Abstract: Apparatus and method to prepare battery plate lugs for use with automated machines for cast on operations. The apparatus comprises an anvil having top and opposite side walls for receiving a battery cell including a plurality of plates with lugs attached thereto. The tops of the plates are placed over the top of the anvil with the lugs positioned along the sides of the anvil and in contact therewith. A pair of rams on opposite sides of the anvil are moved inward to engage and partially flatten the lugs to render the lugs thinner and to remove whatever oxides have been formed on the surfaces of the lugs. A pair of knives on opposite sides of the anvil are moved inwardly to cut the lengths of the lugs to a uniform size.