Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a rigid axial retainer for use in bayonet joints. The rigid axial retainer is particularly useful for connecting lengths of tube to form handles for brooms, cleaning equipment and the like. The retainer has a female portion with at least one transverse protrusion and a male portion with at least one substantially "L-shaped" groove. The groove provided on the male portion has a first part which axially aligns with the transverse protrusion within the female portion when the male portion and the female portion are moved longitudinally with respect to each other. The first part of the groove debouches into a transverse second part of decreasing depth having an inclination identical to that of said transversally protruding sement.