a method for holding a plastic fastener on a holding device in a position for transfer to an assembly tool , the method comprising the steps of : locating the fastening element in proximity to the holding device and oriented so that a thin wall on the fastener is aligned with the axis of a projecting needle on the holding device ; pressing the fastening element and the holding device together ; piercing the thin wall with the projecting needle ; forming an opening through the thin wall ; and frictionally engaging the needle with the thin wall edge that defines the opening to thereby hold the fastener on the holding device in the transfer position .