Ben nut is a term typically used in the UK to refer to a type of fastener that is also known as a barrel nut or cross dowel. These small but essential components are used to join pieces of wood, furniture parts or other materials together, providing a strong and durable connection. Barrel nuts are threaded internally and have a round outer circumference, which allows them to fit snuggly inside a pre-drilled hole. Other synonyms for ben nut include connector nut, furniture nut, and joint connector, all of which can be used interchangeably to describe this handy fastener. Whether you are a professional carpenter or DIY enthusiast, having a supply of barrel nuts and their synonyms in your toolkit is a wise investment.