Abstract: An electrode holder for an electric arc furnace electrode, comprising a holder body having a cylindrically curved internal surface for engaging the electrode, a clamping shoe movable relative to the body and having a cylindrically curved portion for engaging the electrode, a piston having an axial rod member connected to the clamping shoe, cylinder means connected to the holder body and having a cylinder bore slidably receiving the piston, said cylinder bore having first and second chambers therein communicating with the opposite sides of the piston, the cylinder means having first and second port means for admitting fluid pressure to the respective first and second chambers, an axial guide shaft member on the piston and extending therefrom in a direction opposite from the direction of the rod member, the cylinder means having a guide opening therein slidably receiving and guiding the guide shaft member, and compression spring means mounted around the guide shaft member and compressed between the piston and t