Securing the Index

I stepped out from between the cardstock dividers into the rear channel of the catalog drawer. Behind the last paper card, the stamped steel follower block sat tilted off its runner. I crouched on the narrow oak floor of the drawer and tested the lever on the clamping plate with both hands. The internal spring yielded with stiff resistance. Bracing my boots against the lateral wood runner, I squeezed the release latch until the locking tooth cleared the track with a sharp snap. I advanced the plate forward two notched intervals along the grooved center rail, then released the grip. The pawl seated deep into the steel slot with a firm clack. The entire sequence of cards now stands upright and locked.