Abstract: A lighting rod has a reach rod (1) that is preferably nonconductive and has a holder hook (4) on a hook end and a hook releaser (9, 10) on a handle end. The holder hook spring-grasps cords (15, 29) or lines against a rod tip (2) by spring pressure of a hook spring (8, 11) on or in the reach rod. The hook releaser has a release member that contacts a hook base (7, 12) for releasing spring pressure on the holder hook. At least one channel (23, 24) in the rod tip receives an open end of the holder hook to allow tight retainment of a cord, line or other item positioned in the holder hook. An attachment-hook groove in the rod tip can be provided to receive a hook portion of an attachment hook for containing the attachment hook rigidly while a threaded portion (28) of the attachment hook is being screwed into material by rotation of the reach rod for screwing attachment hooks into and out of the material. The holder hook and the rod tip can be structured to contain a wide selection of items.