Abstract: The present invention involves a friction lock device which utilizes one or more friction springs coaxially disposed about a translating rod within an elongated housing. Bias bushings are provided for slidably supporting the rod adjacent one end of each spring. Each bushing defines a sloped shoulder against which the friction spring bears, with the angle of the shoulder calibrated such that the spring is canted to provide a holding force up to a predetermined axial force on the rod, and to permit the rod to slip relative to the spring at greater axial forces without disturbing the integrity of the spring or its coils. The device includes a release or actuation mechanism to partially unwind the springs, thereby reducing the gripping force of the springs and freeing the rod to slide through the springs.