Light Up Your Life By Fixing Your Lamp

By Dave Donovan

The lamp in the corner is an old family heirloom that's been around for generations. The problem is that the thing doesn't work anymore. It hasn't worked in years and now it just sits in the corner collecting dust. It's probably not what your ancestors had in mind when they purchased it with their hard earned money many, many years ago. Even if the lamp isn't an heirloom - maybe you bought it at a flea market for a ridiculously low price - the bottom line is, it doesn't work.

There are a couple of problems that can cause a lamp not to work. The first and most common cause is the bad bulb. But I'm sure you've tried that remedy by now. Over time, the socket or switch can go bad. There may even be a problem within the plug or wire itself. To save yourself the headache, it's best to simply replace everything - the socket, wire, and switch. It's a very simple process, and you'll be enjoying your new, or old, lamp again soon.

Some tools and materials you'll need are:

• Screwdriver
• Wire Strippers
• Electrical Tape

 

Most hardware stores have lamp repair kits that contain everything you need to make the repairs. They're handy, affordable, and include everything so you don't have to worry about forgetting something.

1. First, unplug the lamp. Next, undo the little knot in the wire at the base of the lamp. Remove the lamp shade and place it somewhere where it won't get damaged. Next, remove the lamp harp (the metal rod that the shade rests on).

2. Gently rock the socket covering back and forth to loosen it and pull it off. The socket and wire will be exposed. Disconnect the wire from the socket by unscrewing the screws. Pull the wire out through the bottom of the lamp. Discard the switch, socket and cover.

3. With a screwdriver, loosen the screw that holds the socket base in place. Then use your hand to unscrew the socket base from the lamp. New sockets are available that contain a captive ring assembly that screws in between the socket cover and the socket base. This was especially created to solve the problem of sockets falling over from loose bases. For the most in safety and long lasting use, try to purchase a socket with a captive ring assembly.

4. Screw the base of the new socket onto the lamp and tighten the lock screw.

5. Fish the wire through the hole in the bottom of the lamp. When it comes out the top, pull the wires apart to separate them about 6 inches. Use your wire strippers to strip away about 3/4" of the insulation. Slide the captive ring assembly over the wires. Loosen the screws on the new switch and wrap one wire around one of the screws and tighten the screw. Do the same with the other wire and screw. Lamp cord is stranded wire, meaning it's made up of many tiny wires, so make sure there are no stray wires hanging out from under the screws. Wrap a piece of electrical tape around the screws to be safe. Screw the captive ring assembly to the socket and then connect it to the base. Make sure everything is nice and tight.

6. At the bottom of the lamp, tie the wire in a knot where it leaves the lamp. This helps keep everything tight and helps to further keep the socket from getting dislodged. Now, just re-attach the lamp harp and tighten the nut down to hold the shade in place.

All that's left is to screw in a light bulb (make sure you have a light bulb that's rated for your lamp), and plug the lamp in. Turn the knob, and Presto! Your ancestors would be proud.

Click here to purchase lamps and parts.

Dave Donovan is a freelance copywriter living in Atco, N.J. An electrician for 15 years, an injury forced him to pursue his true passion - writing.

© Doityourself.com 2006