The 5 Best Paint Roller Extension Poles

Whether moving into an old house or renovating your current one, painting can be a chore.

If you’ve ever attempted to paint a ceiling or a far-off nook or cranny, you know exactly what I’m talking about.

While paint rollers are great at getting the job done in easy-to-reach locations, they can be difficult to use when painting locations that are a bit high or more out of reach.

For this reason, it’s time to get familiar with painting extension poles.

In this guide, I’ll tell you exactly what they are, the best options currently on the market, and how they are used so that you can get the most out of your next paint job.

Let’s start by answering a simple question: what exactly is a painting extension pole?

Simply put, these are extendable devices designed to connect to the ends of paint rollers to allow easier access to hard-to-reach locations.

With a painting extension pole, you can paint a ceiling or other tall area without the use of a ladder and reach those tricky spots around the room more easily.

And the good thing is you can also use them with a paintbrush or a paint sprayer if you need to.

Best Paint Roller Extension Poles

But these come in a variety of sizes and lengths, so you’ll want to find the one that’s best for you.

Coming up, we’ll go over the best painting extension poles on the market and what you should look for to make your search easier.

1- Mr. LongArm 3212 Pro-Pole Extension Pole

*Last update on 2023-12-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Mr. LongArm 312 Pro-Pole Extension Pole may not have the length of the aforementioned DocaPole (in fact, its length stops at just half of the former’s), but it’s a great pole in its own right.

Though it’s made of an ultra-light composition, it rarely breaks.

The end is made of universal nylon, with the majority of the structure being composed of a 1”-1/6” composite fiberglass handle and a 7/8” tube.

The connector tip on this device is made of plastic and connects well with a variety of different paint rollers and cleaning supplies.

If you’re looking for an efficient device that has a pretty standard length, you can’t go wrong with this product from one of the best in the business!

2- Purdy 140855661 Power Lock Professional Grade Extension Pole

*Last update on 2023-12-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Purdy 140855661 Power Lock Professional Grade Extension Pole is one of the best products on the market for a reason.

For starters, the Purdy pole can be locked at the length you desire, which offers greater convenience when painting or cleaning.

Moreover, the device can connect to any tool that uses an acme threaded frame and all tools that are part of the Purdy quick-connect system.

Added to this, there is a great shock-absorbent rubber base that allows for superior grip and wards off fiberglass blowout.

This makes it one of the safest products out there and a good option for those who are planning to use the pole extensively.

3- Unger Professional Connect & Clean Telescopic Multi-Purpose Pole

*Last update on 2023-12-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This three-stage pole allows you to reach anywhere from 90 inches to 20 feet.

This makes it one of the most retractable and versatile that you can find.

The Unger Professional Connect & Clean Telescopic Pole is fantastic for a variety of household jobs, including painting.

Lightweight, the product is constructed of anodized aluminum for extra durability.

The product comes with a cone that will securely hold tools and a tip that allows for versatile attachment.

When it comes to functionality, it’s hard to beat this model from Unger.

Still, it’s one of the pricier items on this list, so you’ll want to ensure it’s in your budget before buying.

4- Wooster Brush R091 Sherlock GT Convertible Extension Pole

*Last update on 2023-12-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

With an R042 Conversion tip, the Wooster Brush SR091 Sherlock GT Convertible Extension Pole is compatible with all threaded tools.

This makes it one of the most versatile anywhere on the market.

Whether you’re using this for painting or cleaning, you can use the fiberglass-backed lever to change tools instantaneously.

What’s more, a bayonet grip is provided with this Wooster paint roller extension pole to hold all Wooster tools exactly where they are.

The inner pole is shaped like a hexagon and made of aluminum, which prevents twisting.

Just as amazing, the pole is highly adjustable, giving you the opportunity to adjust it every six inches.

To lock the system in place, simply use your thumb. Without a doubt, this durable pole is one of the best that money can buy!

5- Shur-Line 812017 Aluminum Painting Extension Pole Adjustable

*Last update on 2023-12-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The shortest option on this list, the Shur-Line 812017 (6570L) Easy Reach Adjustable Extension Pole, ranges from 2.5 to 5 feet for easy storage and effective painting.

The lock the pole into place, one simply has to press down on the level.

The tip is threaded with ¾-5 acme thread that works with products from the Shur-Line brand.

Importantly, this model comes with an affordable price tag and multi-gliding that make it optimal for painting.

If you have an indoor painting job coming up, be sure to check out this incredible model!

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How to Use the Extension Pole for Painting?

Painting an entire house without an extension means bending and twisting your back to get into the right position.

Using an extension means putting your back under less stress as the roller does the work while preventing any injury.

I’ll admit – it did take a little time for me to use the extension properly, but it was well worth it when I learned it.

Because the center of gravity changes, it is not like using a standard paint roller with the weight close to your hand. Instead, you will need to make some adjustments.

From my experiences, here are a few tips to help you better control your paint roller extension pole when in use.

1- Don’t Over Tighten the Chuck

Do not push hard when painting or loading the roller; just let the roller do the work.

Grip the pole below the collet when locking or unlocking the piece you want to slide. Then tighten the chuck until it does not slide, but do not overtighten, or you might damage the pole itself.

2- Even Distribution

You do not want to overload the roller with too much paint. Instead, focus on even distribution as it makes the roller easier to control.

Less paint means less weight at the top, so you can get better results in fewer tries when you keep the paint on the roller even.

One additional tip I want to give is to avoid dry rolling, which can create an uneven paint job.

3- Gentle Lean and Grip the Middle

When on the fullest extent and painting the top of the wall, hold the pole vertically and close to the surface until you are ready to paint.

