In most of the tanging stories you hear, it is about making swarms land after finding a hive in the act of swarming.
But fact is, most hives automatically land within eyesight of the original hive. So if you go out and bang on some pots, the bees were probably going to land very close to the apiary anyways.
This then allows the bees to send out scouts to look for a new location, before relocating.
I have tanged swarms that were then in the act of moving from the swarm cluster location, and they seem to have no response to tanging. It was if they knew where they were going, and no amount of tanging was going to stop them. I think barometric pressure and other factors cue bees as to a storm. And not some all of a sudden vibration thinking they are so easily fooled.
When 19 out of 20 swarms will land in and around the apiary regardless of whether I tang or not, I do not put much weight in tanging.
I know many are not going to question what their grandpappy stated. But beekeeping is full of questionable advice being passed down. From swarm control frames, cutting out swarm cells, to tanging.
But hey...if you enjoy banging on some pots and pans, I guess it does not hurt anything. But it certainly is not something that has been shown to do much except have a swarm land, which was going to happen anyways.
I guess telling new beekeepers if they see a hive swarming to run in and grab the pots and pans does have it's entertainment value. But they should also know that almost all swarms will land near their apiary anyways. But it's not the worst thing ever told to beekeepers. ;)