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The shape of the extension pole used to be round until someone figured out that if the pole had flat edges to it - it would be stronger and less likely to bend under rolling pressure.        Some poles have one flat edge, others like the Wooster Sherlock pole, are octagonal on the inner telescoping section.  The Sherlock pole is very resistant to bending , which is important with the longer lengths of pole.
Painting Extension Poles
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If you are using shorter pole lengths, the round poles are cheaper and should work just fine. When you get to the 8' - 16' or 8' - 32' poles you will probably want to use  the stronger poles. 





















The counter twist type works by twisting the bottom section clock-wise and the top section counter clock-wise and vise versa to lock and unlock the pole.  This type of locking mechanism probably  the least durable, and will wear out sooner than the others. I would consider a pole with this type of locking device to be for light, occasional duty only.
   
The second type of twist lock is found on  Mr. Longarm poles also,  it has a threaded collar that tightens up on the top section using friction to lock it in place. While better in my opinion than the counter twist lock, it still is not as good as the pin lock.

Pin Lock
The pin lock is a spring loaded mechanism that inserts a pin into a hole in the top section of pole.  This type of lock is far more certain and lasts longer that either of the twist lock types.  You will not get any twisting when applying roller pressure with the pin lock poles which is safer (you can lose your balance when suddenly your pole gives and twists under pressure - especially problematic if rolling while on a ladder) and more reliable than the twist lock poles.
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Extension Poles
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Locking Mechanism
The locking mechanism is an important item that you will want to consider when selecting an extension pole.  The locking mechanism is usually what breaks first on most poles.. There are two types of locking devices used with telescoping poles: the "twist lock"  and the "pin lock". 
Twist lock
The twist lock comes in two varieties, one of these types is rare to find these days. With the first type - "the counter twist" type,  where the two sections of pole twist in opposite directions to lock and unlock the pole.
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