Abstract: A reinforced plastics material tubular rod has frusto-conical ends and a helical winding of constant angle over the tubular portion of the rod, but varying angle over the frusto-conical end portion of the rod. The winding is formed by apparatus havinglead screws for moving a winding head rectilineally during winding of the tubular portion of the rod and guiding means for coordinating longitudinal and rotational movement of the winding head during winding of the frusto-conical end portions of the rod.