Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying threaded lids to threaded necks of containers, wherein a lid orienting device is disposed in the transport path of the lid for engaging a leading side surface of a projection on the lid to cause the lid, as it moves past the lid orienting device, to rotate to a prescribed angular position relative to the transport path. The thread or threads of the lid then will be positioned in a known orientation when engaged by the lid applying head at the lid transfer station so that the lid applying head can orient the lid in a known positional relationship to the thread or threads of the threaded neck of the container to protect against cross-threading of the lid when screwed onto the threaded neck.