Tests on a steel energy absorber loaded axially in push-pull are described. The device is intended for use in diagonal bracings or in other convenient positions in building frameworks. It was concluded that the device tested would perform adequately as an energy absorber at a stroke of ±6 mm when the strain would be about ±3% and the life about 80 cycles. Care is needed in restraining such a device against buckling in the compression part of the cycle and full-scale testing is required to establish performance characteristics in an actual structure.