Abstract: A hanger retaining device including a generally cylindrical hanger bar for receiving clothes hangers and retaining pins substantially perpendicular to the axis of the bar, substantially parallel to each other, and mounted on the bar. A retaining rod slidably mounted on the retaining pins for movement into a closed position wherein the hangers are held or into an open position wherein the hangers may be removed from said bar. A pressure member urging the rod toward its open position is on the retaining pins, and a notch is provided thereon. A slider is mounted on the bar for movement parallel to the axis thereof and has an opening through which the retaining pins pass; there is a retaining edge on the opening which is urged toward the notch, whereby movement of said slider away from the notch withdraws the edge from the notch and permits the rod to move to the open position. Movement of the rod to its closed position permits the edge to enter the notch and hold the rod in its closed position.