Abstract: The present apparatus transfers cylindrical rivet slugs or blanks from a supply point to an annular elastomeric holder which is coaxial with and associated with rivet head forming means. The apparatus comprises a fluid pressure power cylinder having a piston rod projecting therefrom and a transfer arm fixed to the piston rod. The power cylinder operates to raise and lower the transfer arm and means are provided for swinging the transfer arm horizontally between positions in axial alignment with the rivet slug supply means and the rivet head forming means. The transfer arm receives a rivet slug at the supply means, lowers by operation of the power cylinder, swings to axial alignment with the rivet head forming means, and raises to insert the rivet slug in the elastomeric annular holder. The movements are then reversed to return the transfer arm to the starting position.