DIY Glossary - M to O

Mallet

A wooden or rubber headed hammer. Used when a metal headed hammer would damage the object being struck.

Masking

The process of covering areas with tape, etc, to keep them free of paint when painting an adjacent area.

Mastic

A waterproof sealant that does not set, allowing limited movement of the joint around which it is applied.

Matt

A dull (non-shiny) finish. Usually associated with paint.

MCB

Stands for Miniature Circuit Breaker.

MDF

Stands for Medium Density Fibreboard. Strong board made of fibres and resin. Very easy to work with and available in a wide variety of grades, but dust can be harmful if inhaled.

Mitre, Mitre Joint

An angled cut made to allow the edges of two surfaces to join at a right angle. Results in a more pleasing finish than Butt Joints.

Mortise

A deep slot cut into wood to insert, for example, a mortise lock.

Nail Punch

A short pointed steel tool used to drive the head of a nail below the surface of wood, etc.

Newel, Newel Post

The supporting post at the top and bottom of a staircase.

Noggin

A horizontal supporting strut, used to strengthen a stud/partition wall.

Nosing

The part of a stair tread which overhangs.

Oilstone

A abrasive stone used, along with lubricant, to sharpen tools.

Orbital Sander

Power tool for smoothing wood.

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