a method and apparatus for expanding a length of flexible tubing so it can be placed over a cylindrically shaped member which has an outside diameter larger than the inside diameter of the tubing . this is accomplished by first expanding the flexible tubing mechanically with a flexible cage and mandrel to the desired inside diameter and then freezing it at this expanded size by spraying it with a cooling media such as liquid nitrogen . the frozen expanded tube can then be easily placed over the cylindrically shaped member so that when the expanded tubing warms and returns to its original configuration , it will generate a tight pressure bond to the inserted member .