Lamp knob too tight to turn
#1
07-08-10, 09:00 AM
Lamp knob too tight to turn
I know absolutely nothing about wiring but since your forum on security systems just helped me and my husband fix a problem with ours, I figured I'd try another problem. The lamp on my nightstand just all of a sudden stopped working properly. The knob suddenly became too tight to turn. It's supposed to be a 3-way lamp but it now only has one way: plugged in on and unplugged off.
Before I start looking for a new lamp, can anyone tell me what might be done to fix this?
This is the lamp here: JCPenney : Set of 2 Hennessey Table Lamps.
Before I start looking for a new lamp, can anyone tell me what might be done to fix this?
This is the lamp here: JCPenney : Set of 2 Hennessey Table Lamps.
#2
07-08-10, 09:08 AM
Super Moderator
You can normally replace the switch quite easily. Should involve nothing more than dis-assembly of the lamp socket, removal of the switch and replacing with one from a hardware store or home improvement center....
Most lamp sockets just snap together and have some interlocking "teeth" to hold them. A small screwdriver will normally disengage the teeth and allow separation.
Most lamp sockets just snap together and have some interlocking "teeth" to hold them. A small screwdriver will normally disengage the teeth and allow separation.
#3
07-08-10, 01:15 PM
Member
Switch
Unplug the lamp from the wall receptacle.
Remove the shade.
Remove the bulb.
Proceed as GG45 suggested above.
Remove the shade.
Remove the bulb.
Proceed as GG45 suggested above.
#4
07-09-10, 10:37 AM
Had to wait for my husband as I couldn't get the switch out of the socket--in there very tightly. But now we don't know how to disconnet the wires from the switch. They go inside and there doesn't seem to be any way to open it up to remove them. Do we have to cut them and hope that a new switch will have a way to attach them?
#5
07-09-10, 10:47 AM
Super Moderator
Yes...they may have to be cut...but look for a little hole or tab near where the wire is located. It may just be a tension type attachment. You may be able to push in with a small screwdriver or similar and the wire will release. It may also be spot welded and have to be cut.
You could just take the entire lamp to a hardware store or home center and compare what they have to what you have.
A lamp repair shop could fix this in 5 min..but would probably run you $20 or more for a $3 switch....
You could just take the entire lamp to a hardware store or home center and compare what they have to what you have.
A lamp repair shop could fix this in 5 min..but would probably run you $20 or more for a $3 switch....
#6
07-09-10, 11:37 AM
Member
Lamp Switch
Here are some good examples of sockets and switches. Look at BP942 and BP3925:
Find Lamp Sockets and other Lamp Parts at Aubuchon Hardware
Find Lamp Sockets and other Lamp Parts at Aubuchon Hardware
#7
07-14-10, 12:22 PM
Thanks for your help, everyone! Took us awhile to get to the hardware store, but we got a 3-way switch replacement and my husband fixed the lamp yesterday afternoon. We did have to cut the wires because we just saw no way to take apart the original switch. Seemed like it was sealed with small grommets after it was assembled. But my husband's quite proud of himself and I'm happy we didn't spend $26 like we did the last time a lamp went on the fritz. $4 and my lamp's good as new.
