In this type of joint, the joining
pieces are simply butted together -- face to face, edge to edge, or
face to edge
-- with no integral fastener. Butt joints are weak and are sometimes
fastened or held together with metal surface plates. Wood or metal butt
joints held with a metal fastener such as a nail, screw, or mending
plate or a specially machined metal or plastic fitting, are called
mechanical joints. They are used in chairs, tables, dressers, and
cabinet pieces.
