A retaining apparatus for mounting a component in an aperture formed in a mounting surface includes an elongated base member having opposite ends. At least two generally parallel side members each extend from an associated one of said base member ends. Each side member includes a free end. A component having a flange with at least two slots formed therein receives an associated side member in each of the slots. A locking means extends from said side members adjacent said free ends. As the component is inserted in the mounting surface aperture, force is applied to move the free ends of the side members toward each other to permit the locking means to pass through the aperture in the mounting surface. When the force is removed, the locking means and the flange engage opposite sides of the mounting surface to releasably retain the component in the aperture.