Repairing Guides

how to repair a pull chain lamp

by Mr. Blair Rath Sr. Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Lamp Pull Chain Replacement

  • Step 1 Lamp Pull Chain. Unplug the broken lamp and ensure you have all of the parts necessary for the repair.
  • Step 2. Remove the light bulb from the lamp.
  • Step 3. Unscrew the lamp shade from the base by turning it counter-clockwise.
  • Step 4. Gently pull the socket from the base to expose the broken chain section.

Full Answer

How do you convert a light to a pull chain?

Required Tools for this wireless wall switch project

  • 4-in-1 screwdriver
  • Cordless drill
  • Non-contact voltage tester
  • Wire stripper/cutter

How to convert a light to a pull chain?

  • Turn the power off at the circuit breaker for safety.
  • Remove the light bulbs to prevent them from breaking.
  • Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the light fixture in place.
  • Unscrew the nut on the side of the fixture that holds the switch.
  • Pull out the switch to inspect the chain more closely.

How to fix a stuck pull chain on light fixture?

What to Do When the Pull Chain for a Light Is Stuck

  • Turn Off the Power. ...
  • Remove the Lightbulb, Fixture, Covers, and Accessories. ...
  • Unhook the Wiring. ...
  • Replace the Old Switch and Chain With New Ones. ...
  • Reattach the Wires. ...
  • Put All Covers, Accessories and Fixture Back in Place. ...
  • Reinsert the Lightbulb. ...
  • Turn On the Power. ...
  • Test the New Pull Chain. ...

How do you fix a pull chain light fixture?

To fix and replace a bad on/off light switch inside the ceiling fan:

  • Remove the light fixture housing from the fan.
  • Unscrew the screws where the light fixture attaches to the fan assembly.
  • The small switch where the pull chain attaches should now be visible.
  • Remove the old switch.

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How do I fix the pull chain on my lamp?

4:357:23Pull Chain Lamp Socket - How to Repair / Replace - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou want to wrap the wire around the in the direction that you tighten the screw. So you tighten theMoreYou want to wrap the wire around the in the direction that you tighten the screw. So you tighten the screw by turning clockwise.

How do you take apart a pull chain lamp socket?

0:303:56How to Fix the chain on a lamp - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAs you can see there's a lot of bumps around there you're going to want to do is wiggle this clipMoreAs you can see there's a lot of bumps around there you're going to want to do is wiggle this clip pops off you don't want to take this black piece right off the bottom you can then pop this right out.

How do you fix a lamp switch that won't turn?

0:003:59Lamp Not Working - Lamp Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then check that to see whether that solves your problem if it still doesn't work the next thingMoreAnd then check that to see whether that solves your problem if it still doesn't work the next thing you want to do is make sure that the wires are connected to the screwed terminals inside the socket.

How do you fix a standing lamp?

0:5111:30How to Fix a Broken Floor Lamp - Replacing & Rewiring Light Socket!YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd replace that with my new version of the socket that looks like it will screw right on to thatMoreAnd replace that with my new version of the socket that looks like it will screw right on to that metal post here.

How does a pull chain socket work?

0:171:49How Does a Pull Chain Switch Work? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipContact on each side of the wheel that's joined the whole way across the back and we'll look at lookMoreContact on each side of the wheel that's joined the whole way across the back and we'll look at look at that in a minute. So we pull that chain this wheel turns 90 degrees.

How do you replace a lamp cord and socket?

1:453:21Home Help : How to Replace a Lamp Socket - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse our wire strippers. And cut the insulation. From around each wire. You have to cut all the wayMoreUse our wire strippers. And cut the insulation. From around each wire. You have to cut all the way around it and pull it and it will slide right off.

Can a lamp switch be repaired?

You can fix a lamp switch easily. Every lamp switch either comes loose at some point during its lifetime or simply wears out. Fortunately, not only is fixing a lamp switch easy, but all you need are a few simple tools and possibly an inexpensive replacement switch as well.

How do you replace a lamp cord switch?

0:412:46In Line Cord Switch Installation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTake the cord switch and completely loosen the assembly screw once loose the switch can be splitMoreTake the cord switch and completely loosen the assembly screw once loose the switch can be split apart. The quill side is the top and the hollowed side is the bottom.

How do you change a pull chain to a lamp switch?

