Collated and lubricated fasteners and lubrication station

A fastener for use with a crimping tool comprising:

• a length of fastener metal wire bent into a generally C-shaped configuration to form an open ring fastener including:
• spaced opposed curved free end portions integrally interconnected by a central connecting portion;
• said open ring fastener being constructed and arranged to be (1) positioned in an installation position with respect to elongated elements to be connected together disposed between the spaced opposed free ends thereof, and (2) crimped by a pair of closing jaws of the crimping tool into a close ring formation in surrounding relation to the elongated elements wherein said free ends are lapped with respect to sections of said connecting portion;
• said open ring fastener having a dry lubricant film on exterior surfaces of said curved free ends which slide with respect to the closing jaws when said open ring fastener is crimped so as to reduce the force required to effect the crimping movement;
• said central connecting portion of said open ring fastener including an exterior surfaces devoid of said lubricant.