Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus employing stepped overlap apertures disposed in adjacent overlap rings. The rings are arranged so that the diameters of the stepped apertures are sequentially decreasing. The apertures form a generally flat advancing metal tape into a cylindrical tube having overlapped edges. Typically, the cylindrical tube is used as a metal guard about a cable core. Each aperture is generally circular but one quadrant of the circle contains a step whereby the diameter of the aperture increases. The final tubular configuration of generally circular cross-section of the metal tape about the cable core is developed in the final smaller diameter overlap rings which bring together the two overlapped metal edges of the metal tape. Then, the metal tape passes to finishing rings which press the two engaged overlapped edges so that these edges now stay together as a longitudinal overlapped seam.