How to Convert a Light to a Pull ChainTurn off the light switch, if the light is turned on and off at the switch. ... Remove any globe covering the light bulb. ... Loosen the two screws holding the fixture in place, and gently pull the fixture down about 6 inches from the junction box.More items...

What causes a lamp to stop working?

Over time, spinning can make the wires disconnect. Inspect the wiring to be confirm it is secure/not loose. If your lamp does not illuminate, then a faulty bulb, a faulty power outlet, a faulty switch, a faulty light socket, a faulty plug, a faulty brass tab, or a faulty cord may be the issue.

How do you rewire a stand up lamp?

4:1412:19How to re-wire an old floor lamp - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis is what it usually looks like and sometimes you'll have to take the blade of a screwdriver. AndMoreThis is what it usually looks like and sometimes you'll have to take the blade of a screwdriver. And just pop that off and then you have the inside of the socket. Like this remember we unscrewed.

How do you tighten a lamp neck?

0:524:05How to fix a wobbly lamp holder and straighten your lamp - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe whole lamp back onto the lamp base. And inside here is a threaded rod. And it's almost likeMoreThe whole lamp back onto the lamp base. And inside here is a threaded rod. And it's almost like turning a tap so you're turning it. Until it's tight right. So you're going to turn that tap.

Can you fix a pull string lamp?

A: Assuming the cord is still in good shape, you should be able to repair your lamp yourself using a single tool: a screwdriver. Or for $5 plus the parts you'd need to buy anyway, you can take it to Strosniders Hardware, which has a store in Silver Spring (301-565-9150; www.strosniders.com), and they'll do it for you.

How do you change a pull chain to a lamp switch?

How to Convert a Light to a Pull ChainTurn off the light switch, if the light is turned on and off at the switch. ... Remove any globe covering the light bulb. ... Loosen the two screws holding the fixture in place, and gently pull the fixture down about 6 inches from the junction box.More items...

How do you change a lamp switch knob?

How to Replace the On/Off Rotary Lamp SwitchUnscrew the old on/off knob from the threaded stem part of the rotary switch. ... Take the old knob to the hardware or home improvement store to ensure that an identical knob is purchased. ... Place the open end of the knob over the threaded stem of the socket and turn it clockwise.

How do you rewire a double socket lamp?

The first step is disassembling the lamp. ... Cut three lengths of lamp wire to the desired length. ... Run the lamp cords up through the base of the lamp and from the bulb socket locations. ... Connect the lamp sockets to the lamp cords. ... Connect the lamp wires inside the lamp housing with wire nuts.More items...

How to remove the outer shell of a socket?

To remove the outer shell you simply screw it off which should reveal the inner piece, to which the wiring is attached. Get a small screwdriver and detach the wires, but be sure to note which wire goes to which screw, if the wires are colored it will certainly help you out.

What goes to the hot lead on a lamp?

In all lamps, the hot lead goes to the gold/brass screw and the common lead goes to the silver screw. With colored wires, the hot wire (which goes to the hot lead) is usually black or red, while the common wire is white. If the wires are not colored you can easily identify the neutral/common wire by its ribbed insulation covering, ...

What is the inner part of a lamp socket?

A lamp socket is made up of 3 fundamental pieces, an outer shell, a cap and the inner socket piece. The cap is at the back end of the socket and is the piece that attaches the socket to the lamp itself. The actual socket is the inner piece in which the light bulb is screwed into and to which the electrical wires attach.

How to tell if a lamp is neutral or common?

If the wires are not colored you can easily identify the neutral/common wire by its ribbed insulation covering, while the hot wire insulation is smooth. If you are replacing the entire socket, you do the same, but after removing the inner socket, you also detach the cap by unscrewing it from the lamp.

What is the inner part of a light bulb?

The actual socket is the inner piece in which the light bulb is screwed into and to which the electrical wires attach. This is also the piece that contains the pull-chain mechanism. The outer cap is the outermost piece, which is fitted onto the cap to enclose the inner socket piece.

How many pieces are in a lamp socket?

A lamp socket typically consists of 3-4 pieces, depending on the type, and in order to make it easier for you to understand which piece I’m talking about during the process, lets lay out some fundamental terminology. A lamp socket is made up of 3 fundamental pieces, an outer shell, a cap and the inner socket piece.

What is the outer shell of a lamp?

