Apparatus for applying an end plug to an end of a fuel rod tube

This patent describes an improved apparatus for applying an end plug to a hollow tube end of a nuclear fuel rod such that a close frictional interfitting engagement will be established between the end plug and the tube end facilitating the formation of a connection which hermetically seals the fuel rod. The improved apparatus comprises: guide means disposed in the housing and having internal surface portions which define an internal guide channel aligned in tandem with the inlet and outlet ends of the housing along a common axis and being of a cross-sectional size smaller than that of an outer external surface of the end plug, the guide means being yieldably expandable radially with respect to the common axis; and the guide means including a bushing disposed in the housing and having a continuous internal side wall