Abstract: A method of forming a meltable material at a joint between telescopingly engaged male and female elements, with the female element having a joint surface that surrounds a joint surface of the male element. The method includes the steps of: placing a ring of the meltable material around one of the male and female elements at a first location spaced from the joint; heating the male and female elements at the joint to a temperature at which the meltable material melts; sliding the ring of meltable material from the first location to a second location; with the ring of meltable material at the second location and the male and female elements of the joint at a temperature at which the meltable material melts, causing the meltable material to flow between the male and female joint surfaces; and cooling the male and female elements at the joint to solidify the meltable material between the male and female joint surfaces.