GLOSSARY
A-D E-L M-S T-Z


Admixture A material other than Portland cement, aggregate or water that is added to concrete to modify its properties
Aggregate Materials such as sand, stone and gravel used to make concrete.
Assemblies This is where a pin and clip are put together and installed as one.
Cement One of the ingredients of concrete. Most cement used today is Portland cement, which is made from limestone mixed with shale, clay or other material.
Center Punch Test A procedure to follow when testing the suitability of a base material to use a powder actuated system.
Center-to-Center Spacing The distance between the center of one pin to the center of another pin.
Codes The enforceable standards and requirements covering the methods and materials used in all phases of construction projects.
Combination Load Both tensile and shear loads being applied to a fastening at the same time.
Compressive Strength The ability of concrete and masonry to withstand certain levels of pressure. The compressive strength of concrete is measured in pounds per square inch (psi).
Dead Load Permanently in place and supported by the structure during its life
Edge Distance The distance from the center of a fastener to any physical edge.
Fish Hook After the tool is actuated, the pin looks like a "Fish Hook." There is usually no holding power with a pin that has this bend.
Flute The orange material on the pin used to hold the fastener in the muzzle bushing of the tool and to keep it centered.
ICBO International Conference of Building Officials. This is one of the code bodies in the construction field.
Live Load Occupancy load and other loads stipulated by use.
Loads Also called boosters. The actual powder used to propel the piston down the barrel. There are different calibers (diameters) of loads as well as power levels.
Muzzle Bushing The part of the powder tool where the fastener is inserted.
Ogive The tapered point of a powder actuated fastener.
Semi-automatic Refers to another type of tool which can either load the pin or the load automatically and NOT one at a time.
Shank The long narrow portion of a powder actuated pin
Shear Load When a load is applied perpendicular to the axis of the fastener
Sill Plate Usually refers to a 2 x 4 or 2 x 6 lumber placed on the exterior wall.
Single Shot Tool Refers to the type of tool that the operator puts in one pin and one load at a time.
Spacing The distance from the center of a fastener to the center of the next closest one.
Spall The area around the pin which concrete has been blown away.
Spall Guard A rubber or metal shroud placed on the end of a powder actuated tool. Normally used when firing directly into the base material.
Static Load Loads applied in a constant, continuous way.
Tension Load When a load is applied along the axis of the fastener (commonly referred to as "pullout").
Tool Capacity This can refer to one of two things.
  • The length of pin the tool can handle safety.
  • The power level of the load the tool can handle safely
Ultimate Load The load at which the anchor will fail.