Abstract: An electromagnetic brake is disclosed in which a brake spring applies compressive force to an armature plate and friction discs to apply the brake. Electrical energization of a coil creates an electromagnetic force on the armature plate in a direction opposite to the braking force on the spring to move the armature plate and spring away from the friction discs and release the brake. A brake adjustment and release mechanism threadably rotates a disc against the spring to increase its compressive force against the armature plate and friction discs to adjust the spring braking force when the discs wear. The mechanism also can be rotated against a cam surface to move the armature in a direction away from the friction discs and against the spring to release the brake for purposes such as maintenance when the brake is not in normal operation.