A system for separating terminals (e.g., electrical terminals) from a terminal strip includes a shear tool movably mounted to a frame for selectively shearing the terminal from the terminal strip. A primary shear depressor is provided for driving the shear tool from an initial position to an intermediate position during which the terminal is sheared from the terminal strip. A secondary shear depressor is movably mounted to the primary shear depressor for driving the shear tool from the intermediate position after the terminal has been sheared from the terminal strip, to a final position.