Mekugi: A nail-like, 2- to 3-cm long rivet that goes through both the hilt and nakago (tang) that extends from the blade to fix the tang in place, thus preventing the tang from coming out of the hilt.
目釘（めくぎ）柄から刀身の茎（なかご）が抜けないようにする為、双方を貫通して差し込まれた、長さ２～３センチ程の釘状の部品。