MetaChat - I have a lamp

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18 June 2009

I have a lamp with a busted switch, help me fix it...→[More:]The lamp has one of those circular switches you turn on (clockwise). A few days it twisted tight, and now you can't turn it on any more. I've tried taking the switch on and off (it screws on and off), but that isn't helping. What can I do?

post by: ThePinkSuperhero at: 12:35 | 7 comments

Go to the hardware store, buy a whole new socket for a few bucks. They're really easy to replace. You'll just be screwing a couple of wires under a couple of screws. There will be tons of instructions on the webs to help you through it.

posted by mudpuppie 18 June | 12:39

Here's a tutorial with pics, just so you can see how easy it is.

posted by mudpuppie 18 June | 12:43

seconded. It'll be cheaper than even finding a used lamp to cannibalize. Here's one for under $4, but I bet you can get one locally at any hardware store just as cheap.

And hey, once you do that, you can get into MAKING lamps, from hollow sculptures, bottles, vases, whatever you think of.

posted by kellydamnit 18 June | 12:45

Also, it's probably a good idea to disassemble the lamp first (you know to unplug it first, right?) and take the socket with you to the store, just in case it's got some kind of funky mount or something. That way you only have to make one trip.

posted by mudpuppie 18 June | 12:48

I love lamp.

posted by Hugh Janus 18 June | 12:58

You feel sorry for the lamp? You crazy.

posted by deborah 18 June | 14:27

If the switch you're talking about is the kind that is a thumbwheel in the cord, you can buy a whole replacement cord with switch at a hardware store. Easy-peasy.

posted by plinth 18 June | 19:08

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