Abstract: A snubber device for preventing the uncontrolled fall of a column supporting an electrode and crosshead structure in an electric arc furnace upon failure of the hoisting mechanism or cable. Clamp plates containing serrated surfaces are positioned on either side of the electrode column and are joined by a number of parallel link arms to form a pantograph-like structure. A linkage is attached to the cable deadend which causes the plates to move in vertical relationship to each other, thereby causing a horizontal displacement of the plates and clamping the column between them to prevent downward movement. The column snubber is provided with a number of flanged rollers which ride on the outer surface of the column to permit rolling movement between the snubber and column. When the clamp plates are clamping the column, the rollers move out of contact with the outer surface. The column snubber automatically adjusts for wear in the electrode column assembly.