Abstract: A projection extending substantially perpendicularly from an arm or lever of a zero insertion force (ZIF) socket serves as a retention member for a component assembly in the ZIF socket. The ZIF socket comprises: a body having a plurality of electrical contact apertures for receiving a plurality of component assembly pins from a component assembly placed over the body; a binding member located below and slidably coupled to the body allowing insertion in and extraction of the pins from the plurality of electrical contact apertures of the body when the binding member is in a first position relative to the body, and retaining the plurality of component assembly pins when the binding member is in a second position relative to the body; and a first arm member rotatably coupled to the binding member for positioning the binding member relative to the body.