A locking actuator may be locked in an extended position. A piston with a first and a second end defines a recess that originates proximate to the first end. A strut is adapted to at least partially nest within the recess and the strut is adapted to hold at least one locking mechanism proximate to a tip of the strut. The at least one locking mechanism is held by the strut. The at least one locking mechanism is adapted to move into a first position engaging the piston when the actuator is locked, and is adapted to move to a second position not engaging the piston when the actuator is unlocked.