An elongate separable slide fastener chain (11) is cut off into individual separable slide fasteners, the slide fastener chain (11) having a plurality of longitudinally spaced element-free portions (15) with pin-receptive boxes (18) supported respectively thereon. The slide fastener chain (11) is fed under tension in one direction, and then stopped to release the slide fastener chain (11) of its tension. The reading and trailing ends of one of the boxes (18) are clamped to position the slide fastener chain (11). Then, the slide fastener chain (11) is severed across one of the element-free portions (15) adjacent to the leading end of the box (181.
With this arrangement, the slide fastener chain (11) can be positioned accurately for severance and cut off into separable slide fasteners which are sightly in appearance and equal in length.