Abstract: A hold down latch is disclosed herein for relieving spring tension or pressure from a follower slidable in a passageway or cavity of a magazine intended to be loaded with ammunition. The latch includes an elongated body having a recess open at one end and open along one side of the body so as to define a base at one end and a back member on one side with parallel spaced apart panels interconnecting the base and back member to complete the recess. A selected one of the panels is provided with a hook adjacent to the open end of the recess adapted to insertably receive a button carried on the spring tension follower of the magazine. The back member includes an arcuate thumb surface extending across the panels adjacent the open end and a hole is provided in the panel having the hook for receiving a retainer tool.