Abstract: A band joining system including a method of preparing and making a join in a band, a tool for supporting the band when making the join and an attachment for a hot air gun to facilitate making the join. The tool has first and second arms pivotally attached to one another in a scissor type configuration and having first and second guide means associated with the arms for supporting band end regions during the formation of a join. According to the method, band ends are cut in such a fashion that they fit within guide regions of the guide means and supported in a configuration in which the hot air gun attachment may be interposed between the two band end regions supported in the tool, hot air applied to the band end regions and then compressive force used to bring the molten band end regions into contact with one another to form a welded join. The band end regions are cut such that each band end region retains elements of a central reinforcing member, those elements aiding the formation of a strong join.