Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling an inner spiral wound gasket ring (12) within an outer concentric gauge ring (14). The inner gasket ring (12) is first positioned loosely within the outer concentric gauge ring (14) and the combined rings (12, 14) are then positioned within a tapered opening (28) beneath a mandrel (19). Mandrel (19) is then moved downwardly within tapered opening (28) into contact with gauge ring (14) to move gauge ring (14) downwardly along the tapered surface defining the opening (28). Radial deformation of the outer gauge ring (14) occurs to move inner peripheral surface (64) of ring (14) radially inwardly so that a bead (58) on the gasket ring (12) is received within a groove (66) on the gauge ring (14) thereby to maintain the concentric rings (12, 14) in assembled position.