a terminal feed mechanism is provided for an applicator for attaching terminals to electrical conductors . the feed mechanism includes first , second , and third pivoting links , the first and second of which are pivotally coupled by means of gear teeth . the second and third links are coupled by an adjustable slide member that is in sliding engagement with the third link . the position of the slide member with respect to the third link governs the length of the feed stroke . a feed finger that engages and advances the strip of terminals is carried by another adjusting mechanism that independently controls the feed end point of the feed finger .