuring instrument used to measure and draw angles

Ex: The protractor helped the student draw precise angles for the math assignment .

prism pole [noun]

a telescopic pole with a prism on top used in surveying for accurate measurements and positioning

Ex: A prism pole is essential for collecting data when using a total station during land surveying .

architect's scale [noun]

specialized ruler with different scales for accurately measuring and drawing scaled plans and elevations

Ex:

drafting board [noun]

flat surface used by architects and drafters for manual drawing and drafting

Ex: After gathering all his tools , the designer placed them neatly around the drafting board .

T-square [noun]

a straightedge tool with a perpendicular crosspiece used in conjunction with a drafting board for drawing straight lines and right angles

Ex: He placed the T-square along the edge of the drafting board to ensure the lines were level .

compass [noun]

an instrument with two legs, one holding a point and the other a pencil, used for drawing circles or arcs

Ex: He adjusted the compass to make a perfect circle .

French curve [noun]

a flexible curved ruler used for drawing smooth curves and irregular shapes

Ex:

scale ruler [noun]

a specialized ruler with multiple scales for accurately representing measurements on a drawing, such as architectural or engineering scales

Ex: The designer pulled out a scale ruler to convert the measurements on the sketch to real-world sizes .

drafting triangle [noun]

a triangular ruler used for drawing straight lines and angles, commonly available in 30-60-90 and 45-45-90 degree configurations

Ex: The engineer relied on the drafting triangle to make sure all the lines were straight and angled correctly .

drafting pencil [noun]

a mechanical or lead pencil with various lead thicknesses (e.g., 0.5mm, 0.7mm) for precise and consistent lines

Ex: She prefers a 2H drafting pencil because it creates fine , precise lines for her technical drawings .

carpenter pencil [noun]

a rectangular or octagonal-shaped pencil with a flat, wide lead, commonly used in woodworking and carpentry for marking and drawing lines on various materials

Ex: The carpenter pencil ’s flat shape made it easy to hold while working on the project .

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