An apparatus and process for the attachment of a bayonet handle having a barb head defining each end thereof to a carton blank. The apparatus comprises releasable clamping means for horizontally gripping the handles. Below the clamping means are support means for flatly maintaining carton blanks. A pair of blades, situated juxtaposed opposite sides of the clamping means, are retractable between an upward retracted position and a downward extended position near the support means. The clamping means are movable between an upper handle receiving position and a lower position near the support means by descending means.The process comprises first providing a bayonet handle. The handle is next bent in two places so that the barb heads are perpendicular to an interior section of the handle and are projecting toward respective apertures in the carton blank. Then, the handle is moved such that the barb heads are inserted into the respective apertures. Thus, barbs on the barb heads are engaged and the handle is attached to the blank.