(57) A slide fastener stringer tape (T) is held in a substantially vertical plane between a pair of openable punch dies (50, 51) with coupling elements (E) having legs mounted on the stringer tape (T) and coupling heads disposed downwardly of the punch dies (50,51). The coupling elements (E) are gripped vertically between the punch dies (50, 51), and a punch (54; 54a) and a pair of punch guides (55, 56). The punch dies (50, 51) are moved laterally away from each other to spread the legs apart from each other out of engagement with the stringer tape (T). The punch (54) has a sharp upper end (80) for thrusting into the coupling heads to split the coupling elements (E) into scraps (E').
Alternatively, the punch (54a) has a rounded upper end (80a) for pressing engagement with the coupling heads.