Abstract: In a device for holding a first member in position relative to a second member, the first member and the second member are connected by a clamping system having a clamping axle passing through the members. A relatively soft plastics material adhesion shoe is fixed to the second member. The clamping axle passes through the adhesion shoe. A metal rack having teeth is disposed on a base which is mounted on the clamping axle. When the clamping system is immobilized in a locked position, the teeth of the rack penetrate the relatively soft plastics material of the adhesion shoe in order to guarantee that the first member is held in position relative to the second member.

Abstract: As a preferred alternative to whipping a boat-line with tape or a wax material to limit wearing and unraveling over time, the apparatus of the invention affords a secure, more attractive appearance through the use of a pair of cylinders, one of which receives the boat-line, and the other of which threads over it, with the effective screwing of the two together additionally producing a force upon a series of compressible fingers that extend inwardly from the outside surface of the first cylinder in clamping onto and holding the boat-line in position. The two cylinders may be capped in providing a finished-off appearance to the construction when the line is thus secured.

Abstract: An improved driving element, fastener placement system, method of fastening and combination of fastened workpieces are disclosed which include a generally U-shaped, staple-like fastener having a pair of legs spaced from each other by a crown which transversely extends between the upper ends of the legs to connect the legs to each other adjacent their upper ends and space the upper ends of the legs apart by a given distance. Each of the legs also has an opposite lower end which enter the respective workpieces which are to be fastened together. The fastener is positioned with the lower end of one leg in contact with one of the workpieces and the lower end of the other leg in contact with the other workpiece, and the fastener is then forcibly driven into the respective workpieces by a driving element which acts upon the crown in a manner to attempt or tend to shorten the distance between the upper ends of the legs by bending the crown and countersinking the legs and/or crown into the workpieces.

Abstract: An improved driving element, fastener placement system, method of fastening and combination of fastened workpieces are disclosed which include a generally U-shaped, staple-like fastener having a pair of legs spaced from each other by a crown which transversely extends between the upper ends of the legs to connect the legs to each other adjacent their upper ends and space the upper ends of the legs apart by a given distance. Each of the legs also has an opposite lower end which enter the respective workpieces which are to be fastened together. The fastener is positioned with the lower end of one leg in contact with one of the workpieces and the lower end of the other leg in contact with the other workpiece, and the fastener is then forcibly driven into the respective workpieces by a driving element which acts upon the crown in a manner to attempt or tend to shorten the distance between the upper ends of the legs by bending the crown and countersinking the legs and/or crown into the workpieces.

Abstract: A truss connector utilizing a first relatively flexible plate which has a first side and an opposite second side. A plurality of teeth extend from the second side of the first relatively flexible plate and are capable of penetrating the truss, which may be composed of softer material such as wood and the like. The second relatively rigid plate is fixed to the flexible plate such that the first side of the rigid plate contacts the second side of the flexible plate to form a unit. Apertures pass through the connected first and second plates to accept fasteners which bear on the relatively rigid plate and are capable of passing through the truss. Pairs of connectors may be employed in a truss assembly.

Abstract: An improved rope fastener is disclosed having a resilient thermoplastic body with at least one longitudinal passage for receiving a rope therein. The fastener includes one or more nail receiving bores transverse to the rope passage and extending across the rope passage to enable a nail to be driven through the fastener and a rope to retain the rope in the fastener body. To prevent pushing of rope fibers into the nail bore as the nail is being driven through the rope, a closure is provided in the nail bores to prevent rope fibers from entering into the nail bore. The nails pierce through the closure as they enter the opposite side of the fastener body.

Abstract: A one-piece high-security cable type seal-lock having a locking body (10) consisting of: A length of multi-stranded cable (50) having one cable end (51) permanently attached to locking body (10) within a through hole identified as fixed cable hole (11). A longitudinal cylindrical through hole (14) running approximately parallel to fixed cable hole (11) and having a centrally located annular recessed groove, thereby creating center expansion cavity (25). A locking pin (40) is held in place within locking body (10) and positioned approximately perpendicular to, and centrally located above, free cable end (52). When installed, locking pin (40) is forcibly pushed down until it pierces free cable end (52) thereby staking the cable in place and simultaneously creating cable bulge (53). The enlarged diameter of cable bulge (53) within center expansion cavity (25) is unable to be removed from locking body (10) via the lessor diameters of adjacent first guide hole (20) or second guide hole (22).

