Hi all,

I have a cheap three-way table lamp that absolutely devours bulbs. Sometimes bulbs will last for months, but other times one filament burns out in days. The lamp has a plastic socket enclosure (pictured) and the socket, which I've already replaced one, fits into it very loosely. Even with the enclosure top screwed down tight there is a lot of play in the switch knob, side to side and up and down. I'm convinced that this is part of the problem.

Does anyone know of a way to tighten the socket within the enclosure? Am I better off replacing the entire enclosure? Any other thoughts?

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
- Steve
<img src="https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.doityourselft.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/img_4632_61a1bdef84a69744fd0c260dfe86f8e45ac1ac5b.jpg" width="1128" height="1504"/>
<img src="https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.doityourselft.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/img_4633_cc09f48928354cafc4c29988cced2b4e4e43799b.jpg" width="1128" height="1504"/>

 

That whole black plastic socket can unscrew and be replaced. See the U-piece that holds the harp, then there's a nut holding that down. The socket just screws into that same post. Unscrew and replace.

That said, I wouldn't think the socket could reduce the longevity of the bulb. Maybe if there's a poor connection and it's flickering a bit... but for the couple dollars to replace, you can definitely give it a shot.

 

Hi Zorfdt,

Thanks! I think I will replace the whole housing socket as you suggest. As for flickering, there is flickering when I turn the switch knob and the socket jiggles around. That's why I think the poor fit of the socket is the problem.

Best regards,
- Steve

 

Do you actually use 3-way lamps (bulbs)? If not just get a single circuit on/off switch try to find a good older Made in US or Mexico (Not China) get a whole new assembly with the metal shell and cap and the actual socket "guts" don't worry about the metal shell being a shock issue as they have hard cardboard insulator on them. If you want a nice old and working good quality socket PM me and I can send you one as I restore & fix lamps as my "side" hobby and I have way too many of these! My actual hobby and job is Information Technology (IT). I only have one on/off but many many 3-way ones, I mostly use the on/off ones as most of my customers use CFL & now LED bulbs.

 

Hi CircuitBreaker,

Thanks! I do use the three-way bulbs in the lamp.

Best regards,
- Steve

 

How is this one?
The "extra" contact
<img src="https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.doityourselft.com-vbulletin/998x1009/20201208_174309_878586a3cc906df2b43bb43fce049fb62278897f.jpg" width="998" height="1009"/>
<img src="https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.doityourselft.com-vbulletin/1131x1232/20201208_174228_cd2cd59fc469662c65e430dae36eab6ac8e42a62.jpg" width="1131" height="1232"/>
is for the 3-way lamps lower wattage filament.

 

Hi CircuitBreaker,

Thanks for the help. I don't want to buy a used socket from you right now. I appreciate the offer!

Best regards,
- Steve