Patent ID: 7082997

Claim:
A method for attaching a centralizer to a metal pipe by crimping, the metal pipe having an outer surface, such method comprising the steps of: providing a metal pipe; providing a centralizer having a body with an inner bore therethrough sufficiently large to allow insertion therethrough of the metal pipe, a plurality of outward facing bearing surfaces on the body and at least one tubular section on the body having an internal diameter capable of fining about the outer surface of the metal pipe; inserting the metal pipe through the inner bare of the centralizer, applying an inward, substantially radially-directed force to a plurality of points about an outer circumference of the tubular section causing it to plastically deform inwardly and come into contact with the outer surface of the pipe at points corresponding to the plurality of points; and applying such additional inward, substantially radially directed force as required to force both the centralizer and the outer surface of the metal pipe to displace inwardly an amount at least great enough so that when released, an interference fit is created between the centralizer and the metal pipe.