Abstract: The present invention is a drawer slide and a process to produce it. The described drawer slide is preferred for the quick assembly drawer on which the drawer slide is to be fastened on a drawer side wall. The drawer slide consists of a somewhat Z-shaped profile, which, in the first step of production forms a first holding device for the drawer side wall from the material of the lower horizontal shank of the drawer slide. At least a second holding device for the drawer side wall is formed from the material of the vertical shank of the drawer slides. The drawer side wall is then placed on the lower horizontal shank of the drawer slide and both holding devices are pressed into the material of the drawer side wall.

Abstract: A tube connector (10) to enable a straight tube or even a curved tube of tight radius of curvature to be connected to a structural member has a flat cutter disc (11) shaped to fit in the end of an internally splined tube (20). The outer edge of the cutter disc has a series of teeth (12) which cut into and locate with the splines when the cutter disc is rotated in the tube. The cutter disc may have a floating central insert (25) screw threaded to allow connection to another structural member without a need for precise alignment.

Abstract: A hinge for use in pairs hingedly connecting two generally coplanar wooden structural members of a wooden truss structure enabling folding of the structure to reduce its height for transport over the road, comprising two pivotally interconnected plates each having teeth for nailing them to the wooden members and one having fingers for engagement with a surface of a wooden member for accurate alignment of two of the hinges for being nailed to the two members at opposite faces thereof to form a hinged joint between the members, and hinged joints utilizing the hinges.

Abstract: An airbag module cover having downwardly extending sidewalls is mounted in the base of an airbag housing. The base has downwardly extending peripheral legs thereon having inner and outer walls forming a generally U- or V-shaped integral groove at the lower extremity thereof. The legs have locking tabs positioned above the grooves which tabs are adapted to protrude into or through the sidewalls of the cover. When the sidewalls of the cover are locked in the grooves of the legs, the inner and outer walls of the legs provide lateral support for the sidewalls for preventing separation of the cover sidewalls from the housing during airbag deployment.

Abstract: A method is provided for connecting a spindle to a tube. The method includes the step of punching a hole in an exterior wall of a tube to create a perimeter edge bordering the tube. The perimeter has a first pre-determined shape. The method further includes the step of press-fitting an end portion of a spindle having a second pre-determined shape different than the first pre-determined shape into the hole to establish a tight fit between the spindle and the tube retaining the spindle in coupled relation in the tube.

Abstract: A tube joint and seat frame formed with tubes joined with the tube joint of the present invention in which the joint is formed by flaring the end of an outer tube, inserting an inner tube into the outer tube beyond the flare forming a telescoping tube portion in which the outer tube overlaps the inner tube. The clearance formed between the inner and outer tubes by the flare is filled with an epoxy resin adhesive. A metal forming process is performed forming apertures through the inner and outer tubes in the telescoping tube portion in which the aperture in the outer tube is concentric with the aperture in the inner tube and is surrounded by a flange extending radially relative to the axis of the tube into the aperture in the inner tube forming a mechanical interlock between the inner and outer tubes.

Abstract: A timber connector (10) is disclosed comprising a pair of spikes (11 and 14) disposed at the ends of a cranked stem portion (12/13). The spikes (11 and 14) may be positioned in vertical planes (17 and 18) extending angularly to one another such that the connector (10) may be used for interconnecting respective face of adjacent timber members (15 and 16) which are perpendicular to one another. The spikes (11 and 14) form acute angles with the portions of the stem (13/13) adjacent thereto and the secondary spike (14) tapers away from the axis of the primary spike (11) towards its outer end (25) whereby the timber members (15 and 16) are drawn together during rotation of the stem portion (12/13) about the driven primary spike (11) as the secondary spike (14) is driven home.

Abstract: A drawer with drawer side slide and drawer bottom inserts a drawer side slide with a lower horizontal drawer side slide bottom, which supports the drawer bottom in the form of inwardly directed support shanks. The tabs formed from the material of the support shanks are divided from one another by slots, and have grips on their free ends, which dig in a barbed manner with their points into the material of the drawer bottom.

Abstract: A clip for joining end pieces of weather stripping in abutting relationship to form a continuous loop. The clip forms around an attachment portion of the weather stripping such that it does not interfere with the use of weather stripping in sealing. A pair of barbs hold the two pieces of weather stripping in abutment.

