Abstract: A gastrostomy feeding tube including a main, flexible cylindrical body with a proximal end adapted for receiving conventional medical apparatus and a distal end having a locking mechanism. A locking ring is slidably and frictionally attached to the main body of the tube. The locking mechanism includes hinged legs and a membrane surrounding the mechanism, which is attached in a sealed fashion to the tube and to a distal end of the locking mechanism. Other embodiments of the locking mechanism include teeth or detents. Locking knobs are provided within the distal end. A long, rigid insertion tool having grooves for receiving the locking knobs is utilized, and is inserted through a bore through the tube until the locking knobs pass into the grooves. A needle is inserted in a conventional fashion into a patient's stomach, and a guide wire is passed therethrough, and the needle is then removed.