A pierce nut insertion tool is provided. In another aspect, a pierce nut feeding mechanism has a mechanically independent driver actuator from that of a punch. A further aspect of the present tool employs a member, moveable with a punch, that retains a pierce nut prior to fastening of the nut to a workpiece. An additional aspect uses a fluid actuated nut feeder including a piston.

A tool for securing items together closes C-rings to create hog rings. A drive mechanism allows the tool be used continuously for a greater length of time than heretofore possible without inserting a new string of C-rings. The drive mechanism utilizes one-way clutch bearings to provide a ratchet-like mechanism. Each time a trigger on the tool is pulled, a C-ring is closed and another C-ring is advanced to a position in which it may be closed by the same jaws. A pneumatic system moves a piston inside a cylinder to move the C-rings along a magazine towards the jaws.

A method for fastening or attaching an agricultural item of interest to a support structure includes housing one or more clips in a magazine, and moving a sliding arm, which is driven by a motor, between a retracted position and a deployed position to attach a clip, from among the one or more clips, to the agricultural item of interest and the support structure to fasten or attach the agricultural item of interest to the support structure.