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Glossary of MuseumTrade Terms
There are currently 22 terms in this directory
Blind Panel Connector
Also known as a Coffin Lock, Casket Lock, or Butt-joint Fastener it's often used in scenic construction to join together stage decks or scenery in a butt joint. These are two part connectors (male and female) that draw together and lock. The two most common types are the cam and acceptor and more traditional hook and pin version. These devices generally use a hex key to operate the locking mechanism via a small diameter hole either through the face or rear of the panel. When locked, the considerable mechanical advantage offered by the cam or hook holds the panels tightly together. Coffin locks can be installed directly into a mortise-cut into each panel for total concealment except for the locking hole or mounted to the rear of the panels. Many small theaters use stock platforms with coffin locks built into the frames.
Submitted by: Matt IsbleBonnet
The top, often plexiglass, that goes over an object that we don't want visitors to touch or take. Also known as a vitrine, topper, or simply plex. Bonnet is a pretty cute name I must say.
Submitted by: Matt IsbleCourtesy Tabs
When you fold the end of a tape edge so it's easier for the next person to get it off.
Submitted by: Matt IsbleFour Wheeler
Wood holding four-wheel in place. It's usually strips of solid hardwood or sometimes a sheet of plywood. They often utilize a grippy or carpeted material. Some are mostly flat, others have raised bumps on either side. Organizations can have several types on hand to fit different situations.
Submitted by: Matt IsblePainters Tape
Also known as Blue Tape, painter’s tapes remove cleanly after the job is done – up to a certain amount of time – while masking tapes tend to leave residue behind if left up for the duration of a paint project. Most painter’s tapes are packaged in some kind of label with a clean removal claim that lets users know how long the tape can be left up and still remove cleanly. The amount of clean removal time can be anywhere from a few days to several weeks – depending on the tape’s quality and construction. If you know that your project will last for a week or more, it is always a good best practice to use a tape that is designed to remove cleanly for the duration of your job.
Painter’s tapes are designed to be used with paint – and to prevent paint from bleeding into masked off areas. Some general-purpose masking tapes can pucker or wrinkle when they come in contact with latex paints, which can allow paint to seep under the tape. On the opposite side of the spectrum, there are some painter’s tapes that go through an extra step in the manufacturing process which treats the edges with an absorbent polymer that acts as a barrier to keep paint out. These tapes deliver extra sharp paint lines and are particularly useful for painting stripes, shapes, or decorative patterns on walls or other surfaces.
Submitted by: Matt IsblePainter’s tapes are designed to be used with paint – and to prevent paint from bleeding into masked off areas. Some general-purpose masking tapes can pucker or wrinkle when they come in contact with latex paints, which can allow paint to seep under the tape. On the opposite side of the spectrum, there are some painter’s tapes that go through an extra step in the manufacturing process which treats the edges with an absorbent polymer that acts as a barrier to keep paint out. These tapes deliver extra sharp paint lines and are particularly useful for painting stripes, shapes, or decorative patterns on walls or other surfaces.
Personnel Lift
Usually small enough for just one person (which is why they are often also called "bucket lifts"), these lifts elevate technicians high into the air. Usually at least 12 feet, but 15' and 20' are not unheard of. Some require use of outriggers which are a paint to use, some just let you elevate without set up. Some are pushed around by hand, some are motorized (which is super sweet).
Submitted by: Matt IsbleScrew Driver - Phillips
The tip that engages with the screw looks like a plus sign or cross. It\'s probably the screw head you\'ve seen most (at least in the United States). Phillips screwdrivers come in several standard sizes, ranging from tiny \"jeweler\'s\" to those used for automobile frame assembly—or #000 to #4 respectively. This size number is usually stamped onto the shank (shaft) or handle for identification. Each bit size fits a range of screw sizes, more or less well. Each Phillips screwdriver size also has a related shank diameter. The driver has a 57° point and tapered, unsharp (rounded) flutes. The #1 and smaller bits come to a blunt point, but the #2 and above have no point, but rather a nearly squared-off tip, making each size incompatible with the other.
The design is often criticized for its tendency to cam out at lower torque levels than other \"cross head\" designs, an effect caused by the tapered profile of the flutes which makes them easier to insert into the screw than other similar styles. There has long been a popular belief that this was actually a deliberate feature of the design. Evidence is lacking for this specific narrative and the feature is not mentioned in the original patents. However, a subsequent refinement to the original design described in US Patent #2,474,994 describes this feature.
The design is often criticized for its tendency to cam out at lower torque levels than other \"cross head\" designs, an effect caused by the tapered profile of the flutes which makes them easier to insert into the screw than other similar styles. There has long been a popular belief that this was actually a deliberate feature of the design. Evidence is lacking for this specific narrative and the feature is not mentioned in the original patents. However, a subsequent refinement to the original design described in US Patent #2,474,994 describes this feature.
Screw Driver - Standard or Slotted
Hopefully this is the head you\'ve seen the least, but it\'s still out there, for some reason. The tool used to drive a slotted screw head is called a standard, common blade, flat-blade, slot-head, straight, flat, flat-tip or \"flat-head\" screwdriver. This last usage can be confusing, because the term flat-head also describes a screw with a flat top, designed to install in a countersunk hole. Furthermore, the term implies that a screwdriver has a \"head\"; it does not. Such a flat-headed screw may have a slotted, cross, square recessed, or combination head. Before the development of the newer bit types, the flat-blade was called the \"Common-Blade\", because it was the most common one. Depending on the application, the name of this screwdriver may differ. Within the automotive/heavy electric industries, it is known as a \"flat head screwdriver\"; within the avionics and mining industries, it is known as a \"standard screwdriver\". Though there are many names, the original device from 1908 was known as a \"flat-head screw turner\".
