Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for connecting a plurality of metal sheets or the like without fasteners or welding. A die set is disclosed which is operable to cut ribbons of material from each sheet and to displace the ribbons to one side of the sheets where they are deformed to increase their lateral width within a dovetail-shaped die cavity. The die cavity has an increasing cross section in one longitudinal direction so that the deformed ribbons can be removed from the die cavity by longitudinal movement and it is not necessary to provide the die with movable parts for the release of the deformed ribbons. The die cavity is preferably formed with an open end so that movement of the sheets in a direction perpendicular thereto is not required. The method and apparatus can be combined with processing systems having a feed mechanism for feeding the sheets of material. In such combination, the feed required for the processing is also utilized for the removal of the deformed ribbons from the die cavity.