Abstract: An extensible and retractable rod including an outer section and an inner section telescopically received in the outer section for extension and retraction relative thereto. The outer section has an opening therein including an upper peripheral edge. A detent member associated with the inner section is spring biased to move laterally of the inner section to releasably lock the inner section in an extended position relative to the outer section. The detent member has an upper surface and a lower surface, each having a laterally outer edge, and a laterally outwardly facing surface extending between the laterally outer edges of the upper and lower surfaces. The laterally outwardly facing surface includes a camming surface which engages the outer section at the lower peripheral edge of the opening for pivoting the detent member so that the upper surface of the detent member projects into the opening in the outer section as the detent member begins to move into registration with the opening.