Method of connecting two thermoplastic pipes using a barbed metal welding sleeve

A method of connecting two thermoplastic pipes comprising ensleeving a first pipe with a metal welding sleeve having a plurality of integral barbs directed inwardly thereof into resilient engagement with said first pipe, said sleeve having a second plurality of integral barbs directed outwardly thereof, ensleeving a second pipe over said first pipe with said second plurality of barbs being in resilient engagement with said second pipe, said ensleeving steps forcing the first mentioned plurality of barbs outwardly and said second plurality of barbs inwardly so as to lie generally parallel to said welding sleeve, applying electrical current to said sleeve to simultaneously fuse said plastic pipes adjacent said sleeve and resiliently project both said barb pluralities to their original positions and into their respective pipes because of the elastic memory of said barbs, and cooling the pipe sleeve assembly with said barbs embedded in both pipes.