locking arm 10 urges the locking arm toward crossmember 26 this interaction between tab 28 and locking arm 10 prevents inadvertent release of the locking arm from crossmember 26 to release the lock mechanism locking arm 10 is urged toward second component 16 causing the locking arm to deflect toward the second component as locking arm 10 deflects toward second component 16 tab 28 also deflects toward the second component as locking arm 10 is deflected step 22 slides along crossmember 26 when step 22 moves past crossmember 26 locking arm 10 can be removed from locking frame 14 by pulling the two components 12 16 away from each other after locking arm 10 has been removed from locking frame 14 locking arm 10 and resilient tab 28 return to their original shapes the snap fit lock mechanism may be repeatedly engaged and released without sacrificing the ability of the lock mechanism to securely join the two components furthermore the lock mechanism can be engaged and released without the use of tools a user can release the lock mechanism by simply pressing on projection 20 and pulling the two components 12 16 apart the snap fit lock mechanism may be used to join various types of components including but not limited to wiring harness shields retaining clips connectors and covers for other devices additionally since the snap fit lock mechanism has a unitary structure the mechanism can be molded to each component in a single operation and does not contain loose pieces which may be lost or misplaced the above description of the lock mechanism focuses on a single lock mechanism however it will be understood that many.