Abstract: A connector plate is provided which includes a plurality of connecting prongs which are, in use, pressed into wooden members to form a joint and which include at least one row of edge prongs that is folded down from the edge of the plate and that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connector plate. A joint formed by a chord member and at least two abutting diagonals is connected together by connector plate which has a prong density that is asymmetrical with respect to longitudinal axis of the plate and has increased prong density at one side thereof. A joint structure provides a stiff, nonplastic joint.

Abstract: A disk assembly is comprised of a circular plate having an outer flange portion extending in the radial direction and a plurality of tongues each of which is pressed out in the axial direction and an annular member whose inner radius is equals to that of each tongue, wherein each distal end of each tongue is snugly fitted in the annular member and the outer flange portion is fixed to one side of the annular member.

Abstract: A locking sleeve (14) for holding the tensioned, internal elastic cord (22) of a compactable, collapsible tubular assembly (12-10) comprises a resilient member (14), in the shape of a slit tube. It is held in position within the tubular insert of the compactable, tubular assemblies by external barbs (16). The elastic cord is in turn held in position within the locking sleeve by an internal tongue (20) and prongs (18).

Abstract: A fastener for fastening a paper retaining binder mechanism to an inner surface of a binder while remaining entirely concealed from an outer surface of the binder. The fastener includes an anchor plate and a post. The anchor plate defines first and second major surfaces. The first major surface is in confronting relation fastened to an inner surface of the binder. The post extends directly away from the second major surface of the anchor plate and serves to secure the binder mechanism to the inner surface of the binder. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for fastening an apertured paper retaining binder mechanism to the binder in a manner concealing the fasteners from an outer surface of the binder.

Abstract: A sign of fence post support includes an upper polygonal section from which depend a plurality of leg members. The upper section defines an inner socket within which a post bottom is placed and includes a plurality of inwardly directed tangs specifically formed to permit slicing into the material of a post bottom being urged into the socket, to provide a secure interlocking of a post to the support device. A pair of diametrically opposed leg members each comprises a pair of side plates of triangular configuration and disposed normal to one another such that during driving of the support into the ground, obstructions in the soil will urge the bottom tips of the leg member in an outward direction, further anchoring the assembly within the ground.

Abstract: A drawer having metal side walls comprises a bottom plate, which is supported on angled carrying flanges of the side walls. Each carrying flange has lanced retaining lugs, which are intended to extend into a groove of the bottom plate and after the bottom plate has been placed on the flange are adapted to be bent to assume a fixing position, in which the lugs extend into the material which constitutes one or both side faces of the groove. The retaining lugs are initially lanced to extend in the longitudinal direction of the flange and are adapted to be bent up transversely to the longitudinal direction of the flange and groove. Each lug has a root portion, which merges into the flange and is not wider than the groove. At a distance from the root portion the lugs are provided with lateral projections, which during the bending up of the lugs are in pressure contact with at least one side face of the groove and dig arcuate furrows into the side face.

Abstract: A die and method for forming indentations in a grounding rod. The die is a U-shaped die for use in a hydraulic compression tool. The die has an inner face forming a general recess and has a plurality of series of individual tooth-like projections. The die is used to form a plurality of series of individual tooth-like indentations on an exterior surface of the grounding rod such that a connector can be compressed onto the rod with portions of the connector being deformed into the indentations to fixedly connect the connector to the rod.

Abstract: A one-piece transmission brake band and the method of forming the same whin the band is an elongated strap with brackets at the opposite ends thereof, the brackets providing an apply end and a reaction end. Each end consists of an end portion of the strap that is folded over upon itself onto the exterior surface of the band and suitably fastened thereto, such as by clinch fastening or spot welding. The apply end of the band has the outer layer provided with a transverse upwardly folded or crimped ridge having a central depression to receive the end of an apply piston, and the reaction end has an outwardly extending radial opening formed by piercing through both layers of material after the end is folded over, with the layers being outwardly extruded in both the radial and circumferential directions. An alternative embodiment utilizes an insert having a cylindrical body with a circumferential base flange.

