TUBE FITTING AND ASSEMBLY METHOD

A tube (28) and fitting assembly (22) for pressurized fluids is provided whi ch may provide a fluid-tight seal up to the bursting pressure of the tube (28) at relatively high temperatures. The tube (28) and fitting assembly (22) includ es a malleable tube (28) and a fitting (22) having a first portion (24) forming an external surface, a second portion (26) radially larger than the first portion (24) to form an abutment (30) facing the first portion (24), and a recess (32) formed within the abutment (30) and facing the first portion (24 ). A gasket (34) formed of a high temperature material is provided in the reces s (32). An end of the tube (28) is radially inwardly compressed on the externa l surface of the fitting (22) and extends into the recess (32) to the gasket (34). The tube (28) is assembled to the fitting (22) by placing the tube (28 ) over the first portion (24) of the fitting (22) and the external surface and gripping the tube (28) with jaws (46) having an inward nose (48) projection of a small axial extent at about the forward end of the fitting (22).