Construction Tools And Materials

noun a roll of cloth or wallpaper of a definite length

verb to move or run away suddenly

• The mechanic used a bolt to secure the metal beams in place.
• Make sure to bolt the door before we leave.
• I bolted as soon as I saw my ex at the party.
• Her sudden decision to quit her job was like a bolt out of the blue.

noun a waterproof filler and sealant, used in building work and repairs

verb to fill or seal with caulk

• The contractor used caulk to seal the gaps in the window frames.
• I need to pick up some caulk from the hardware store for the bathroom renovation.
• I'll just slap some caulk on there and call it a day.
• She tried to caulk the emotional wounds with distractions, but they kept resurfacing.

noun a tool or fastener used to clinch nails or bolts

• The clincher in the contract negotiations was the inclusion of a non-compete clause.
• The clincher for me was when they said there would be free food at the event.
• The clincher for us to go to the concert was when we found out our favorite band would be performing.
• The final goal scored in overtime was the clincher that secured the team's victory.

noun a slight hollow in a hard surface, typically caused by an impact or pressure

verb to make a dent in something, typically by impacting or applying pressure

• The dentist filled in the small dent in the patient's tooth.
• I accidentally made a dent in my car door when I opened it too quickly.
• My brother's new car is so cool, not a dent on it!
• The recent scandal put a dent in the company's reputation.

noun a part of the body at the end of the arm, consisting of fingers and a thumb

verb to give or pass something to someone

• Please hand me the document when you have a moment.
• Can you hand me that pen over there?
• Hey, hand me a slice of pizza, will ya?
• She played her cards close to her chest, not revealing her hand.

verb to set free; release

adjective not firmly or tightly fixed in place; detached or able to be detached

• The bolt was loose and needed to be tightened immediately.
• I always feel more comfortable in loose clothing.
• I can't believe you're still hanging out with that loose cannon.
• After the breakup, she felt like a loose thread in the fabric of her life.

noun the act of choosing or selecting something

verb to remove unwanted items or objects from a group

• I will need to carefully pick the most qualified candidate for the job.
• Can you help me pick out a new outfit for the party?
• Let's pick up some snacks before heading to the movies.
• She had to pick up the pieces of her broken heart and move on.

noun the act of smoothing or polishing a surface using sandpaper or a similar abrasive material

• The carpenter spent hours sanding the wooden table to achieve a smooth finish.
• I'm sanding down this old dresser to give it a fresh look.
• I hate sanding, it's such a pain!
• She felt like she was constantly sanding away at her rough edges to become a better person.

noun a sudden increase or rise in something, such as a graph or chart

verb to add alcohol or drugs to a drink without someone's knowledge

adjective being at a high point or peak

adverb in a sharp or sudden manner

• The sudden spike in interest rates caused a ripple effect throughout the economy.
• I can't believe how the prices spiked up overnight!
• Did you see the spike in her hair? It looks so cool!
• Her emotions spiked when she saw her ex with someone else.

noun a fast pace or speed

adjective describing something that is moving or happening quickly

noun a metal ring or cap placed around the end of a wooden pole or handle to prevent splitting

• The ferrule on the end of the pencil helps hold the eraser in place.
• Make sure you don't lose the ferrule from your pencil.
• I accidentally broke the ferrule off my pencil while fidgeting with it.
• The ferrule of tradition kept the family together during tough times.