Archive Replay Monday, September 29, 2025

Sign of the Day

drill stop

The BSL sign for 'drill stop' uses a dominant F-hand sliding down a non-dominant G-hand index finger, then stopping, to visually represent a drill bit hitting a depth stop

B1 Uncommon Noun British Sign Language (BSL) Technical
Daily focus
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Level B1
Frequency Uncommon
Class Noun
Hand count Two-handed
Movement Linear
Location Neutral space, in front of body
Face & eyes None
Language British Sign Language (BSL) · UK
Shape cue

Dominant F-hand; non-dominant G-hand

Motion cue

Dominant F-hand slides down non-dominant G-hand index finger, then stops

Meaning cue

When discussing tools, DIY, construction, workshops

Break It Down

Watch, build, and feel the movement

Use the numbered steps first, then check the sign anatomy cards to clean up the small details that make the sign look fluent instead of approximate.

How to form the sign

  1. Form dominant F-hand, non-dominant G-hand
  2. Position non-dominant G-hand index finger horizontally in front of body
  3. Place dominant F-hand opening around non-dominant G-hand index finger
  4. Slide dominant F-hand down index finger
  5. Stop dominant F-hand firmly at a point
Coach prompt

Practice forming the F-hand on the dominant hand and G-hand on the non-dominant hand. Focus on the smooth slide and clear stop

Signature details

Handshape Dominant F-hand; non-dominant G-hand · Code F, G
Dominant hand Either
Symmetry Asymmetric
Contact Touch
Palm orientation Dominant F-hand faces non-dominant G-hand; G-hand palm down/side
Eyebrows Neutral
Eye gaze Forward
Head movement None
Mouth morpheme None
Body shift None
Use It Today

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Natural example
I need a drill stop for this project

Clearly indicates the 'stopping' function of the drill accessory

Best fit: When discussing tools, DIY, construction, workshops

Daily drills
Mirror focus

Practice forming the F-hand on the dominant hand and G-hand on the non-dominant hand. Focus on the smooth slide and clear stop

Catch the slip

Ensure the dominant F-hand makes clear contact and slides down the non-dominant G-hand's index finger before a definite stop. The 'stop' is crucial

Use it today

I need a drill stop for this project

Watch-outs

Common mistakes: Confusing with 'drill' or 'stop' if not precise

When not to use it: In casual conversation unrelated to tools

Regional note: Unlikely for a technical term; usually standardized

Practice line

1.[en] I need a drill stop. / BSL:[Sign DRILL STOP]

Practice line

2.[en] The drill stop is missing. / BSL:[DRILL STOP missing]

Practice line

3.[en] Set the drill stop. / BSL:[Set DRILL STOP]

Connect the Dots

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These links use your relationship fields, related vocabulary, and category context so the daily page becomes a launchpad instead of a dead end.

Word web

Depth stop collar stop Drill bit stop tool depth Drill Stop Tool Measurement Workshop Depth

DRILL (tool): Often involves a dominant S-hand or C-hand making a drilling motion against the non-dominant palm or in neutral space. "Drill stop" uses distinct F and G handshapes and specifically shows the 'stop' action on the non-dominant finger.
STOP: Typically a dominant B-hand (or 5-hand) hitting the non-dominant palm, or a strong outward motion. "Drill stop" is more specific, depicting the physical mechanism of a depth stop, not just a general cessation

Tools DIY construction workshop machinery BSL drill stop sign for drill stop tool sign construction sign Construction
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Video credit: The demonstration video on this page is credited to SpreadTheSign. The video remains the property of the original rightholder.

All written explanations, learning notes, examples, comparisons, and page design on this page are SignDeaf educational material.

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