DIY Lamp Repair
- 1). Unplug the lamp, remove the shade and unscrew the lightbulb. Unscrew a finial that secures the shade to the lamp harp if applicable. Screw the finial back into the harp before beginning repairs so that you don't lose it.
- 2). Push up on the metal sleeves that retain the harp. Squeeze the harp and lift it from the retainer.
- 3). Inspect the contact tab inside the socket for signs of corrosion and damage. If broken or damaged, you need to replace the socket. If you only see signs of corrosion, clean the tab with a flat-head screwdriver, reassemble the lamp and test the bulb to see if it works.
- 4). Look for the word PRESS located on the outer shell of the socket somewhere near the switch. Press your thumb firmly against the word and lift the shell free. If necessary, wiggle the cap back and forth to help it release its grip.
- 5). Remove the shell. Slip off the cardboard insulating sleeve if it does not come off when you remove the shell. Any socket with a damaged insulating sleeve definitely needs to be replaced.
- 6). Check for a loose wire connection to the screw terminals. Rehook any loose wire around the terminal screw and tighten it. Screw in the lightbulb, plug in the lamp and turn it on for testing. If the lamp refuses to light, unplug it again and remove the bulb. Detach the socket wires and lift up the socket so you can remove it from the lamp.
- 7). Use a continuity tester on the socket by placing the alligator clip on the threaded metal base. Touch the tester probe to the silver terminal. The tester should light up. Check the switch in the socket if the socket tests positive.
- 8). Remove the socket cap from the lamp if the tester does not light. Untie the cord if it has become knotted. Loosen the setscrew at the base of the cap and then unscrew the cap. Pull it off of the center pipe.
- 9). Thread the lamp cord through the cap and then screw the cap onto the center pipe, after installing the replacement socket. Tie an Underwriter's knot with the two wire ends.
- 10
Make sure there are no frayed ends by twisting the strands of each exposed wire clockwise. Use a screwdriver to hook each wire end around the terminal screw, making sure the neutral wire of the cord connects to the silver socket terminal and the wide plug prong. The hot wire should be connected to the brass socket terminal and the narrow prong plug. Tighten the screw and ensure that there are no stray strands of wire. - 11
Slide the insulating sleeve and the outer shell onto the socket by fitting the notched opening over the socket switch. Place the shell into the rip of the cap until you feel it snap into place. Place the lightbulb back into the lamp, plug it in and turn it on. Reinstall the harp and the shade.
