A locking chair adjustment mechanism for adjusting a position of a chair component. The mechanism comprises a central shaft, a spiral jaw clutch comprising two interconnecting spiral jaw interfaces and a slotted element wherein the slot is sized to slideably receive the central shaft for displacement of the slotted element when the mechanism is in an unlocked position. A locking pad locks the mechanism against the slotted element. A rotatable adjustment handle allows the mechanism to toggle from a locked position, to an unlocked position, by displacement of the spring mechanism caused by the rotation of the spiral jaw interface fixedly mounted on the adjustment handle, therefore releasing pressure on the locking pad. A spring mechanism is activated when the claimed mechanism goes from a locked position to an unlocked position, pulling the claimed mechanism back to a locked position. The claimed mechanism provides a low cost solution offering better locking capabilities than traditional braking mechanisms.