Abstract: A latching joint for telescoping tubes incorporates two telescoping cylindrical members, referred to as rings, one (3) being positioned at least partially within the other (1). The inner ring carries a peripheral skirt of radially outwardly biased spring fingers (5) which, prior to tube extension, are restrained from outward expansion by a coaxially mounted O-ring (7). When the inner ring is pushed or pulled out from the outer ring to the extended position the O-ring is forced off the spring fingers, allowing the fingers to expand and latch the two rings in the extended position. With the arm extended the O-ring then serves as a gasket providing an axial force that is transmitted through the inner tube to the spring fingers to hold the spring fingers firmly latched.