Guide and setting device for fastener elements

A method for the attachment of an element to a sheet metal part by use of a guide and setting device, wherein

• a) the element, in particular a fastener element, has a head part with a larger trans-verse dimension and a shaft part with a smaller transverse dimension, is introduced into a hollow guide piece and is received by first holding members biased towards one another in the region of the head part with their shaft part to the fore,
• b) the element is subsequently moved through the holding members by a plunger axially displaceably arranged within the guide during an opening movement of the first holding members perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the plunger which is brought about by the plunger,
• comprising
• c) receiving the respective element in a mount formed by further holding members which hold the element during the setting stroke,
• d) using latching elements in order to prevent opening of the further holding members during the setting stroke, and
• e) after the completion of the setting process releasing the latching elements in order to permit the opening of the further holding members for the release of the element.