How to Fix a Table Lamp with a Bad Socket

There is really no way to actually fix a bad lamp socket. The only repair that can be made, and to avoid the expense of having to replace the whole lamp, is to replace the actual socket. Despite the many styles of table lamps, they virtually all use one of several basic lamp sockets that are readily available at hardware stores. The procedure to change a socket is straightforward, and virtually anyone with a bit of do it yourself experience will be able to complete this task. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Unplug the table lamp, and move it to a well-lit area on a table or a workbench. Remove the retaining nut that holds the socket onto the lamp with a pliers. Remove the lampshade, and take out the light bulb.

2

Remove the shell of the lamp socket by squeezing it where it joins the base, and rocking it while lifting up. Many of these will have "Press" stamped into them, to indicate where to squeeze. If not, just try different angles until the shell separates from the bottom piece. Slide the lamp socket out of the shell.

3

Pull enough cord out of the top of the table lamp to make it easy to work on the socket. Make a mark with a marker on the insulation of the wire connected to the copper-colored terminal. Then, remove both wires by loosening each screw a few turns.

4

Connect the wiring to the new lamp socket, making sure to match the marked wire to the copper terminal, and the other one to the silver terminal. Bend the bare ends as shown, curling toward the right. This will keep them from backing out as you tighten the screw.

If the fine strands of the wire break, cut the bare portion off, then, strip off -inch or so of insulation, and twist the bare strands together.

5

Slide the shell onto the socket, lining up the on/off knob with the slot in the side. Fit the unit back into the lamp base, with the knob pointing between the lampshade supports.

6

Install the light bulb, plug in the lamp, and try the new switch. Replace the lampshade and nut.