Extension pole with tool lock and retraction dampener

An improved extension pole ( 10 ) is provided having an outer tubular pole section ( 12 ) and an inner pole section ( 14 ) telescopically and reciprocally received within the section ( 12 ). The outer section ( 12 ) has a shock-absorbing component ( 38 ) mounted adjacent the base ( 20 ) thereof, which safely absorbs shocks incident to unrestrained fall of the inner pole section ( 14 ). The pole ( 10 ) also includes a fixture mounting element ( 74 ) with an associated locking member ( 88 ), the latter being threadably mounted and movable against the base of a fixture such as a light bulb changer ( 18 ), in order to securely mount the fixture in place on the pole ( 10 ). An improved, cam-type locking mechanism ( 16 ) is also provided which gives a short-throw twist operation through less than about a 45° arc.