A device for collapsing a self-expanding prosthetic heart valve, comprising: a compression member having a first open end with a first diameter, a second open end with a second diameter less than the first diameter, and a tapered wall between the first open end and the second open end, the tapered wall defining an open space adapted to receive the valve; a pusher member having a base adapted to engage an end of the valve, the pusher member and the compression member being movable relative to one another between an initial position in which the base of the pusher member is spaced a first distance from the first open end of the compression member and an operative position in which the base of the pusher member is spaced a second distance less than the first distance from the first open end of the compression member, wherein movement of the pusher member and the compression member from the initial position to the operative position pushes the valve through the open space such that the valve is radially compressed by the tapered wall of the compression member as the valve advances through the open space; characterized by a first fastener on the pusher member and a second fastener on the compression member, the first fastener including a plurality of spaced arms each extending in a longitudinal direction from the base of the pusher member to a free end, each of the plurality of arms residing externally about the exterior sidewall of the compression member in the operative position, and wherein engagement of the first fastener with the second fastener in the operative position secures the pusher member to the compression member. a compression member having a first open end with a first diameter, a second open end with a second diameter less than the first diameter, and a tapered wall between the first open end and the second open end, the tapered wall defining an open space adapted to receive the valve; a pusher member having a base adapted to engage an end of the valve, the pusher member and the compression member being movable relative to one another between an initial position in which the base of the pusher member is spaced a first distance from the first open end of the compression member and an operative position in which the base of the pusher member is spaced a second distance less than the first distance from the first open end of the compression member, wherein movement of the pusher member and the compression member from the initial position to the operative position pushes the valve through the open space such that the valve is radially compressed by the tapered wall of the compression member as the valve advances through the open space; characterized by a first fastener on the pusher member and a second fastener on the compression member, the first fastener including a plurality of spaced arms each extending in a longitudinal direction from the base of the pusher member to a free end, each of the plurality of arms residing externally about the exterior sidewall of the compression member in the operative position, and wherein engagement of the first fastener with the second fastener in the operative position secures the pusher member to the compression member.