Abstract: A mechanical device for maintaining a door in an open position, having an arm slidable in a guide body provided with shoes capable of spreading apart upon the passage of the arm, and springs having a resilient opposing action tending to move the shoes towards each other. According to the invention, the guide body has at least one surface element having a cylindrical outer shape, mechanically connected to the shoes and radially deformable. An opposing action is formed by at least one coil spring which is mounted coaxially around and in contact with the surface element. A preferred application of the device is for doors of motor vehicles.