A paper bag bottoming mechanism having a bottoming drum having a first end, a second end, and a sidewall disposed therebetween, a bar affixed to the bottoming drum, the bar having a first end and a second end, a first guide block attached to the first end of the bar and a second guide block attached to the second end of the bar, a first slideable finger attached to the first guide block and a second slideable finger attached to the second guide block, and a first actuating mechanism communicating with the first slideable finger for actuating the first slideable finger and a second actuating mechanism communicating with the second slideable finger for actuating the second slideable finger. Also disclosed is a method for making a using a clampless bar mechanism.