Abstract: A method for molding plastic covers for containers wherein the molding apparatus includes a stationary die section, including a fixed die member having a molding surface shaped to form a portion for the mold corresponding to the outer surface of the side of the cover, a movable die section including a plurality of movable die members, at least one of the movable die members being slidingly engaged within said stationary die member, a means for moving the plurality of movable die members in an axial direction between the closed and open positions of the molding apparatus, and a means for controlling the disengagement of the individual die members from the molded plastic cover whereby the fixed die member is first disengaged prior to the plurality of movable die members being sequentially disengaged from the cover.