An automated reel feed press comprising: a frame having a platform which includes an anvil for supporting one or more work pieces; a punch mechanism affixed to said frame including a punch reciprocal between retracted and extended positions being located directly above said anvil; a feeding mechanism for delivering a plurality of fasteners one at a time to a delivery position between said punch and said anvil, the feeding mechanism including a reel holding a plurality of fasteners wound about the reel; the automated reel feed press being characterised in that: said fasteners are contiguously joined at severable joints between each fastener to form a string of fasteners; and the feeding mechanism further comprises: a sprocket adapted for pulling said string of fasteners from said reel and for delivering them incrementally to a shear station; a reciprocating shear block at the shear station for severing individual fasteners one at a time from an end of said fastener string; and the reciprocating shear block includes a fastener holder for retaining and delivering each of said severed fasteners to said punch, wherein said punch includes a tip having means for lifting said severed fastener from said holder and further including means for retaining said fastener on said tip. a frame having a platform which includes an anvil for supporting one or more work pieces; a punch mechanism affixed to said frame including a punch reciprocal between retracted and extended positions being located directly above said anvil; a feeding mechanism for delivering a plurality of fasteners one at a time to a delivery position between said punch and said anvil, the feeding mechanism including a reel holding a plurality of fasteners wound about the reel; the automated reel feed press being characterised in that: said fasteners are contiguously joined at severable joints between each fastener to form a string of fasteners; and the feeding mechanism further comprises: a sprocket adapted for pulling said string of fasteners from said reel and for delivering them incrementally to a shear station; a reciprocating shear block at the shear station for severing individual fasteners one at a time from an end of said fastener string; and the reciprocating shear block includes a fastener holder for retaining and delivering each of said severed fasteners to said punch, wherein said punch includes a tip having means for lifting said severed fastener from said holder and further including means for retaining said fastener on said tip. said fasteners are contiguously joined at severable joints between each fastener to form a string of fasteners; and the feeding mechanism further comprises: a sprocket adapted for pulling said string of fasteners from said reel and for delivering them incrementally to a shear station; a reciprocating shear block at the shear station for severing individual fasteners one at a time from an end of said fastener string; and the reciprocating shear block includes a fastener holder for retaining and delivering each of said severed fasteners to said punch, wherein said punch includes a tip having means for lifting said severed fastener from said holder and further including means for retaining said fastener on said tip. a sprocket adapted for pulling said string of fasteners from said reel and for delivering them incrementally to a shear station; a reciprocating shear block at the shear station for severing individual fasteners one at a time from an end of said fastener string; and the reciprocating shear block includes a fastener holder for retaining and delivering each of said severed fasteners to said punch, wherein said punch includes a tip having means for lifting said severed fastener from said holder and further including means for retaining said fastener on said tip.