Abstract: A system for handling axial lead components comprises a flexible metal tape or molded plastic strip (to electrically test components while on strip), that has been especially perforated by die punching to have a plurality of sprocket receiving holes along its edges and a plurality of component receiving holes spaced centrally and along the length of the tape. The component holes have tabs at each lateral end thereof that define a component lead receiving slot. The slot has a predefined width at the end away from the tape. The slot width increases toward the base of the tabs. The predefined width of the slot at the end away from the tape is smaller than the diameter of the lead to be received in the slot. Only by flexing the tape to spread the tabs can a lead be inserted, freely rotated or removed from the slot. At least one tape flexing station is associated with each system.