Abstract: A plastic insert is formed around the externally threaded dispensing neck of a metal toothpaste or like tube by positioning a collar section of heat shrinkable plastic material around the neck in the presence of heat sufficient to shrink the material upon and within the threads, and the internally threaded end closure for the tube is rotatably mounted on the neck whereby the collar is tightly secured on the neck and conformed to the matching threaded contour of the neck and closure.