Structural connector and related assembly method using same

A method for interconnecting at least two components of a manufacturing assembly, said method comprising the steps of:

• inserting a connector into one open end of a first hollow structural component, said connector comprising a body portion sized to substantially engage the open end of said first structural component and including at least one flexible cantilevered ear portions;
• inserting said connector into said open end until a protrusion formed at the end of said at least one flexible cantilevered ear portion is caused to extend into lateral openings formed in said first structural component, thereby fixing said connector;
• aligning a second hollow structural component relative to the open end of said first structural member such that fastener holes of said connector are axially aligned with corresponding fastener holes of said second structural component;
• and
• mounting fasteners through the aligned fastener holes to fix the first and second structural components together.