A tread joining device comprising: a first tread end retention member configured for retaining a first tread portion and a second tread end retention member configured for retaining a second tread portion, the first and second tread end retention members (20A, 20B) being configured to operate between open and closed arrangements, characterized by each retention member (20A, 20B) comprising a body containing a tread retention chamber, the chamber configured for retaining the corresponding tread portion (70A, 70B) and extending in a lengthwise direction from an aperture arranged along a joint side of the body, the aperture being defined by a perimeter surface extending substantially about a perimeter of the aperture; where the perimeter surface for at least one of the first and second tread end retention members (20A, 20B) forms a terminal surface of a ridge, the ridge being arranged between the aperture and a recess (68, 69) along the joint side of the body for receiving excess tread joining material (78, 82), where in the closed arrangement the joint sides of the first and second tread end retention members (20A, 20B) are in a generally abutting arrangement to form a die about the apertures for use in forming a joint between opposing terminal tread ends retained within the retention members (20A, 20B), the die extending approximately about a perimeter of each aperture and being formed by opposing perimeter surfaces of closely arranged and oppositely aligned apertures of the first and second tread end retention members (20A, 20B), where in the open arrangement the die is in a separated, open arrangement. a first tread end retention member configured for retaining a first tread portion and a second tread end retention member configured for retaining a second tread portion, the first and second tread end retention members (20A, 20B) being configured to operate between open and closed arrangements, characterized by each retention member (20A, 20B) comprising a body containing a tread retention chamber, the chamber configured for retaining the corresponding tread portion (70A, 70B) and extending in a lengthwise direction from an aperture arranged along a joint side of the body, the aperture being defined by a perimeter surface extending substantially about a perimeter of the aperture; where the perimeter surface for at least one of the first and second tread end retention members (20A, 20B) forms a terminal surface of a ridge, the ridge being arranged between the aperture and a recess (68, 69) along the joint side of the body for receiving excess tread joining material (78, 82), where in the closed arrangement the joint sides of the first and second tread end retention members (20A, 20B) are in a generally abutting arrangement to form a die about the apertures for use in forming a joint between opposing terminal tread ends retained within the retention members (20A, 20B), the die extending approximately about a perimeter of each aperture and being formed by opposing perimeter surfaces of closely arranged and oppositely aligned apertures of the first and second tread end retention members (20A, 20B), where in the open arrangement the die is in a separated, open arrangement.