A method for engaging and disengaging cylinders, and particularly cylinders which are disposed in a line, is disclosed. In addition to the displacement required to engage and to disengage the cylinders, steps are taken to at least reduce the relative tangential speed between the working outer surfaces of the cylinders that are to be engaged against one another or against an intermediate web. This is accomplished by the reduction of, or the impression upon the cylinders of a specific rotational speed.