Abstract: The two coupling member supporting bands are led between a guide block and two clamping members in a vertical position and having the coupling members located at the lower side. The coupling members are aligned with the path of cutting members by means of a countersupport having two gripping members and positioned relative to the cutting members by means of a scanning apparatus. The clamping members clamp the supporting bands as well as the coupling members which are to be removed. After the coupling members have been clamped by the clamping members, the cutting members sever the coupling members at their foot section and thereafter the cut coupling members are pulled off the supporting band by means of the countersupport and the clamping members. This allows an impeccable cutting of the coupling members and that all cut coupling members can be drawn off the supporting band.