How to Restring a Rain Oil Lamp
A rain lamp is filled with oil that is pumped from the bottom of the lamp into a basin in the top. The oil drips down different strands of fishing line. The light shining on the moving oil creates the effect of rain falling. The strands of fishing line are actually one long piece of line that is knotted at one end, threaded in a pattern on the lamp, and knotted at the other end to secure the strands. Over time the fishing line can become brittle and break. To repair the broken strand, all the fishing line must be replaced. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Plastic Sheeting
- Newspaper
- Paper Towels
- Screw Driver
- Needle
- Scissors
- Fishing Line (30 or 40 pound test weight)
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Instructions
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Restringing the Rain Lamp
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1
Cover your work area with protective plastic sheeting, cover the plastic with newspaper to absorb dripping oil and keep paper towels handy. Unplug the lamp. Remove any decorative bands on the top and bottom canopy by sliding them out of their usual position. Unscrew the exposed screws that hold the top canopy in place and remove it. Unscrew the cage section which is attached to the bottom canopy. Remove the cage and gently wipe off any dripping oil from the cage or old fishing line.
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2
Examine the threading pattern of the existing fishing line carefully so you will understand how to duplicate it. Remove the old fishing line by cutting it with scissors and gently pull the fishing line out of the thread holes. Use paper towels to wipe off any excess oil from the thread holes and cage.
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3
Clean out each thread hole using a needle to insert in each hole and remove any clog or old oil buildup. Wipe away oil and buildup with paper towels.
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4
Tie a knot in one end of the fishing line large enough to not slip through the thread hold. Insert the other end of the fishing line into the first hole and pull it through. Check to see if the knot is secure and holding well. Follow the old slanting pattern or change the stringing pattern to vertical strands. Tie a knot at the other end when you are finished stringing to secure the strands and keep them taught.
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5
Assemble the lamp by screwing the cage to the bottom canopy and top canopy. Return the decorative bands to their original position. Plug the lamp in and turn it on. Replace any lost oil by pouring it slowly into the bottom oil basin.
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Tips & Warnings
Take a digital picture of the old fishing line from several angles before removing it as a reminder of the pattern so it will be easier to duplicate it when restringing the lamp. You will have to estimate the length of fishing line to cut for restringing by measuring a strand on the lamp and applying some basic math.
Use the same size fishing line to restring your rain lamp. Clip a small piece of the old fishing line and take it with you to the hardware store.