Among slotted screwdrivers, variations at the blade or bit end involve the profile of the blade as viewed face-on (from the side of the tool). The more common type is sometimes called keystone, where the blade profile is slightly flared before tapering off at the end, which provides extra stiffness to the workface and makes it capable of withstanding more torque. To maximize access in space-restricted applications, the cabinet variant screwdriver blade sides are straight and parallel, reaching the end of the blade at a right angle. This design is also frequently used in jeweler\'s screwdrivers.
Many textbooks and vocational schools instruct mechanics to grind down the tip of the blade, which, due to the taper, increases its thickness and consequently allows more precise engagement with the slot in the screw. This approach creates a set of graduated slotted screwdrivers that fit a particular screw for a tighter engagement and reduce screw head deformation. However, many better-quality screwdriver blades are already induction-hardened (surface heat-treated), and tip grinding after manufacture compromises their durability. Thus, it is best to select a tip made to fit precisely to begin with, and avoid weakening the factory heat-treatment.
Submitted by: Matt IsbleAmong slotted screwdrivers, variations at the blade or bit end involve the profile of the blade as viewed face-on (from the side of the tool). The more common type is sometimes called keystone, where the blade profile is slightly flared before tapering off at the end, which provides extra stiffness to the workface and makes it capable of withstanding more torque. To maximize access in space-restricted applications, the cabinet variant screwdriver blade sides are straight and parallel, reaching the end of the blade at a right angle. This design is also frequently used in jeweler\'s screwdrivers.
Many textbooks and vocational schools instruct mechanics to grind down the tip of the blade, which, due to the taper, increases its thickness and consequently allows more precise engagement with the slot in the screw. This approach creates a set of graduated slotted screwdrivers that fit a particular screw for a tighter engagement and reduce screw head deformation. However, many better-quality screwdriver blades are already induction-hardened (surface heat-treated), and tip grinding after manufacture compromises their durability. Thus, it is best to select a tip made to fit precisely to begin with, and avoid weakening the factory heat-treatment.
Screwdriver - Square, Robertson, or Scrulox
These heads engage very well with the bit and slip less than Phillips and Slotted screwdrivers. What I love them for is their small heads (also a reason to not use them). They are great for securing mounts to walls or decks and situations like that, when you want a minimal profile.
Robertson, also known as a square, or Scrulox screw drive has a square-shaped socket in the screw head and a square protrusion on the tool. Both the tool and the socket have a taper, which makes inserting the tool easier, and also tends to help keep the screw on the tool tip without the user needing to hold it there. (The taper's earliest reason for being was to make the manufacture of the screws practical using cold forming of the heads, but its other advantages helped popularize the drive.) Robertson screws are commonplace in Canada, though they have been used elsewhere, and have become much more common in other countries in recent decades. Robertson screwdrivers are easy to use one-handed, because the tapered socket tends to retain the screw, even if it is shaken. They also allow for the use of angled screw drivers and trim head screws. The socket-headed Robertson screws are self-centering, reduce cam out, stop a power tool when set, and can be removed if painted over or old and rusty. In industry, they speed up production and reduce product damage. One of their first major industrial uses was the Ford Motor Company's Model A & Model T production. Henry Ford found them highly reliable and saved considerable production time, but he couldn't secure licensing for them in the United States, so he limited their use solely to his Canadian division. Robertson-head screwdrivers are available in a standard range of tip sizes, from 1.77mm to 4.85mm.
Submitted by: Matt IsbleRobertson, also known as a square, or Scrulox screw drive has a square-shaped socket in the screw head and a square protrusion on the tool. Both the tool and the socket have a taper, which makes inserting the tool easier, and also tends to help keep the screw on the tool tip without the user needing to hold it there. (The taper's earliest reason for being was to make the manufacture of the screws practical using cold forming of the heads, but its other advantages helped popularize the drive.) Robertson screws are commonplace in Canada, though they have been used elsewhere, and have become much more common in other countries in recent decades. Robertson screwdrivers are easy to use one-handed, because the tapered socket tends to retain the screw, even if it is shaken. They also allow for the use of angled screw drivers and trim head screws. The socket-headed Robertson screws are self-centering, reduce cam out, stop a power tool when set, and can be removed if painted over or old and rusty. In industry, they speed up production and reduce product damage. One of their first major industrial uses was the Ford Motor Company's Model A & Model T production. Henry Ford found them highly reliable and saved considerable production time, but he couldn't secure licensing for them in the United States, so he limited their use solely to his Canadian division. Robertson-head screwdrivers are available in a standard range of tip sizes, from 1.77mm to 4.85mm.
Volara
Volara is a closed-celled, irradiation cross-linked polyolefin foam, available in roll and sheet form. It offers aesthetic appeal as well as an outstanding range of performance characteristics. Its smooth surface, consistent density, and uniform gauge offer superior physical properties.
Volara foams are resistant to most chemicals and their low water absorption and vapor transmission rate make them a versatile, dependable foam solution. Their polyolefin foam reaches to virtually all markets such as transportation, general industrial, industrial tape, recreation & leisure, and tape & medical.
It's perfect for supporting delicate works of art. It's supple and resilient. It makes a great gasket between pieces in a crate or on display.
Volara is a closed-celled, irradiation cross-linked polyolefin foam, available in roll and sheet form. It offers aesthetic appeal as well as an outstanding range of performance characteristics. Its smooth surface, consistent density, and uniform gauge offer superior physical properties.
Volara foams are resistant to most chemicals and their low water absorption and vapor transmission rate make them a versatile, dependable foam solution. Their polyolefin foam reaches to virtually all markets such as transportation, general industrial, industrial tape, recreation & leisure, and tape & medical.
It's perfect for supporting delicate works of art. It's supple and resilient. It makes a great gasket between pieces in a crate or on display.
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