How to Replace a Damaged Lamp Socket

Sometimes a lamp socket switch just doesn't work anymore. You can purchase lamp sockets that match yours at any hardware store. Here's how to replace the socket.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Screwdriver
• Wire strippers
• Electrical tape
• New lamp socket

1. Unplug the lamp and undo the knot in the wire at the base of the lamp.

2. Remove the lampshade and harp (the rod the shade rests on).

3. Rock the socket shell covering back and forth to pull it off.

4. Loosen the screws to disconnect the wires from the old socket.

5. Loosen the screw that holds the base in place and remove the socket base from the lamp.

6. Snip off the end of the wire that goes through the lamp and strip three-quarters of an inch of insulation off the end. Split about two inches of the wire, taking care not to cut through the insulation, to have two ends, just as before.

7. Slide the captive ring over the wire before you install the new socket.

8. Loosen the screws on the new switch, and wrap one end of the wire around a screw and tighten, then the other. Wrap both with electrical tape.

9. Slide the socket shell back into place and screw the new socket into the captive ring, tightening the lock screw so that everything fits nice and tight.

10. Plug lamp in and test.

11. Tie a knot at the base of the lamp in the wire where it leaves the lamp.

12. Reattach the harp and lampshade.

Tips & Warnings

• To ensure you buy the right replacement, remove the old socket first and take it with you to the hardware store
• Never work on any lamp while it is plugged in.