A telescopic hot stick or pole for manipulating a tool from a position a selected distance away from a workpiece wherein the hot stick includes a tubular first section having a female end and a predetermined non-circular cross-sectional shape. A second section has a male end slidably engaged within the first tubular section and a predetermined non-circular cross-sectional shape conforming in a close-fit relation to the shape of the first section to prevent significant relative rotation of the second section therein. A locking assembly maintains the second section in an extended position where locking is accomplished in response to a sliding of the second section to the extended position and may be disengaged to permit ready removal of the second section from the first section.