Abstract: An improved sealing means for securing a fin tube heat exchange element to the floor of a heat exchanger or cooling tower hot water basin. The sealing means includes a first collar section received around the fin tube and a second collar section received around an opening in the hot water basin floor. A compliant web section connects together the first and second collar sections. Gusset reinforcement members are provided to the web section to reduce twist and prevent seal leakage. Small circumferential grooves are provided in the portion of the second collar section which seals against the basin floor to effect a positive seal. The opening in the basin floor is large enough to permit the effortless vertical extraction of the fin tube element.