Abstract: An apparatus for fastening contact pieces from a band of series connected contact pieces to leads basically includes a base frame having guiding and transporting elements for the contact pieces as well as crimping anvils and a plunger on which a crimper is arranged and which activates the transporting elements. The transporting elements include a finger which moves perpendicular to a transporting forward direction for engaging the contact pieces and then moves in the forward transporting direction. The finger, in cross sectional shape and size, fits into an opening in the contact pieces such that it is immediately near edges defining the opening in the transporting forward and opposite directions. In addition, a holding element drive preventer engages the contact pieces.