An apparatus for attaching fastener elements and the like to articles includes an indicator extending downward from a slide bar which advances one of a pair of mating elements to an upper station. The indicator points out the position on an article where the fastening elements will be secured to the article and is automatically retracted when the slide bar is retracted. Additionally, detent members are provided on resilient guide bars for holding elements in an intermediate position along a slide path, and a ram is provided with vertical extensions to maintain orientation of a fastener element.