A quick connector is used for releasably connecting a knockout bar and a mold tool. The quick connector includes an inner body that is attached to the knockout bar or the mold tool and is configured to receive a male fitting of the other of the knockout bar or the mold tool. The quick connector also has an outer sleeve movable along the inner body between (i) a locking position, where the outer sleeve causes locking elements of the quick connector to engage the male fitting to lock the male fitting in the inner body, and (ii) an unlocking position, where the locking elements do not engage the male fitting and do not lock the male fitting in the inner body. The quick connector includes a retaining element that functions to retain the outer sleeve in the unlocking position.