an extensible hanger support is provided for use in providing a spanning connection between two spaced apart joints or the like for supporting therefrom such items as ceiling fans , light fixtures and the like . the support includes first and second extensible members which are telescopically axially movable between a fully collapsed condition and a fully extended condition . these extensible members employ cooperative means which are normally in threaded engagement in such a manner that rotation of one of the members relative to the other results in axial movement toward either the fully collapsed condition or the fully extended condition depending upon the direction of rotation . each of these extensible members has a free end which carries joist engaging means for respectively engaging a ceiling joist . the cooperative means includes quick release means for quickly releasing the members from their normal threaded engagement with each other while permitting quick sliding axial movement relative to each other only in response to axially applied forces to cause the members to extend toward their fully extended condition while permitting axial movement in the opposite direction only in response to rotational movement in a direction causing said members to be displaced to the collapsed condition .