A steering column assembly is provided that includes an inner shroud portion and an outer shroud portion, the inner shroud portion extending into the outer shroud portion and including a rail. The rail includes a slot with two opposing sides, each of which has teeth. A toothed block is provided that engages with the teeth of the slot, when a clamping mechanism is actuated. The toothed block is supported by a carrier that allows the toothed block to be free to move from side-to-side when engaged with the slot, and the teeth of the slot and the toothed block are shaped such that the toothed block may engage the teeth of the slot at any position when the clamping mechanism is actuated. The teeth of a first side of the slot prevent the block from moving in a collapse direction of the assembly and the teeth of the second side of the slot permit movement in a collapse direction but apply a thrust towards the teeth of the first side. The carrier includes a biasing spring that urges the toothed block towards the first side of the slot.