pegged spear point mortise and tenon with V-shaped shoulders

Joint family: tenon (Zapfen) Joining principle: rigid interlocks

Opened joint

Closed joint

Closed joint with dimensions

Opened joint with dimensions

Description

The pegged spear point mortise and tenon with V-shaped shoulders is an I-connection with a spear-shaped pointed tenon and V-shaped beveled shoulders. A wooden dowel additionally secures the connection against tensile forces. The characteristic pointed shape of the tenon facilitates insertion, while the V-shaped shoulders ensure precise positioning and increased stability.
This joint belongs to the group of tenon joints and shows similarities with the Japanese Hira-hozo and other reinforced tenon forms. Comparable principles can be found in bridle joint variants and traditional European frame connections with additional securing through wooden dowels.
The tenon is manufactured with a spear-shaped point and V-shaped beveled shoulders. The shoulders form a ridge that serves both as a stop and for load distribution. The corresponding mortise is shaped accordingly. After assembly, a wooden dowel is driven transversely through tenon and surrounding material to secure the connection against withdrawal.
The spear-shaped tenon point enables easier insertion during assembly and reduces the risk of damage. The V-shaped shoulders increase the contact area and improve load transmission. The additional wooden dowel makes the connection tension-stable and prevents loosening under load. However, the precise shaping requires higher manufacturing effort.
Traditionally, this joint is used in high-quality furniture making and structural frame connections where both stability and aesthetic quality are required. Typical applications are door frames, window frames, and high-quality furniture frames. It is particularly suitable for interior construction applications where the connection remains visible and should demonstrate craftsmanship quality.
Manufacturing involves precise marking and machining of the spear-shaped tenon point as well as the V-shaped shoulders. The mortise is shaped accordingly. After assembly, the wooden dowel is driven in, with slight offset of the dowel holes creating tension that draws the connection together.

Sources

Seike, K. (1977): The Art of Japanese Joinery, S. 116-117
Zwerger, K. (2015): Das Holz und seine Verbindungen, S. 129, 254-255
Graubner, W. (1994): Holzverbindungen, S. 114-115
Sumiyoshi, T. & Matsui, G.: Wood Joints in Classical Japanese Architectur

Properties

Geometry of elements
  • rectangular
Geometry of joint
  • I-joint
Orientation of the cross-section
  • horizontal & vertical
Number of elements
3
Degrees of freedom
  • none
Absorbable loads
  • x (pressure)
  • x (tension)
  • y (pressure)
  • y (tension)
  • z (pressure)
  • z (tension)
  • a (moment)
  • b (moment)
  • c (moment)
Number of assembly steps
2
Connector used
with pin
Traditional use case
  • Fine woodworking
  • Structural carpentry
Project reference
  • Furniture pieces
  • Traditional architecture

Related joints

Related joints

Manufacturing techniques