Abstract: An automatic apparatus is provided for inserting a mask assembly into a cathode ray tube faceplate panel. The mask assembly includes an apertured shadow mask having at least three springs attached to it with each spring including an aperture. The faceplate panel includes a viewing faceplate portion and a peripheral sidewall. The sidewall includes at least three studs embedded therein for engagement with the spring apertures. The automatic apparatus includes a subassembly at each mask spring location. At least three of said subassemblies are movable horizontally and include a stop for contacting the lower edge of a mask spring. Each movable subassembly also includes a locator pin movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The locator pin, when in an engaged position, is spaced from the stop a predetermined spacing equal to a standard spacing between a lower edge of a spring and the centerline of the spring aperture plus a predetermined lifting distance.