trekbouten

Trekbouten are a type of fastener used in carpentry and metalworking to draw two components together by applying tension to a bolt. The principle is to translate pulling force along the bolt into a clamping force across the joint, securing the pieces without relying solely on friction of a single fastener. In practice, a trekbout may pass through a first component and be tightened by a nut, a threaded sleeve, or a complementary piece on the opposite side.

The term combines the Dutch trek meaning pull and bouten meaning bolts. Historically, trekbouten were used in traditional Dutch timber construction and furniture making, where joints needed to be strong yet separable. The method allows disassembly for repair or transport and is well suited to wood and light metalwork.

Designs vary, including external draw bolts with visible heads and hidden or internal draw bolts that clamp within a cavity. Some versions use a barrel or sleeve that receives the bolt, while others rely on a nut that tightens against the opposite surface. Materials range from steel and stainless steel to brass, with different finishes for corrosion resistance and aesthetics.

Common applications include furniture frames (beds, tables, cabinets), timber joinery, doors and gates, and certain agricultural or workshop equipment. In modern production, trekbouten are often supplanted in flat-pack furniture by cam-lock and connector systems, but they remain valued in traditional, rustic, or repair-oriented builds for their simple, removable joint function.

See also: drawbolt, connector bolt, cam lock, carriage bolt.