Word Power

Do you know your adze from your auger? And what exactly is a grommet? Sharpen your verbal edge by mastering these words related to construction and tools, then check the shed—or the next page—for answers.

1. serrated ('seh-ray-ted) adj.— A: primed for painting. B: toothed like a saw. C: waterproof.

2. vise (viys) n.—a: clamp that holds an object in place. B: mechanism to lift a car. C: flaw in building materials.

3. adze (adz) n.—a: ax-like tool with a curved blade. B: small rubber mallet. C: piece of scrap wood.

4. flanged (flanjd) adj.—a: sealed with wax. B: with a protruding rim. C: wound tightly.

5. torque (tork) n.—a: twisting force. B: mechanical failure. C: electrical current.

6. auger ('ah-ger) n.—a: master woodworker. B: spiral drill bit. C: sailor’s knife.

7. dowel (dowl) n.—a: toilet plunger. B: peg. C: paint roller.

8. ferrule ('ferr-uhl) n.—a: beveled edge. B: tape measure. C: protective cap. 9. cambered ('kam-berd) adj.—a: encircled. B: arched. C: stained.

10. gauge (gayj) n.—a: deep groove. B: plumber’s wrench. C: measuring instrument.

11. loupe (loop) n.—a: cutter. B: gripper. C: magnifier.

12. awl (all) n.—a: pointed tool for piercing holes. B: large wheelbarrow. C: system of pulleys.

13. casters ('kass-terz) n.— A: swiveling wheels. B: ball bearings. C: fishing reels.

14. grommet ('grah-meht) n.— A: ring that reinforces. B: copper pipe. C: gutter.

15. kludge (klooj) n.—a: blueprint. B: makeshift solution. C: tangled wire.

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