a method for making a collated fastener assembly includes arranging a plurality of fasteners in a row parallel to one another , in a plane , and spaced from one another , preheating the fasteners , applying a molten polymer material onto the fasteners and conveying the fasteners with the polymer into a mold cavity . the fasteners are maintained in the plane . the polymer is molded onto the fasteners and between adjacent fasteners to form a molding having a collar encircling a shank of each fastener and a connecting portion between adjacent fasteners . the molding maintains the space between the fasteners . a cooling stream is introduced onto the fasteners and the molding as the fasteners and the molding exit from the mold cavity .