a method for making a collated fastener assembly includes the steps of arranging a plurality of fasteners each having a head and a tip , in a row parallel to one another , the fasteners being arranged in a plane . the plurality of fasteners are preheated to elevate the temperature of the fasteners and a molten polymer material is applied onto the preheated plurality of fasteners . the fasteners , maintained in the plane , are conveyed with the molten polymer thereon between a pair of forming wheels . the molten polymer material is molded onto the preheated fasteners and between adjacent fasteners to form a plastic molding having a collar encircling a shank of each fastener and a connecting portion between adjacent fasteners . a cooling vapor is sprayed onto the fasteners and the plastic molding as the fasteners and the plastic molding exit from between the molding wheels . a gaseous cooling stream is forced over the fasteners and the plastic molding to cool the strip to form the fastener assembly .