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How to Make an Extendable Pole

An extending or telescoping pole has two main parts. Since it is an extension, one piece fits inside the other. When the pieces are adjusted, they can either extend or retract which makes for easy storage. Use an extending pole for various projects such as flagpoles and setting up a tent. While you can purchase extending poles, they can also be made at home using PVC pipes.

Things You'll Need

PVC pipe (2 inches by 2 feet)
PVC pipe (1 3/4 inches by 4 feet)
PVC pipe (2 inches by 5 feet)
Tape measure
Permanent marker
Drill
Drill bit (1/4-inch)
PVC end caps
Cross connector (5-way)
Ring pin

Instructions

- 1
  Take the 2-foot PVC pipe and fit it inside the larger pipe. This fitting should be snug, but not too tight and not too loose. A connection that does not fit well causes the pole to not function correctly. Remove the smaller pipe once you have determined it will work.
- 2
  Measure 4 inches down from the top of the larger pipe with the tape measure. Mark this point with a permanent marker. Drill a hole through this mark and through the pipe to the opposite side with a 1/4-inch drill bit. Make sure the holes line up.
- 3
  Measure 6 inches up from the bottom of the smaller pipe. Measure 6 inches from this point up and then above that point. Mark each of these three points with the permanent marker.
- 4
  Place the smaller pipe inside the larger piece of PVC. Line up each point on the smaller pipe with the holes already drilled in the larger pipe. Drill all the way through the pipes using a 1/4-inch bit. These holes will hold the ring pin that allows you to adjust the pole.
- 5
  Place the two-foot PVC pipes into the cross connector. This will create a footing for the pole. Place an end cap on each of the pipes. Place the larger pipe (with the holes) into the fifth cross connector hole. Place the smaller piece of PVC into the larger pipe and secure it in place using the ring pin.

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