Abstract: A forming tool comprising a rigid frame, clamping jaws on the frame for clamping a hollow tube with the end to be formed in a position of alignment with a forming head mounted on the frame for linear movement toward the end of the clamped tube and for rotation about the axis of the tube, said clamping jaws containing an opening for receiving the forming head as it is advanced into engagement with the tube, and said forming head containing a fustrum conical forming cavity for engagement with the end of the tube within which the end of the tube is wholly formed. A pilot is provided within the forming cavity for maintaining the concentricity of the tube and forming cavity during the forming operation. The entire surface of the forming head is coated with a non-electrolytically applied surface coating of nickel.