Abstract: A locking mechanism of the barb type is provided for releasably locking two elements together. One of the elements has two pairs of opposed barbs or hook type resilient members. The barbs or hooks of each pair facing each other and being spaced apart. The other element has a pair of opposed, spaced ledges with downwardly facing surfaces engageable, in a locking relationship, with the barbs. An appropriate size opening is provided in the first element above the opposed pairs of barbs. The opening is a round central portion and a pair of side lobes coextensive with the opposed pairs of barbs. A separate key having a central rotational axis is provided. The key has a handle, an intermediate round portion connected to a working end portion, and generally oval in shape or cross section. The key is insertable in the opening such that the narrow part of the oval portion rests between the pairs of opposed barbs.