By Mermaid Shelley
How many old lamps have I seen at garage sales, thrift stores, or on the junk heap that just wanted to be saved? All they needed was a little tender loving care and new wiring to make them shine brighter than before!
It's easier than you might think to bring light back to one of these thrift store finds. Here are my step-by-step instructions for replacing the switch and/or rewiring:
Whenever I start a project, I lay everything out before I begin and read through the instructions. The instructions that came with my refurbishing kit were lacking. They don't say that one needs a screwdriver and pliers. That may be an assumption for an experienced person, but not for a beginner. Also, if you're going to keep the original wiring, only replacing the switch, you will need wire cutters.
I began by inspecting my lamp. For this one, only the switch was bad. I unscrewed the switch unit and pulled out a length of the cord. Snip, I cut the cord! I left plenty of wire to work with. Next, I stripped the wire about 3/4 inch from the end. If the cord is old, the wire will be brittle. If it breaks easily, you will want to replace it.
The kit instructions say to thread the nipple (the threaded metal tube) into the adapter until 1/4" extends beyond the adapter. What did that mean? Basically, the connection between the lamp and the switch unit needs to be secure and stable. In the above picture, the piece that the bottom of the switch unit is attached to is the adapter. Inside of it is the threaded metal tube. Screw the switch unit on to it.
Once the switch unit is well attached, secure it by tightening the screw on the side. This will keep the lamp from being floppy.
Now you will need to pass the wire through the sleeve in the socket cap (the switch unit). If the cord is not split on the end and the wire isn't exposed, use the stripping function of your wire cutters to pull away the plastic. Be careful to not cut into the wires inside! Take your time this this.
Wrap the wires around the terminal screws. Make sure all of the conductors (wires) are under the screw. Tighten.
Place the shell over the switch unit. Push it in until you hear a little snap. That means it's in securely. Pull the cord from the bottom of the lamp so it's snug.
Screw in a light bulb. Plug it in.
There now...another darling lamp rescued!
Good for you! Now maybe I will be more brave to rework some of the lamps I find...I delegate to Mark as of now=)
Hollie
Posted by: Hollie Eastman | June 14, 2011 at 09:32 PM
Wow,
I can't believe I ran across your Blog because I just did a post about Mermaids and I love them! There are three of us too - Sheri, Jess, and Nel (mother and daughters). We just started a new Blog, and we would love it if you could visit us and follow. The link is: http:redrosealley.blogspot.com The post we just did was "Under the Sea" and it shows my mermaid collection. I'm glad I ran across your creative blog, and hope to hear from you. Have a sweet day.
~Sheri at Red Rose Alley
Posted by: Red Rose Alley | June 21, 2011 at 07:27 PM