An adjustable length member, which can serve as a leg for an adjustable height table, is disclosed. A first channel of the adjustable length member contains a rack mechanism on the inside surface while the internesting second channel contains a pawl, which is brought out of engagement with the rack by a wire attached to a handle under the table top to pivot the pawl. A spring biases the pawl back into engagement with a tooth of the rack mechanism when the wire applies no force to the pawl.