How to Repair Lamp Switches

Lamp switches can wear out especially when you are constantly turning them off and on. You think you need to start shopping for another lamp that matches the one that just broke, but it is your favorite and not just any lamp is going to replace it. Don't throw out your favorite lamp just because the switch broke. Learn how to repair your lamp switch rather than toss it into the local landfill. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Unplug the lamp from the electrical wall outlet.

2

Remove the lamp shade and the light bulb from the lamp. Remove the lamp harp (the piece that holds the lamp shade) from the lamp. The harp is held onto the lamp by tension only. Squeeze the harp sides towards each other and towards the lamp socket to release the tension and remove the harp from the harp bottom.

3

Remove the socket shell from the lamp socket. The socket shell slides over the interior socket and the turn knob. Pull straight up from the socket cap, or base, of the socket to remove the shell.

4

Disconnect the lamp wires from the interior lamp socket. The interior socket will be made of aluminum and plastic. Pull up on the interior socket to expose the lamp wires. Loosen the two screws on the interior socket and remove the wires from beneath the screws.

5

Replace the interior lamp socket. Connect the lamp wires to the new interior lamp socket by placing each wire under one of the screws and tightening the screws. It will not matter which wire is connected to which screw, so there is no need to worry as it will still work even if you mix the wires up.

6

Slide the socket shell down over the interior socket and the turn knob.

7

Replace the harp, light bulb and the lamp shade.

8

Plug the lamp into the electrical wall outlet.