Once in position, let gravity lean the roller to the wall and move it in the direction you want. Do not press or force the roller against the wall.

Also, you should place one hand on the middle part of the extension near its connection point to the top.

And the other hand (on the middle part) is near its connection to the lower part of the extension. This will let you grip the long extension easier and provide maximum control.

When reloading the paint, ensure that you grip the section next to the nap or foam roller and the other hand on the middle section. This will make it easier to control.

4- Work Your Way Up

For maximum efficiency, start at the lowest point and work your way up the wall. This allows you to get used to the extension and paint more evenly as a result.

At last, when you have finished using the pole, make sure that you clean the roller, extensions, and trays to store.

When putting the extensions away for a while, take off the paint roller and collapse it as much as you can so it becomes its shortest length.

Keep in mind that painting the exterior with an extension pole and roller can be a bit tricky. This is especially true if you have lap siding. You may need a short ladder and a shorter extension pole.

By doing so, you can paint lap siding sideways and save yourself time as you do not have to move the ladder nearly as often.

Considerations When Buying a Paint Roller Extension Pole

Buying your first painting extension pole? If so, it’s important that you know what to look for in your device.

In this section, we’ll go over the various factors you should take into consideration when making your purchase:

1- Length

The first thing you’ll want to look for is the length. For starters, your extension pole has to be at least 1.4m to 3m long enough to get the job done.

There are extension poles that can reach up to 24 feet and even longer, although, for indoor work, you most likely will not need one of that length.

Still, for painting high surfaces (like in your hall or staircases) that may be 24 or more feet up, you should consider this type of extension pole.

Knowing this, you don’t want to buy one that’s too long, either, as this can simply make it harder to hold, particularly if it doesn’t have the right kind of locks.

2– Threaded Tips

You want to make sure that your pole is universally threaded at the tip so that it can connect with a variety of paint rollers without any issues.

Though many companies claim that their products are diverse, the reality is that some are not.

For this reason, be sure to read extensively about your desired model before purchasing.

3- Materials

There are two main types of painting extension poles: light ones and heavy ones.

The lighter options tend to be made of fiberglass or aluminum alloy, making them great for hours-long use.

Heavy ones are cheaply made, and they do wear on your wrist health. Also, these aren’t great for extended usage in one setting.

4– Locks

How do you want your extension pole to lock?

Some devices lock at any length, making them convenient and useful in a variety of situations. 

Others have pre-set locks that lock it in at a certain length. These tend to be cheaper and are also useful if they fit the dimensions of your project.

Then there are also the rollers with a multi-lock positioning; these are perfect for extensions of 8 to 12 feet.

5- Grip

You don’t want a painting extension pole that’s going to leave your hands blistered or calloused.

For this reason, choose the device with padded grips or handholds that allows you to use it comfortably for hours.

Some devices even come with holes that allow the extension poles to be hung up when done. Make sure to find a device with this extra feature if you are looking for this added convenience.

In addition, also check the cost. If possible, set a budget and stay within it to get what you need at the best price.

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Accessories to Use with an Extension Pole – They are Worth Investing

If you are painting interiors and are facing a section of the wall that otherwise requires a painter’s ladder, it’s time to get the extension pole.

The versatility of the extension pole means that you can use them for tasks apart from painting. Also, if you have some added accessories, it means you can do more work in less time.

I’ve discovered the following accessories to be most helpful. These have saved me many work hours when using them with the extension pole…

1- Brush Holder

This attachment allows you to cut a straight line once you get in a little practice.

This means that high ceilings and stairwells that require a paintbrush first can be handled with this paintbrush extender attachment before you switch over to the roller.

Remember, if you plan to attach a paintbrush to the extension pole, you should get the right paintbrush that screws into the extension pole – your regular paintbrush may not fit into it.

2. Spray Gun

Just like paintbrushes and rollers, certain telescoping extension poles also come with an attachment with which you can easily hold an airless paint sprayer or a paint spray gun.

This makes speedily spraying the paint very easy at heights without the need to use any ladders.

Plus, you can maneuver much easier and without fear of falling since you are still on the ground.

3- Paint Scraper

There are certain scrapers (as manufactured by Warner and Husky) that are made to fit on an extension pole.

And these are great to use when you want to scrape old peeling paint at heights.

The best one for you, however, depends on how often it will be used, the different attachments, and the overall durability of the pole itself.

4- Duster, Push Broom, and Window Scrubber

Getting at cobwebs can be annoying and time-consuming.

I’ve found that using the cobweb duster attachment lets me clean the corners of the wall and ceiling quickly and easily.

This has saved me many hours in the painting jobs that I have performed. Plus, it keeps me clean of the dust from the cobwebs.

There’s also a push broom which is really handy as you do not need a separate push broom.

Instead, you can simply apply the attachment and use it when you need to brush away ceilings or walls of dust.

Moreover, the combination of scrubber and squeegee (on a painter’s extension pole) means that windows can be cleaned easily after power washing to remove the water.

The Bottom Line

Over the past several years, I have used a painter’s extension pole not only for painting but for various tasks.

From household chores to taking pictures overhead to using it as an extension for your action camera, a painter’s extension pole offers a great deal of versatility.

But for the most part, you will be using the pole to help you achieve everyday household chores that otherwise require a ladder – they are much easier to set up compared to a stepladder.

Plus, an extension pole offers many other uses as well, in addition to painting…like dusting, cleaning, brushing, squeezing & more.

With that in mind, you do not need an extra-long-handled paint roller. Instead, use one with a standard handle that’s comfortable to use for your project.

Or else it will take much time and effort on the wall you are painting.