There are a number of tools that are called radius tools. Some of the more common tools referred to by this name are machines that cut circular shapes and tools that measure the radius of circles. Advances in technology have also created computer mapping tools that can locate shops or landmarks within a certain radius and computer programs that users can access from remote locations. There are also garden tools ergonomically designed to remain parallel to the radius arm bone that are called radius tools.
In machinery, a radius tool, also called a radius cutting tool or a ball and radius turning tool, is a piece of equipment used to cut circles or circular shapes. By rotating a cutting blade around a stationary axis, the radius cutting tool can create curves in a variety of materials, including wood, brass, plastic and steel. There are also handheld radius tools that resemble a compass with a cutting blade at the one end; these often are used for inlay work.
For measuring the radius of circles, there is a different type of radius tool available. The digital radius caliper can be used to measure the radius of an incomplete circle by using the principles of geometry. The computer inside this tool is able to calculate the circumference of a circle, even when only a portion of that circle is accessible or present. The circumference can then be used to determine the radius.
In computer map programs, a radius tool is often included as a part of the search engine. To narrow search results, a person can choose to look for types of businesses within only a certain radius of a specified location. This is also used in global positioning systems (GPS) to locate things within a certain radius of a person’s present location.
Remote Authentication Dial In User Service (RADIUS) is a computer program that uses another type of radius tool. Internet service providers use RADIUS in order to authenticate users who access the service by dialing in. A RADIUS Testing Tool can be used to monitor certain aspects of the RADIUS system, including whether or not the system is running.
Radius garden tools are a recent development in ergonomic design. In these tools, the word radius refers to one of the two bones in the forearm. These tools are designed to be held so the blade of the tool is positioned parallel to the radius bone, which places the wrist in a neutral position and increases the amount of strength that can be applied to the tool.