Abstract: A sheet metal connector is provided for use with timber building components of the type that has nails to be driven through the sheet metal into the timber. The connector has substantially U-shaped cuts in the sheet metal to define nailing tongues. The nailing tongues have a deformation for use in providing a nail entry point so that a nail driven therethrough will serve to drive the nailing tongue into the timber.

Abstract: A connector for connecting wooden beams to one another, in which the capacities of a conventional toothed plate to transfer tensile and compressive forces have been improved by securing one or several toothed plates (3, 4, 5) to a mutual frame plate (2).

Abstract: A drawer has metal side walls with vertical flanges thereof forming the lateral limits of the drawer. Each vertical flange has at a lower end thereof a horizontal flange on which a drawer bottom plate of wood or the like abuts. Hooks are punched from the horizontal flanges and project into recesses in the bottom plate. The hooks are bendable and have angular tips pierced into walls of the recesses.

Abstract: A protective shield assembly and method for mechanically fastening a protective shield to a frame includes a shield, a frame, a mechanical fastener, and an attachment mechanism. The frame includes a channel defined by a front wall, a rear wall, and bottom. The mechanical fastener is effected by a plurality of serrations which extend partially across the channel from one or both of the front and rear wall. The serrations allow the shield to be inserted into the channel and mechanically connect to the surface of the inserted shield in order to prevent extraction of the shield from the channel. The mechanical connection of the serrations to the surface of the shield is enhanced by crimping a wall of the channel in order to crimp the serrations into the surface of the shield and to create dimples in the frame which penetrate the surface of the shield farther than the serrations.

Abstract: An assembly of at least two components joined together by at least one mechanical connection formed in sheet-like portions of the components and in an area of faying contact between the components. The assembly includes an integral collar projecting from one of the components and an outer integral collar projecting from the other components circumscribing the first collar. The inner collar has a cylindrical inner surface portion and a wall of varying thickness. At least a portion of this wall increases in thickness toward the outboard end of the collar to lock the collars together.

Abstract: A method of attaching a self-attaching element, including a self-piercing element, to a panel in a die member. The self-attaching element includes a tubular barrel portion having a free open end and may include a piercing surface at the free end of the barrel portion. The die member includes an annular concave die cavity which surrounds a center die post. The method includes coating at least the tubular barrel portion with a fluorocarbon coating, such as polymerized tetrafluoroethylene, prior to the installation of the fastening element to the panel. The tubular barrel portion is then driven through an opening formed in the panel generally coaxially aligned with the die member center post. The opening may be preformed or more preferably pierced by the piercing surface of the barrel portion.

Abstract: A method for attaching an end-fitting, such as a yoke-type end-fitting, to a tubular drive shaft of the type used in the drive line of vehicles, comprises the steps of deforming the end of the drive shaft tube such as by swaging it onto a tool or replica of the end-fitting so that the inner diameter of the tube end is less than the outer diameter of the end-fitting; and then press-fitting the end-fitting into the deformed tube end. The resulting attachment is free of slippage that otherwise results from directly swaging the tube end onto the end-fitting. A preferred embodiment employs smooth undulating splines on the end-fitting and an outer sleeve over the tube end and utilizes electromagnetic-induced swaging.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing wherein a first metal member is installed into a second metal member is disclosed. The first metal member is punched out of a stock into the second metal member which extrudes a slug. The combination is then placed over a flat surface and a second larger punch is applied to cause the slug to reflow back up into its original structure, but with that reflow crimping the first metal member that was punched out into a permanently attached place within the second metal member.

Abstract: A joist hanger of the type comprising an upright back, parallel opposing sides forming a channel and a horizontal bottom extending forwardly from the back forming a seat for a joist, the hanger having at least one pair of opposing tabs extending inwardly from the sides of the hanger into the channel, the tabs presenting downwardly, rearwardly sloping surfaces to a joist forced against the tabs to urge the joist against the back of the hanger. The innermost edges of the tabs being knife-like for penetrating a joist forced against the tabs. The tabs are preferably formed by a portion of the side folded inwardly along a downwardly, rearwardly sloping fold line.

Abstract: The invention concerns device for removably fixing support, joint or hinge elements to panels or blocks of expanded polystyrene or of similar materials. The method is characterized by providing a pair of plates, each having a face from which protrudes one or more nails or spikes substantially perpendicular to the same face, and by inserting the said plates correspondingly into the faces of the panels or blocks forming an angle to each other so that the nails or spikes of the two plates intermesh. In particular, the plates, once inserted in the polystyrene, are locked together.

