Abstract: When motor vehicle wheels are subjected to a coating process, the fastener holes must be masked. Masking elements are inserted into pilot holes of the fastener holes for masking the fastener holes during the coating process. The masking elements are such that they a form-locked in the respective pilot hole. In the apparatus in accordance with the invention a controlled swivel arm with a feed hopper is provided for feeding each masking element to the pilot hole of the fastener hole. After the coating process the masking element is removed from the pilot hole by swivel movement of the wheel, such that the masking element drops out of the pilot hole.