Method and apparatus for centering and shearing the free end portion of a plurality of leads which extend outwardly from one end of a template

A method and apparatus for shearing the ends of the free end sections of a plurality of leads in which the free end sections are positioned in a desired spatial location prior to and during the shearing of the ends of the free end lead sections. The plurality of leads are initially positioned in a plurality of grooves which extend to one end of a template, the leads having free end portions which extend beyond the end of the template and pass through lead trimming or shearing means. Means are provided adjacent the end of the template to engage and properly position the free end portions immediately prior to and during the shearing operation so that the ends of the leads will extend directly away from the end of the template means to insure that the terminal end portions of the leads which project beyond the end of the template after shearing are of the desired final length suitable for a terminal applying operation.