this post was submitted on 03 Apr 2026
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What is this thing?

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What is this pair of metal... Things.. hanging on traffic light pole over an intersection? (infosec.pub)
submitted 13 hours ago by hereiamagain@sh.itjust.works to c/whatisthisthing@lemmy.world
33 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

They were on all of them in the intersection, four sets

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[–] Rivalarrival@lemmy.today 247 points 13 hours ago* (last edited 13 hours ago) (4 children)

Stockbridge Damper.

Basically, it keeps the pole from vibrating like a guitar string. The chains are there in case the supporting rod breaks; they keep the heavy weight from going through your windshield.

[–] onnekas@sopuli.xyz 3 points 5 hours ago (2 children)

If vibrating like a guitar string is so bad then tell me why we don't install those things on guitar strings!?

[–] Rivalarrival@lemmy.today 5 points 5 hours ago

If you attached six of those dampers to a guitar, it would weigh about 240lbs.

[–] Michal@programming.dev 1 points 5 hours ago

Because one is installed on a guitar and the other one is not

[–] hereiamagain@sh.itjust.works 39 points 13 hours ago (1 children)

Well I'll be! That seems right!

[–] Rivalarrival@lemmy.today 39 points 13 hours ago (2 children)

I've only ever seen them on electric wires, but I've seen light poles develop some pretty severe Aeroelastic flutter. This seems like a good way to (possibly) prevent it.

[–] DarrinBrunner@lemmy.world 12 points 13 hours ago (1 children)

This answers a long-standing question for me.

[–] PM_ME_VINTAGE_30S@anarchist.nexus 8 points 10 hours ago

Basically, it keeps the pole from vibrating like a guitar string.

"Hey Periphery I got a new guitar for you"🤘👿🤘

[–] gws@programming.dev 6 points 10 hours ago* (last edited 10 hours ago)

I guessed right ^_^