Abstract: A wood joint connector plate is formed of a thin, rigid metal sheet having numerous narrow, elongated, struck-out openings. The struck-out sheet material is bent perpendicularly at each end of each opening to form a pair of opposing reverse-oriented mirror-image teeth. Each tooth is bent about a lengthwise bend line that is offset relative to the central longitudinal axis of its opening to divide the tooth into a narrow portion and a wide portion along its length. The free end of each tooth is formed as an asymmetrical V-shaped tip, whose apex coincides with the bend line, to provide a short leg terminating the tooth narrow portion and a long leg terminating the tooth wide portion. Each tooth is twisted around its bend line so that its tip short leg extends approximately parallel to the axis of the opening and towards its opposing tooth. The tip long leg extends away from its opposing tooth and its opening at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the opening.

Abstract: A lock possesses a lock housing which is connected with a cover plate protruding above the lock housing at all sides. Fastening clips which abut at the corresponding side walls of the lock housing and protrude beyond the rear or rear side thereof are arranged at at least two oppositely positioned sides of the lock housing. The lock is fastened to a flat object by inserting it into an opening through the flat object and bending over the fastening clips on the rear side of this flat object. A substantial simplification of the manufacture of the lock and its fastening in an opening of the flat object is possible due to this form of construction.

Abstract: A compound support consists of two or more beams (5) joined together along their butt joint (4) by means of nailing plates (1). The nailing plates (1) consist of sheet-metal plates (11), tongue-shaped nails (2, 3) being forced out of the sheet-metal plates (11) by means of punchings (21, 31) in a rhomboid-shaped zone.

Abstract: A drive shaft in which a graphite tube has splined yokes inserted at each end. A steel ring surrounds the tube at each end to clamp the tube against the yoke.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for joining two adjacent sheets of metal the complementary engaging of a male die and a female die, during one stroke, only one of the two sheets is provided with incisions and the material of the other sheet is pressed through the area defined along the incisions and is extruded laterally beyond the edges thereof to form a rivet-type connection.

Abstract: A post support comprises an elongate ground engaging portion, preferably a cruciform cross section, capable of being driven vertically into the ground, and a post engaging portion attached to the ground engaging portion and in the form of a hollow box section for receiving one end of a post to be supported in a vertical position and with its axis substantially parallel to the axis of the ground engaging portion, wherein the hollow box section is formed with means, integral therewith, other than means for adjusting the size of the box section, for enabling an undersized post to be rigidly supported in the box section and/or for removing excess post material from an oversized post. Means for removing excess material from an oversized post may comprise a bevelled edge formed on the top surface of at least one wall of the box section to present a chisel edge to a post being driven into the box section.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to self-piercing fasteners, such as studs, bolts or nuts, the method of attaching such fasteners to a panel and fastener installation apparatus, including the installation head and die button. The fastener includes a self-piercing and riveting annular wall which is driven into a panel supported against a die member by the installation head. The die member includes an annular die cavity surrounding a central projecting die portion which is telescopically receivable in the free open end of the fastener annular wall. The free end of the fastener annular wall includes a piercing surface which mates with a piercing surface at the outer edge of the projecting die portion to pierce a slug from the panel.

Abstract: A method of attaching a metal fastener, such as a stud-bolt, to a panel. The fastener includes a self-piercing annular projecting wall defining a recess having a bottom wall and an inner side wall defined by the annular wall. The method includes locating the fastener adjacent a panel with the self-piercing end portion facing the panel opposite a die member. The fastener is then forced toward the die member, such that the annular wall pierces a slug from the panel into the central recess and against the bottom wall. The die member simultaneously deforms the distal end of the annular wall outwardly and the pierced panel edge is deformed from the plane of the panel against the external surface of the annular wall, interlocking the panel and fastener.

Abstract: A police restraint device utilizing the principle of the second class lever and method of making the device, the device in its disclosed form comprising a presently preferred arm clamp having two rigid elongated handles or sticks, adapted to be held and manipulated manually, with a single strong flexible cord or rope of predetermined length spanning between and integrally joining the distal ends of the handles one to the other. Each end of the cord is snugly enclosed within a crimped metal cap or sleeve which in turn is snugly inserted in a blind bore at the distal end of the associated stick and pin-secured in that position.

