A load release means for a telescopic prop, the load release means comprising: an inner member with at least one threaded portion; a striking collar with threaded internal bore configured to threadedly engage with the threaded portion of the inner member through a thread interface; and, locking means to releasably secure said striking collar on said inner member, whereby, in use, when an applied load V acts directly on the thread interface, the component force S of the applied load V provides most or all of the striking torque such that when the locking means is released little to no external torque is required to be applied to the striking collar to strike the striking collar.
