An actuator (150) for an anti-reverse device which is extended through a sleeve in a reel housing and snap-fit thereto. An elongate body (412) with a head (432) and a bifurcated end defines first (415) and second (416) portions which are assembled in the reel from the exterior of the housing. The first portion engages the anti-reverse device. The second portion is fabricated from a resilient material and includes a lip (420) depending from adjacent its inward edge. The second portion is urged toward the first portion as the body is captured within the opening in the reel housing. With the actuator fully seated the lip engages the inside wall (450) and in conjunction with the head (432) captures the wall so as to retain the actuator. A protrusion 428 on the radial outer face of the second portion engages the wall of the opening to resiliently load the respective first and second portions in the opening and engages in one of two detents to position the actuator in one of two setting positions.