Picking the Best Pole for the Project - Mr. LongArm

How do you “Pick the Right Pole for your Project”? If you look through our product catalog you’ll be inundated with the breadth of our extension pole product line.  Different lengths, materials, threaded ends, fluted, fixed length – the list of options goes on and on. With so many different extension poles to choose from we figured it would help to provide a guide.

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Begin by asking yourself these three questions.

1. What will I be using the pole for?
2. How often will I use it?
3. How high, or far, do I need to reach?

The answers to these questions will help you narrow down your selection. An example: A homeowner who will be painting the outside of their home this summer. They will want to use this pole to paint their interior sometime later this year. Their home is two stories and they have a cathedral ceiling in their home’s entryway.

Because of the multiple uses and high reach needed, you will want to choose a heavy duty or professional extension pole. Also, when determining the length of extension pole to purchase the following rule of thumb applies. Your height minus 6″ plus the length of a fully extended pole equals the height you will be able to reach. Most two story homes will require you to use at least an 18′ extension pole.

A heavier fiberglass pole suitable for painting may not be the best choice if you plan to use it only for dusting. For dusting you can choose a lightweight aluminum or steel extension pole. When choosing between aluminum or steel poles, most aluminum poles and sliders are anodized which prevents rust and provides a smooth extension. Steel poles can rust over time so don’t purchase a steel pole if your application requires contact with water.

Water-fed Poles & Brushes

If you have a task that requires the use of water, Mr. LongArm offers two styles of water-fed poles to be used in many different outdoor cleaning situations. The HydraSoar and TeleWash extension poles can be connected to a standard garden hose via a flow control shut-off valve. Using various styles of brushes you can clean decks, siding, patios, windows, boats, RVs, automobiles, masonry and many other surfaces. Using a flow-thru angle adaptor you can also clean gutters or water hanging plants.

All Fiberglass Poles

If you need a pole to change light bulbs you definitely need to choose a pole with a fiberglass handle or even better one with a fiberglass slider as well. Fiberglass is heavier and more rigid than other materials but more importantly it is non-conductive under most circumstances. That makes it much safer to use around electricity than metal poles. Since, we’re on the subject, extension poles should never be used around electrical wires. Be sure that while you are extending your reach to finish difficult jobs you are not inadvertently reaching up to electrical wires since most extension poles are highly conductive.

Locking Mechanisms

Internal Twist Locking

For more information, please visit Telescopic Pole.

Twist locking extension poles, usually aluminum or steel, offer a good lock with the versatility of locking at any length. Mr. LongArm Twist-Lok poles are bi-directional and lock with a twist in either direction. These poles are lighter and are the easiest to handle. They are great for the DIYer and best used in combination with other light-weight attachments like squeegees or painting tools.

Compression Locking

Compression locking extension poles, such as our Alumiglass or Pro-Lok Poles, also provide the versatility of locking at any length and are available in two and three section extended length poles. Mr. LongArm also offers three section poles that extend up to 23′. These poles have the longest reach and are great for painting or cleaning 2-story structures.

Push Button Positive Locking

Positive locking poles are popular with most paint contractors since they provide a push button locking device and are faster to change lengths. This type of locking mechanism is found in our Smart-Lok and Super Tab-Lok line of poles. You will want to choose a positive locking pole for prep work such as sanding and scraping since these activities require applied pressure. Positive locking poles only lock in pre-set lengths, 1-2 ft and 2-4 ft poles lock every three inches and all others lock every six inches.

Smart-Lok poles also offer a push button tool changing system as opposed to fixed threads. The Smart-Lok system, is universal and will work with most standard threaded tools. Smart-Lok is an excellent choice for multiple color changes and really increases your productivity. One last big advantage to these two poles is they are easy to service if paint or something else interferes with the button. All the user has to do is pop the button off and remove the foreign substance or object inhibiting the lock.

Still Need Help?

Armed with this information, as well as your own personal preferences and budget, you should be able to make an educated decision about which extension pole is right for your project. Mr. LongArm extension poles are found in the paint department at many local hardware stores and home centers.

One of the most common questions we receive is about our extension poles. To meet different needs, we offer three distinct versions. Our Professional Line is our top-tier option—lightweight, highly extendable, and premium in quality, making it ideal for professionals. For a more budget-friendly choice, our Standard Consumer Poles provide reliable performance for everyday tasks. Lastly, our All-Purpose Consumer Pole is designed specifically for homeowners, offering ease of use without the features required for professional window cleaning. Let’s break down each option to help you choose the best extension pole for your needs!
When it comes to professional-grade extension poles, strength and durability are non-negotiable. That’s why our poles are engineered with a fluted and serrated design on every section, making them 20% stronger than the competition, even at full extension. Built with the finest materials, these poles are virtually indestructible, ensuring long-lasting performance in any environment. The click-lock feature provides a secure and effortless tool change, allowing you to switch between squeegees, scrubbers, and other attachments with ease. Designed with precision tolerances, our poles offer a perfect friction fit for all Ettore tools and even competitor tools, making them the most versatile and reliable choice for professionals.Crafted from heavy-gauge, rust-proof aluminum tubing, our extension poles are built for maximum durability and long-lasting performance. The fluted design enhances strength while providing a secure grip, even in wet conditions. With a fast open/close tapered clamp system, adjusting the pole to your desired length is quick and effortless. The threaded and tapered tip allows compatibility with a variety of cleaning tools, while the click-lock feature ensures they stay securely in place during use. For added convenience, each pole includes a built-in hang hole for easy storage, making it the perfect tool for homeowners.
Differences:When choosing the right extension pole, it’s essential to consider both reach and durability. Our Professional Poles offer the longest extension, reaching up to 32 feet with a 4-section design, while the shortest option extends 2 feet with a single-section pole. For Consumer Poles, the longest extends to 16 feet with 4 sections, while the shortest is a 3-foot All-Purpose pole designed for general household use.
Professional Poles come with a variety of replacement parts, including pole tips, cone and clamp assemblies, replacement grips, and #1 replacement sections. Additionally, angle adapters are available to enhance compatibility with various tools. On the other hand, Consumer Poles do not have replacement parts, making professional-grade poles the better long-term investment for those needing customizable and serviceable equipment.
Where to Buy:When it comes to purchasing extension poles, choosing the right retailer can make all the difference. For Professional Poles, we recommend trusted suppliers like J Racenstein, Detroit Sponge, Windows 101, and Window Cleaning Resource, which cater specifically to industry professionals. If you're looking for Consumer Poles, you can find them at Ettore.com, Amazon, Lowe’s, Home Depot (online), and select Smart & Final stores. However, we highly recommend purchasing in person whenever possible, as shipping costs for longer poles can be high due to their unusual size. Visiting a store allows you to find the best fit while saving on shipping expenses!

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