Willis Lamm's
Traffic Signal Collection

Clicking on a picture will bring up a larger view in a new window.

  Hanging the Harrington-Seaberg
4-way Traffic Signal

I have been asked how I hang some of the heavier signals in the collection up in the ceiling areas of the shop. A few, like the Darleys, can be left stripped down and brought up a ladder, however most signals are pretty heavy and require mechanical lifting.

Most of the signals are hung from eye bolts from girders or purlins in the ceiling of the shop. To hoist the signals I'll use the eye bolt to raise the signal. My hoisting line is a 9mm personal safety line acquired from a mountain sports shop. I'll pass the line through the eye bolt and attach it to my hoisting device at one end, and secure the running end of the line to the neck of the signal's gooseneck using a clove hitch.

Depending on the location in the shop and whether objects block the path of the hoisting line, I may use the Jeep winch or a come-along to take up the hoisting line.

Anchoring the come-along.
Signal raised to eye bolt.
Line tied to neck of gooseneck.
Shackle in place.
There are a few key points to consider when hoisting a light.
  • The eye bolt or anchor point must be capable of handling the "lifting load" applied when raising the signal.

  • The line used should have a smooth surface and be rated for at least twice the hanging weight of the signal. (I prefer kernmantle braid mountaineering line.)

  • The hoisting line must have an unobstructed straight path.

  • The anchor point that the come-along or winching device attaches to must be absolutely solid, or something large like a vehicle.

  • If the anchor point has sharp edges, wrap it with a chain and use the chain as your anchor point to avoid damaging the hoisting line or cable.

  • Lift slowly to avoid causing the signal to swing like a pendulum.

  • Have someone hold onto a ground line to keep the signal from swinging if it might strike an object on the way up.

  • Think each step through and be safe.

Close-up of eye bolt and shackle.

Return to the Harrington-Seaberg Page

Return to Signals Page