Abstract: A handle assembly, formed with a terminal flange, is adapted for flush installation in a panel aperture from the outboard side of the panel in a rock-in manner with the terminal flange overlying the panel outer surface. The housing has at least one inboard projecting stem receiving a one-piece clip through a hole in a retaining clip enabling a nut, upon being threaded on the stem, to hold handle assembly in the panel opening. The clip of the present invention is initially installed from the inboard side of the panel by means of upper and lower tabs adapted for manual push-on frictional engagement with associated upper and lower tongues projecting inboard from the handle housing. As a result of the clip tabs being manually engaged the installer has both hands free for threading a nut on the stem and torquing the nut down to complete the handle assembly installation. The housing tongues also provide a support function in that they prevent the clip from being distorted during the torquing operation.