Abstract: A clothespin with two elongated members each having a forward end defining a gripping portion and a centrally disposed pivot portion about which each elongated member pivots. A spring acts to bias the gripping portions into abutment with each other and to hold the elongated members together. To further restrain the sliding of one elongated member with respect to the other, a key and groove locking mechanism is provided forward of the pivot portion, whereby the locking mechanism will operate with a minimum of wear due to pivoting forces generated in the operation of the clothespin.