An exhaust connection coupler and a method for manufacturing a braid cover incorporated therein are provided. The method of manufacturing comprises the steps of providing a tubular sleeve formed of braided wire filaments and forming at least one end of the sleeve into shape using a forming die such that the at least one end of the cover includes a circumferential neck portion having a diameter smaller than the diameter of a body portion of the cover. In the method, the sleeve may be pressed between male and female forming dies in order to create the cover's desired shape, which can include a shoulder extending radially outwardly from the cover's neck portion and meeting the cover's body portion at a corner.

Described is a method of manufacturing a metal cage reinforced concrete post using off-the-shelf materials and tools. The reinforcement cage is manufactured using pre-fabricated wire mesh. The wire mesh is flattened and cut using a specific pattern that provides for elements analogous to rods, stirrups, and extensions that are used to space the cage within a mold to insure optimal placement during concrete forming. The purpose-cut wire mesh is formed into a cage-like shape by use of a bending press, a hydraulic molding press, hand tools or other suitable means. The extension elements are subsequently bent to form lateral and vertical spacer elements which center the cage within a mold. The cage is then placed within a forming mold and concrete, or another suitable material, is poured in. Once the material is dry, the reinforced post is removed from the mold fully formed.