Abstract: A method is provided of forming a sleeve to tube joint of enhanced resistance to pressure loading and which can be employed with relatively large diameter pipes, in which the sleeve and tube are crimped to each other by diametrically opposite crimps extending concavely inwardly of the outer surface of the sleeve and convexly inwardly of the inner surface of the tube, the respective crimps being isolated from each other by struts extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve and tube, provision being made for equalization of the stresses produced in a seal ring contained in an annular flange of the sleeve during compressive reduction of the annular flange, provision also being made for the axial movement of the sleeve relative to the tube during compressive reduction of the flange.