Glossary of Commonly Used Power Tool Terms and Symbols

Here is a quick reference for terms and symbols that might need an explanation.

COMMONLY USED ACRONYMS

Term Meaning
Anti-kick or AKB Anti-kickback — safety device on power tool accessories to help prevent grabbing and kickback of the work piece
ATB Alternating Top Bevel — saw blade tooth profile
ATBR Alternating Top Bevel with Raker — saw blade tooth profile
C1, C2, C3, C4, C6 Carbide tooth hardness grade — higher number = harder, longer-lasting, but more brittle
DKO Diamond knock-out — type of saw blade arbor
DIY Do-it-yourself
HCS High carbon steel — softer steel suited to wood cutting only
Hook Angle Tooth angle: high = faster/more aggressive; low/negative = smoother/less aggressive
RPM Revolutions per minute
PCD Poly‑crystalline diamond
Segmented, Turbo, Continuous Diamond blade cutting configurations
SDS Slotted drive system/shaft — tool retention system for rotary hammer drills
Shank Shaft/stem of a power tool accessory that attaches to the tool
TCG Triple chip grind — saw blade tooth profile
Tooth Grade Tooth hardness — see C1, C2, C3, C4, C6
U Shank Universal jigsaw blade shank — fits most jigsaws
T Shank T‑shank jigsaw blade — common on Bosch and many modern jigsaws

EAB COMMONLY USED SYMBOLS

Icon Meaning
General Quality icon

General Quality
Designed for light and medium‑duty work including DIY projects. C2 grade tungsten carbide teeth; great value.
Professional Quality icon

Professional Quality
For heavy‑duty needs. High‑grade carbide, precision grinding (top, sides, face). Hardened plates and thinner kerfs for finer results and less tool wear.
Industrial Quality icon

Industrial Quality
Top tier for extreme‑duty. Finest hardened steel with fully ground C4/C6 carbide; maximum life and minimal equipment wear.
EAB Tested icon Indicates testing in our North American lab for quality, strength, and durability.
Exchange credit icon Dollar value shows the credit applied to your next EAB purchase when you return the used accessory. See how to exchange.
Recyclable icon Reminder that most EAB products are recyclable.
All steel blade icon All steel blade with no carbide tips.

BLADE TYPE COLOR CODES

A quick guide to selecting the right blade for you and your job

Icon Description
Green Blades icon

Green Blades

Value choice for many jobs; an ideal introduction to the green exchange system. Available for framing and finishing; made without chromium and with recycled carbide content.

Decking and Framing icon

Decking & Framing

GEN/PRO blades for ripping and crosscutting dimensional lumber and composites. Tough ATB teeth for clean, fast cuts.

Razor Back icon

RAZOR BACK®

Heavy‑duty accuracy under high heat. Embedded sock tooth design minimizes tooth loss; anti‑kickback shoulder reduces grabbing; fine edge for fast, smooth cutting.

All Purpose icon

All Purpose (Planer Combination)

ATBR (4&1) tooth configuration for fast ripping and semi‑smooth crosscuts across wood types — a must‑have for contractors and DIYers.

Miter-Wood icon

Miter‑Wood

GEN chop‑saw blade for quick miter work; PRO/IND options for ultra‑smooth finishes on miter and radial arm saws with higher‑grade carbide.

Finishing icon

Finishing (Shelving & Cabinetry)

GEN/PRO blades for softwoods & hardwoods where smooth finishes are required. PRO recommended for splinter‑free cuts on molding, paneling, veneers, and fine hardwoods.

Ultra Thin icon

Ultra Thin

Extra narrow kerf for faster, smoother cuts and minimal waste; ideal on veneers, paneling, fine hardwoods, and cordless/low‑power saws.

Melamine/Laminates icon

Melamine/Laminates

Extra‑fine finishing with TCG teeth and C3/C4 carbide; splinter‑free cuts in melamine, laminates, and hard plastics.

Fiber Cement icon

Fiber Cement

Designed for HardiePlank®, Cemplank®, and other fiber cement with minimal dust. IND blades feature long‑lasting PCD teeth.

Miter-Aluminum icon

Miter‑Aluminum

For non‑ferrous metals (aluminum, copper, brass). C6 carbide, TCG teeth, and −5° hook for fast, smooth, safe cutting.

Metal cutting icon

Metal

Heavy/extreme‑duty blades for mild steel roofing, siding, and ≤ .062 gauge studs. Hardened plates, thin kerfs, chip‑limiting shoulders, and 0° hook reduce jams and overheating.

