Catheter assemblies including a handle assembly located on the proximal end of the catheter assembly and a distal tip assembly located on the distal end of the catheter assembly. A crimping funnel is slidably positioned along the catheter. The crimping funnel includes a distal end having a first diameter and a proximal end having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter. An axial split is formed in the proximal end. A first collar is provided encompassing a portion of the proximal end. The first collar is configured to hold the axial split in the proximal end together when the first collar is at a first axial location along the proximal end, and to allow the axial split in the proximal end to open when the first collar is at a second axial location along the proximal end, such that the crimping funnel can be removed from the catheter assembly. Various methods of retaining a prosthetic valve on the catheter assembly during the crimping process are described.