Abstract: A method and apparatus for joining zirconium alloy appendages, such as spacers, to zirconium alloy members, such as sheaths for nuclear fuel elements. The appendage, coated with a material that will form a eutectic with a zirconium alloy, is heated to a temperature sufficient to form a eutectic with the coating material. The appendage is heated in proximity with the member such that the member is also heated but to a temperature that is below the alpha to beta transformation temperature. The heated appendage and member are brought together and heating is continued to complete the joining process, again with the temperature of the member remaining below the transformation temperature. The invention provides that there is substantially no alpha to beta transformation of the member or other adverse thermal effects such as residual stresses, geometrical distortions, compositional changes in fuel materials, etc.