In older lamps, the outer shell is fitted onto the cap with small indentations at the site of attachment. These older socket types typically also have a 4th piece, which is the insulation sleeve, which is a tube of cardboard which surrounds the inner socket piece which has to be fitted on before enclosing it with the outer shell.

How to keep wires from pulling loose from screws?

If there is no knot, pull enough of the cord into the socket base so you can add this knot, which keeps the wires from pulling loose from the screws. Search on the Web for “underwriter’s knot” and you will find instructions. Basically you just form each wire into a loop and thread the opposite wire through it.

How to get sticky paint off a table?

If that lifts the sticky stuff, keep going. Otherwise, switch to using the steel wool. Once you get the goo off, try waxing the table with paste wax. If that ever turns sticky, it should strip off easily with paint thinner and you can start over.

Steps to Fix a Stuck Pull Chain on a Light Fixture

To fix a stuck pull chain, you will need to remove the bulb from the socket. Then unscrew the screw holding the chain to the socket. Once the chain is removed, you can replace the bulb.

Turn Off the Power

Step 1: Turn off the power switch. Step 2: Remove the light fixture. Step 3: Unscrew the screws holding the chain to the fixture. Step 4: Replace the bulb. Step 5: Screw the new bulb into place.

Remove the Light bulb, Fixture, Covers, and Accessories

Turn off the power switch. Remove the light fixture. Unscrew the screws from the chain. Replace the bulb. Screw the new bulb into the fixture.

Unhook the Wiring

Remove the light fixture. Unplug the wiring harness. Disconnect the wires from the light fixture. Connect the wires to the appropriate terminals on the electrical box. Hook the wires back onto the light fixture. Plug the light fixture back into the wall. Replace the Cover Answer: Slide the cover back into place. Tighten the screws.

Replace the Old Switch and Chain With New Ones

Unscrew the old switch plate. Remove the old switch plate. Screw in the new switch plate. Replace the chain. Install the New Fixture Answer: Slide the fixture into position. Make sure the holes line up. Secure the fixture to the ceiling with the screws. Test the Lights Answer: Turn on the lights. Check if the bulbs are working properly.

Reattach the Wires

Reattach the wires to the switch plate. Tighten the screw. Connect the Outlet

Put All Covers, Accessories, and Fixture Back in Place

1. Remove the screws from the outlet box. 2. Unscrew the ground wire nut.

Step 2

Pop the socket shell from its base. The socket shell is the cylindrical component that houses the switch. If the shell doesn't come out easily, wedge a screwdriver between the base and the shell and pry it out.

Step 3

Unscrew the socket base off the lamp by holding the nut beneath the base with a pair of pliers and twisting the base off.

Step 4

Cut the wires between the socket and the base with wire cutters. There will be two wires.

Step 5

Strip the plastic covering off the wires so that ½ inch of the wires are exposed.

Step 6

Tie a knot in the wires that are leaving the socket base. The knot will prevent the wires from pulling out of the base if the cord is tugged.

Step 7

Identify the neutral wire by finding the wire that has a rib on the plastic covering. Wrap the wire clockwise around the silver screw just beneath the screw head on the replacement socket. Tighten the screw. Wrap the other wire clockwise around the other screw. Tighten that screw.

Step 8

Pull the cord through the bottom of the lamp and press the socket into the socket base.

What is a pull chain lamp?

The pull-chain lamp is a familiar sight on the desk of a writer, accountant, seamstress or any other professional who burns the midnight oil.

How to get a chain to stop sticking?

2. Unscrew the metal ring attached to the socket at the point where the chain exits, using your fingers. This ring is designed to prevent the chain from sticking, but despite that, the chain can still stick on it. Pull the chain after unscrewing the ring, and if the switch works, screw the ring back onto the socket.

Can you disassemble a pull chain switch?

Replace the socket if the chain is connected but the switch doesn't operate. You can't disassemble pull-chain switches, and although you can replace one, it's easier and no more expensive to replace the entire socket.

What to do if a lamp stops working?

This means that if one part stops working, you can simply remove it and take it to the hardware store or home center to find a suitable replacement. A failed pull-chain switch is no exception.

How to remove a metal socket?

It is simple to remove by finding the place where the metal casing fits into the base piece. You will squeeze in around the casing; sockets often have the words "PRESS" stamped in the places where it's best to squeeze on the casing. Pull the metal casing off the socket assembly.

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