Abstract: A mechanical release mechanism is designed to separate when a predetermined ension is exerted between two members. A ball or plug member is retained within a slitted, cylindrical-shaped spring housing member. When the tensile force between the members reaches a predesigned release force, the spring housing member is spread apart to allow the ball or plug to be pulled free. Merely reconfiguring the cylindrical spring housing member from different materials or with different dimensions or number of slits alters the tensile release force to accommodate a variety of different applications. After a predetermined separation, the members can be reassembled for reuse.