Abstract: Preferred rod/piston assemblies (50, 50?, 150) comprise unitary rod members (52, 52?, 152) and compression rings (54, 54?, 154). In accordance with one preferred embodiment (50), the unitary rod member (52) comprises a connecting rod portion (60), a lower bezel portion (62) and a knob portion (66). The lower bezel portion (62) and the compression ring (54) define facing surfaces (82, 106) along which the compression ring (54) is secured to the unitary rod member (52). In accordance with a preferred method of manufacture, one or both of the facing surfaces (82, 106) are chemically treated to promote coupling of the compression (54) ring to the lower bezel portion (62). The unitary rod member (52) and the compression ring (54) are positioned in the mold or press with the compression ring (54) fitted over the knob portion (66) of the unitary rod member. Elevated temperature and pressure are applied to secure the compression ring (54) to the lower bezel portion (62).