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
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Designed for light and medium‑duty work including DIY projects. C2 grade tungsten carbide teeth; great value. |
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
|
Top tier for extreme‑duty. Finest hardened steel with fully ground C4/C6 carbide; maximum life and minimal equipment wear. |
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Indicates testing in our North American lab for quality, strength, and durability. |
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Dollar value shows the credit applied to your next EAB purchase when you return the used accessory. See how to exchange. |
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Reminder that most EAB products are recyclable. |
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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 |
|---|---|
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Green BladesValue 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. |
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Decking & FramingGEN/PRO blades for ripping and crosscutting dimensional lumber and composites. Tough ATB teeth for clean, fast cuts. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Miter‑WoodGEN chop‑saw blade for quick miter work; PRO/IND options for ultra‑smooth finishes on miter and radial arm saws with higher‑grade carbide. |
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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. |
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Ultra ThinExtra narrow kerf for faster, smoother cuts and minimal waste; ideal on veneers, paneling, fine hardwoods, and cordless/low‑power saws. |
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Melamine/LaminatesExtra‑fine finishing with TCG teeth and C3/C4 carbide; splinter‑free cuts in melamine, laminates, and hard plastics. |
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Fiber CementDesigned for HardiePlank®, Cemplank®, and other fiber cement with minimal dust. IND blades feature long‑lasting PCD teeth. |
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Miter‑AluminumFor non‑ferrous metals (aluminum, copper, brass). C6 carbide, TCG teeth, and −5° hook for fast, smooth, safe cutting. |
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MetalHeavy/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. |
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RAZORTOOTH®Ultimate finishing blades in PRO (C3) and IND (C4) for ultra‑smooth, mirror finishes on fine woods, veneers, and laminate flooring. |
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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° | ![]() |
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| ATB −5° | ![]() |
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| ATBR 4&1 | ![]() |
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| High ATB 35° | ![]() |
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| ATAF (Angled Face) | ![]() |
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| TCG | ![]() |
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| TCG 0° | ![]() |
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| TCG −5° | ![]() |
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| FTG | ![]() |
EAB MATERIAL ICONS
| Icon | Material | Icon | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
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Plywood | ![]() |
MDF Particle Board |
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Fiber Cement (HardiePlank® and Cemplank) | ![]() |
Vinyl Siding and PVC |
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Lumber < 2″ | ![]() |
MDF, Particle Board, Melamine, and Plastics |
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Laminates, Melamine, and Plastics | ![]() |
Hardwood, Paneling, and Veneers |
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Laminated counter top | ![]() |
Lumber > 2″ |
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Fiberglass and Plastics | ![]() |
Granite, Terrazzo, and Marble |
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Glass | ![]() |
Porcelain Tile |
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Ceramic Tile | ![]() |
Masonry and Concrete |
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PVC | ![]() |
Non‑ferrous Metals |
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Ferrous metals | ![]() |
Non‑ferrous Metals and PVC |
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Sheet Metal and Light Gauge Steel | ![]() |
Masonry and Brick |
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Stainless steel | ![]() |
Steel Studs and Light Gauge Steel |
EAB TOOL ICONS
| Icon | Tool |
|---|---|
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Angle Grinder |
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Caliper |
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Chop Saw |
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Cordless Circular Saw |
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Corded Circular Saw |
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High Impact Drill |
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Miter Saw |
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Radial Arm Saw |
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Table Saw |
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Worm Drive Circular Saw |
EAB CUTTING SYMBOLS
| Icon | Meaning |
|---|---|
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Designed to rip (cut with the grain) wood products |
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Designed to crosscut (cut across the grain) wood products |
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Designed to rip or crosscut wood products |
EAB CUTTING SYMBOLS FOR JIG SAWS
| Icon | Meaning |
|---|---|
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Straight rough cuts |
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Curved clean cuts |
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Straight clean cuts |
EAB ROUTER BIT ICONS
| Icon | Cut Type | Icon | Cut Type |
|---|---|---|---|
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Beading | ![]() |
Bevel Trim (22°) |
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Chamfer (45°) | ![]() |
Core Box |
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Corner Round | ![]() |
Cove |
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Double Roman Ogee | ![]() |
Dovetail |
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Flush Trim (Regular, Long, Short) | ![]() |
Hinge Mortise |
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Keyhole | ![]() |
Panel Pilot |
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Roman Ogee | ![]() |
Straight |
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Slot Cutter and Rabbeting | ![]() |
Top Bearing Flush Trim |
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Triple Bead | ![]() |
V Groove |
COMMONLY USED SAFETY SYMBOLS
The following icons caution users to stay safe.
| Icon | Meaning | Icon | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
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Important information. Read carefully. | ![]() |
Wear hearing protection. |
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Read owner’s manual. Follow all directions. | ![]() |
Wear a dust mask. |
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Unplug tool before changing accessories. | ![]() |
Wear hand protection. |
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Wear eye protection. |






























































































