The invention provides a ball-lock insert assembly adapted to be mounted axially in a mount opening formed in a holder plate having a desired thickness. The ball-lock insert assembly comprises an insert body having an axis and an elongated interior recess (17) extending at an angle relative to this axis. The elongated interior recess (17) is configured to house a resiliently-biased engagement member (27). The invention also provides retainer assemblies that include ball-lock assemblies, as well as methods of producing retainer assemblies, which methods include providing ball-lock assemblies.