Abstract: A connector sleeve 17 secured to the backing plate 7a of a wear-resistant liner 7 facilitates attachment of the liner 7 to the body9 of a rotor blade by virtue of welding of a thrust collar 20 to a portion of the connector sleeve 17 projecting past a bore 18 in the blade body 9. Removal of the liner later for replacement is possible by burning off the welds connecting the thrust collar to the connector sleeve. A clamping tool 22 comprising a tubular body 23 and a bolt 24 can be used to hold the thrust collar firmly against the back of the blade body 9 during the welding operation.