A tool having a telescoping handle including a main shank and an outer sleeve complementary shaped to receive the main shank therein. A guide groove is formed in an outer circumferential surface of the main shank for receiving a guide pin formed or attached to an inner circumferential surface of the outer sleeve. A locking collar may be provided to cause a bearing member to selectively engage locking structures formed on the main shank in order to selectively lock the telescoping handle in selected positions. The bearing member may also serve as the guide pin. Alternatively, at least two distinct locking and release mechanisms may be provided to selectively lock the telescoping handle in selected positions.