A cheek plate for producing a non-detachable pipe joint having an upper cheek half and a lower cheek half, at least one swivel pin which pivotally mounts at least one cheek half, and a receiving region formed between the upper cheek half and the lower cheek half and having a receiving region axis, the at least one cheek half being able to pivot between an open position and a closed position substantially transversely with respect to the receiving region axis. The problem of providing a cheek plate such that the cheek plate permits pressing transverse to the receiving region axis and at the same time a reduction in workpiece size is permitted is solved in that at least one pushing unit is provided, the pushing unit being displaceable at least partially in parallel with the receiving region axis.

A hydraulic actuator includes a tubular bladder having first and second ends, an expandable and collapsible sleeve provided on the tubular bladder, a fluid inlet fitting provided in fluid communication with the tubular bladder and at least one mechanical connection provided along the tubular bladder. The hydraulic actuator may have flexibility and an overall diameter of less than about 5 mm.