Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating sheets or plates from a bundle and for placing said sheets or plates spaced-apart on a support rack. The bundle of sheets or plates is inclined to a position causing the sheets or plates to slide relative to each other by gravity and to abut at their lower edge on a substantially horizontal surface. The bundle of sheets or plates is subsequently erected to an approximate vertical position causing the sheets or plates to separate at their bottom. The sheets or plates are then separated at their top by means of a "comb" member, and a rack provided with support and separating pins is lifted into engagement with the bottom of the spaced-apart sheets or plates. The apparatus may be used in reverse for rebundling spaced-apart sheets or plates.