Abstract: A method for assembling a nuclear reactor fuel element including a head part, a base part and grid-shaped spacer parts for accommodating fuel rods containing nuclear fuel and for accommodating control rod guide tubes having holding bodies for at least one of the head, base and spacer parts at given welding spots, includes threading the control rod guide tubes into the spacers, subsequently inserting a rod with support reinforcements into the control guide tube with one of the support reinforcements located at least at each respective given welding spot, and subsequently pressing and resistance spot welding the holding bodies against the outside of the control rod guide tube at the welding spots with welding electrodes of electric welding tongs.