Abstract: The subject of the invention is an arresting device for fixing the selected relative position of an adjustable first element with respect to a second element, for example a seat of a piece of seating furniture, with respect to a base of a piece of seating furniture, with a cylinder fastened on a second element, in which a distancing element, which is connected with the first element, can be displaced in the displacement direction against the resistance of at least one restoring spring or vice versa, wherein the displacement movement can be blocked in each position and can be released by means of an actuating device, and with a mechanical brake having at least one adjustable brake element, by means of which the actuation element can be brought into a release position or can be released against the resistance of at least one brake spring.