Abstract: A self-retaining nut, and panel assembly, in which the nut body includes a shoulder portion having two or more panel piercing pins which, are caused to pierce the panel and are bent to secure the nut to the panel. In addition, a piercing and extruding punch pierces the panel and causes extrusion or cold flow of the panel metal in the piercing region to flow into a enlarged bore or undercut portion of the nut to further aide in its retention. The assembly of the nut type fastener and the sheet panel can be accomplished in a method of application in which the pins are caused to pierce the panel, bent into fastening position and the panel is pierced and extruded to provide an opening for a threaded fastener to be secured to the nut while causing cold flow of panel material into the nut for further retention in essentially one operative step.

Abstract: A spike plate which is used mainly in joining wooden parts and which is made by punching from a strip of steel sheet a set of projecting spikes. The joining capacity of the spike plate is improved by making on the broad surface of the spikes toothing or roughening so as to increase the gripping force of the spikes. The roughening or toothing is first made on the blanking strip of the spike plate at the places where the spikes will be punched out, after which the spikes are formed. Making of the roughening is made still easier by forming the blank with elevations at the places of the spikes. In the device for making the spike plates, the roughening tool may be used as a feeding device of the blanking strip. The punches and dies of the tool forming the spikes may be placed on rollers rotating in conjunction with each other, between which the blanking strip moves at the same speed, the spikes being cut and turned from the blanking strip between the punches and dies which sequentially enter a cutting position.

Abstract: A pair of torque-transmitting members are joined together in torque-transmitting relationship at an inner and outer tubular connecting part of each by connecting elements interposed within an annular recess formed between said inner and outer connecting parts, said connecting elements having acuminated portions and being formed of a material harder than the material of the connecting parts in order to penetrate the surface thereof when the connecting parts are pressed together thereby to hold the first and second members in torque-transmitting engagement.

Abstract: A building wall comprising the plurality of stacked logs with flat top and bottom surfaces into each of which is cut a deep slot. A metal bar is received in the aligned slots of vertically adjacent logs and pointed projections penetrate into the wood of the logs to prevent separation. In one embodiment, the projections are spaced clusters of downwardly extending nails which prevent separation of logs placed end to end and upwardly extending nails which prevent shear movement of adjacent logs. In another embodiment, the bar has sharp projections which are punched from the surface thereof to be received in the aligned slots of adjacent logs and penetrate a side wall of said slot.

Abstract: A connector plate assembly for joining wooden structural members is disclosed. The plate assembly includes a pair of plate members, each of which is provided with a plurality of teeth extending outwardly therefrom and with slots for receiving teeth from the other plate member. These slots are so arranged as to allow the two plate members to be aligned in face to face contact, with teeth extending from each plate member through slots in the other plate member. The teeth thus project from opposite sides of the plate assembly for embedment in the structural members to be joined.

Abstract: A fabricated wooden beam including at least two longitudinal wooden members spaced parallel and apart by a plurality of wooden blocks spaced between and along the length of the longitudinal members. A plurality of truss plates, each installed across one side of a block and spanning between each longitudinal member, provide structural integrity. The truss plates are installed in pairs with one across either face of each block at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the beam. Alignment of the generally parallel truss plates on one side of the beam is at an acute or preferably right angle to the alignment of the generally parallel truss plates on the opposite side of the beam. The preferred truss plate alignment of truss plates on both sides of the beam is at approximately 45.degree. to the longitudinal axis of the beam so that the beam has structural symmetry and optimal material utilization.

Abstract: A structural joint for bearing a structural load is formed by a pair of wooden members fastened together by at least one metal connector plate. The connector plate is formed from a metal plate having a plurality of pairs of teeth punched therefrom. The teeth are punched from the plate so as to project in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plate. Each pair of teeth is struck so as to leave a corresponding longitudinally extending slot between the teeth. Each of the teeth has a knife edge portion that extends from the plate. This knife edge portion is thinner than the remaining portion of each tooth and has a sharp edge with a cross-sectional angle of less than 20.degree., preferably 8.degree. to 12.degree., for facilitating penetration of each of the teeth into the wooden members to be secured together. These knife edge portions of the teeth are made by a metal forming process which serves to shape such portion of the teeth and simultaneously widen and elongate each tooth.