Abstract: The invention contemplates a key retainer with a key-retaining bail extending beyond one end of a case, for selective retention of one or more keys. The combination involves the bail formed as a hook-like part of slide structure within the case. Slide action is limited to motion generally transverse to the direction in which the bail extends beyond the case, and deliberate manual actuation of the slide against a preloading spring is necessary to displace the free end of the hook from (a) a first normally retained position in which the hook is effectively closed by its relation to the case, to (b) a second and temporary position in which the free end of the hook is sufficiently laterally offset from the case to permit selective key insertion on and/or removal from the bail.