RazorTooth icon

RAZORTOOTH®

Ultimate finishing blades in PRO (C3) and IND (C4) for ultra‑smooth, mirror finishes on fine woods, veneers, and laminate flooring.

LaserLine icon

LASERLINE®

Precision 10″ blades with C4 tips, laser‑cut plates, and anti‑noise/vibration vents for all purpose, melamine, miter‑wood, and miter‑aluminum cutting.

For more information about selecting the right blade.

BLADE TEETH CONFIGURATIONS

The following icons indicate blade materials and tooth configurations.

C2 C3 C4 C6 PCD
ATB 15° ATB 15° C2 ATB 15° C3 ATB 15° C4
ATB −5° ATB −5° C3 ATB −5° C4
ATBR 4&1 ATBR 4&1 C2
High ATB 35° High ATB 35° C3 High ATB 35° C4
ATAF (Angled Face) ATAF C3
TCG TCG C3 TCG C4 TCG C6
TCG 0° TCG 0° C6
TCG −5° TCG −5° C6
FTG FTG PCD

EAB MATERIAL ICONS

Icon Material Icon Material
Plywood icon Plywood MDF/Particle Board icon MDF Particle Board
Fiber Cement icon Fiber Cement (HardiePlank® and Cemplank) Vinyl/PVC icon Vinyl Siding and PVC
Lumber < 2 inch icon Lumber < 2″ MDF/Particle Board/Melamine/Plastics icon MDF, Particle Board, Melamine, and Plastics
Laminates/Melamine/Plastics icon Laminates, Melamine, and Plastics Hardwood/Paneling/Veneers icon Hardwood, Paneling, and Veneers
Laminated countertop icon Laminated counter top Lumber > 2 inch icon Lumber > 2″
Fiberglass/Plastics icon Fiberglass and Plastics Granite, Terrazzo, and Marble
Glass icon Glass Porcelain tile icon Porcelain Tile
Ceramic tile icon Ceramic Tile Masonry/Concrete icon Masonry and Concrete
PVC icon PVC Non‑ferrous metals icon Non‑ferrous Metals
Ferrous metals icon Ferrous metals Non‑ferrous metals and PVC icon Non‑ferrous Metals and PVC
Sheet metal/light gauge steel icon Sheet Metal and Light Gauge Steel Masonry/brick icon Masonry and Brick
Stainless steel icon Stainless steel Steel studs/light gauge steel icon Steel Studs and Light Gauge Steel

EAB TOOL ICONS

Icon Tool
Angle grinder icon Angle Grinder
Caliper icon Caliper
Chop saw icon Chop Saw
Cordless circular saw icon Cordless Circular Saw
Corded circular saw icon Corded Circular Saw
High‑impact drill icon High Impact Drill
Miter saw icon Miter Saw
Radial arm saw icon Radial Arm Saw
Table saw icon Table Saw
Worm‑drive circular saw icon Worm Drive Circular Saw

EAB CUTTING SYMBOLS

Icon Meaning
Rip cut icon Designed to rip (cut with the grain) wood products
Crosscut icon Designed to crosscut (cut across the grain) wood products
Rip or crosscut icon Designed to rip or crosscut wood products

EAB CUTTING SYMBOLS FOR JIG SAWS

Icon Meaning
Straight rough cuts icon Straight rough cuts
Curved clean cuts icon Curved clean cuts
Straight clean cuts icon Straight clean cuts

EAB ROUTER BIT ICONS

Icon Cut Type Icon Cut Type
Beading icon Beading Bevel trim 22° icon Bevel Trim (22°)
Chamfer 45° icon Chamfer (45°) Core box icon Core Box
Corner round icon Corner Round Cove icon Cove
Double Roman Ogee icon Double Roman Ogee Dovetail icon Dovetail
Flush trim regular/long/short icon Flush Trim (Regular, Long, Short) Hinge mortise icon Hinge Mortise
Keyhole icon Keyhole Panel Pilot
Roman Ogee icon Roman Ogee Straight bit icon Straight
Slot Cutter and Rabbeting Top‑bearing flush trim icon Top Bearing Flush Trim
Triple Bead V‑groove icon V Groove

COMMONLY USED SAFETY SYMBOLS

The following icons caution users to stay safe.

Icon Meaning Icon Meaning
Important information icon Important information. Read carefully. Wear hearing protection icon Wear hearing protection.
Read owner's manual icon Read owner’s manual. Follow all directions. Wear dust mask icon Wear a dust mask.
Unplug tool icon Unplug tool before changing accessories. Wear hand protection icon Wear hand protection.
Wear eye protection icon Wear eye protection.