Abstract: A rod feeding and placement mechanism for use in apparatus for making hanging file folders comprises a magazine wherein a plurality of flat, elongated, metal rods are vertically stacked, one above another. A pair of laterally spaced-apart, horizontally disposed, slightly convergent, contra-rotating de-stacking screws located below the magazine engage the lowermost rod in the stack and advance or feed it laterally along a rod-path. Another pair of laterally spaced-apart, horizontally disposed contra-rotating top screws above the de-stacking screws then receive the rod from the de-stacking screws and advance or feed it further along the rod-path to an at-rest position located above a flat paperboard blank. Guide rails and magnetic strips support the rod as it advances along the rod-path. The rod is releasably maintained for a moment in the at-rest position by permanent magnets.