Dang Jim your eyes are gooder than mine! I believe you are right. This is one of the problems with not being the inspector on site. On closer exam, it appears there may be the spiral wrapped sheath for the cable, which is provided by the damper mfr to shield it from rub points.

Good catch Jim! Still, I would want to know why the masonry repairs. Also, the old damper still needs to come out so still a Level II.
Bob

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disgusted with some people on this forum. Out of here!