To snap these together rapidly, the components are automatically fed to each of the two stations by a vibratory bowl feeder. The components drop into the assembly fixture, where a snap tool is attached to a cam wheel, operated by a continuous motor. The snap tool reciprocates much like a sewing machine needle, or a jigsaw blade. As it retracts, an opening is created to allow the next conduit component to drop into position. During the forward stroke of the snap tool, it forces a set of grip jaws to capture the next forward conduit component and the snap tool drives the new component into the one being held by the jaws. The Snap tool retracts, and the cycle is repeated, continuously.

Two shafts, attached to the snap tool, extend from the assembly fixture to reach a mechanical ratchet device. When the stack up length of the conduit is sufficient to reach the ratchet, it "grasps" the conduit and ratchets its way up the conduit. Since the ratchet only allows the conduit components to pass through in one direction, during the stroke of the snap tool, the conduit is automatically extracted from the assembly fixture, ending the stack-up of components. Back in the assembly fixture, the next string of components is started, which pushes the previously completed conduit out the end of the machine!