Round Aluminum Tubing
Frequently Asked Questions
What are “Standard Telescopic Tubes”?
If you need a telescopic aluminum tube that can extend to 7 ft, 8 ft, or 10 ft long (84”, 96”, 120”), then a standard off the shelf telescopic tube may be exactly what you need.
How do I decide what standard off the shelf telescopic tube to order?
The first criteria is usually length; how long do you need the tube to extend to when it’s fully open? The next question is usually connection point. What do you need at the tube end to work in your application?
We offer many telescopic aluminum tubes with ¼-20 female threads on at least one end that make it easy to add standard accessories. We also have telescopic
aluminum tubes with ¼-20 female threads on both ends.
What if I buy these standard telescopic tubes but then want someone to manufacture a customized version for my commercial application? How can I order custom telescopic aluminum poles?
Most companies only offer standard tubing assemblies. For custom applications you need a manufacturer. Great news, Testrite manufactures custom tubing assemblies in the USA. For custom tubing needs, visit TestriteOEM, learn about the myriad ways we can customize tubing and manufacture related parts, and then submit a request for quotation.
I want to try out different telescopic tube lock options for a commercial project. What’s the best way to do that?
Each tube lock is unique. The best way to figure out the right one for your application is to buy existing standard off the shelf extending telescoping poles we offer and figure out which one works best for
your application. While these tubes may not have all the specs you need, they give you the chance to buy at a low cost and with fast shipping a stock item that you can then get customized with the features you need, provided you have volume 25+. These tubes are ideal for prototyping and sampling, letting you test fit and function before committing to custom manufacturing. If you’re evaluating fit, lock style, or build quality—especially for flexible or evolving designs—a standard tube is a smart first step before ordering larger volumes.
What dimensions tube ODs are available in standard telescopic poles?
Standard round telescopic tubing is available in tight-tolerance drawn aluminum ranging from 3/8" up to 1‑1/2" outer diameter, typically with .038" wall thickness. Sizes increase in 1/8" increments for precise nesting.
What locking mechanisms are used with telescopic tubes?
Depending on the model you order, you might get lever locks, clutch locks, G‑style snap locks, etc. For example, the TBPROMO 73" uses a G‑style snap lock, while TB124 and TBASB1 use A‑style clutch locks. The beauty of buying these tubes is that you can try out different locking mechanisms and see
which will work best if you have a custom project.
CanI get volume discounts on telescopic tubing?
Yes! TestriteAluminum’s website offers volume discounting built right in, without the need to reach out. Larger orders unlock more
savings. For instance, some product lines offer up to 50% off when ordering 100
or more units.
What applications have successfully used standard telescopic tubes?
A wide range of customers are able to use our standard tubing assemblies. These have included agtech applications where lightweight remote sensors need to be attached to our tubing outdoors, photographic applications, hunting applications, and fishing applications. If you need specifications not available in a standard telescopic tube and plan to buy 25 or more tubes, you can reach out to a manufacturer, like www.TestriteOEM.com, for a quote on custom telescopic tubing assemblies.
What project types suit this product line?
This line ideal for entrepreneurs, designers, engineers, and manufacturers who need adjustable poles to use or to test toward designing a custom item. Try a standard option first, then scale up with custom
features—like specific end fittings, threading, or finishes.
Want to sample telescopic tubing locks and telescoping poles? We stock standard telescopic tubes to try out different designs and sizes, great for engineering new commercial projects or implementing your own design.
Are you designing a new commercial project that will require custom telescopic tubing These are perfect for seeing how Testrite's customizable tubing and locks may work in your product without needing to buy a large quantity.
Do you need a metal telescopic tube or pole? Maybe one of our standard tubes will work for you.
If you need a custom telescopic tube in Qty 25+? Head on over to www.TestriteOEM.com and click Request FAST Quotation.
Testrite Aluminum is proud to be the leading US aluminum tubing supplier. We sell round aluminum tubing, both drawn and extrusions, from 3/8" Outside Diameter up to 2" Outside Diameter in 1/8" increments. We offer a variety of aluminum wall thicknesses. These aluminum extrusion tubes are high quality, light weight, made in the USA, and many of these are available for telescopic aluminum tubing applications (where indicated).
Many of our tubes are well suited for telescopic applications, with tight tolerances on both the wall thickness and ovality. Our drawn aluminum tubes nest one inside the other to enable snag free telescoping. These are often paired with our locking mechanisms, sold separately. These tubes can be used for other non-telescoping applications as well.
We aim to be YOUR aluminum tubing supplier. We offer shipping lengths up to 144", and we have the biggest stock in the USA of light wall aluminum tubing with walls as thin as .038", as well as a .058" drawn aluminum tubing system, and a wide variety of other shapes in stock.