DIY: Telescopic Poles

A telescopic pole can make reaching high spots easier.

You can use a telescopic pole with a variety of home improvement projects, especially those that require you to reach high areas. Creating one that can be collapsed for storage, or extended for use in difficult-to-reach areas, makes the tool even more user-friendly. By attaching various hooks or prongs to the end of the pole, you can create a tool that will help you complete many tasks simply and safely.

Things You'll Need

• 1.5-inch diameter PVC pipe
• 1.25-inch diameter PVC pipe
• 1-inch diameter PVC pipe
• Bolts
• Wing nuts
• Tape measure
• Drill
• Drill bits
• Saw

Instructions

1. Measure a 6-foot length of 1.5-inch-diameter PVC pipe and mark it. Cut the PVC pipe with the saw at the marked length. Repeat this process for the 1.25-inch diameter and 1-inch diameter PVC pipes.

2. Measure 3 inches down from the top of the 1.5-inch diameter PVC pipe and mark it. Drill a hole completely through the pipe length at the 3-inch mark. Measure 1 foot down from the top of the 1.25-inch diameter PVC pipe and mark it.

3. Drill a hole completely through the pipe length at the 1-foot mark. Measure 3 inches down from the top of the opposite end of the 1.25-inch-diameter pipe length and mark it.

4. Drill a hole completely through the pipe length at the 3-inch mark. Measure 1 foot down from the top of the 1-inch diameter PVC pipe and mark it.

5. Drill a hole completely through the pipe length at the 1-foot mark. Lay the 1.5-inch-diameter PVC pipe on the ground. Slide the 1-foot drilled end of the 1.25-inch diameter pipe into the 3-inch drilled end of the 1.5-inch-diameter pipe lining the holes up.

6. Insert the bolt completely through the aligned holes on the pipes. Tighten a wing nut onto the bolt securely. Attach the 1-inch diameter pipe to the 1.25-inch diameter pipe by repeating steps 5 and 6.

Tips & Warnings

• Collapse the entire pole length by removing each of the bolts and wing nuts and store the pipes inside of each other.

• Select bolt lengths longer than the pole diameters and appropriate wing nuts.

• Purchase drill bits that correspond to the bolt diameters.

Resources

• U.S. Plastic Corp: PVC Pipe
• Home Depot: Wing Nuts