Staking apparatus (22) and a method for staking one or more fasteners (44) of a part assembly (18) are provided by a conveyor (14), a lower lift and lock assembly (24) including a lower lifter (28) and a lower lock (30), and an upper press (26). Lower and upper staking punches (40, 60) of the lower lifter (28) and the upper press (26), respectively, provide the staking while at least one and preferably a plurality of springs (36) resiliently support a pallet assembly (16) on which the part assembly (18) is positioned.