Repair your lamp instead of purchasing a new one.
If your lamp switch strips or does not turn on, you may wish to repair your lamp. You do not need to replace your lamp simply because the switch has malfunctioned. Purchase a new lamp cord and new lamp socket complete with a new switch at your home improvement or lighting store. Lamp sockets come in a variety of colors, including copper and silver. Repairing a lamp does not require an electrician's license.
Instructions
1. Unplug your lamp from the electrical outlet and remove the shade, bulb and harp. The harp holds the lampshade onto the lamp.
2. Remove the outer shell and insulating sleeve (what you screw the light bulb into) by pressing in the sides with your hands and gently pulling upward.
3. Loosen the terminal screws on the bottom of the socket (the piece the switch is on) with your screwdriver. Remove the nuts with your pliers and remove any hardware.
4. Remove the felt covering from the bottom of your lamp by cutting it with your utility knife carefully and removing it with your hands. Set the felt aside for reattaching later. Cut the plug from the end of the old lamp cord with your utility knife.
5. Join the new cord onto the old cord wrapping the joined area in electrician's tape. You may join the cords together by twisting the ends of each cord onto the end of the other cord.
6. Thread the new lamp cord through your lamp by pulling upward on the new cord. Cut the new cord below the tape with your utility knife (where the light switch socket belongs) and remove the old cord. Remove the old cord by untwisting it with the old cord and gently pulling.
7. Split approximately 3 inches of the new cord at the top by gently cutting in the middle of the cord with your utility knife and pulling the cord apart. Strip approximately 1 inch from both sides of the cord with your wire-stripper pliers.
8. Replace the lamp's harp holder (lampshade holder) and socket cap. Tie the wires in a knot at the base of the socket cap.
9. Fasten the wire ends to the socket by screwing them in place with the screws provided with the new socket and your screwdriver. Connect the silver wire to the silver screw; this is the neutral wire.
10. Snap the socket shell and insulating sleeve back into place to reinstall them with your hands by gently pushing downward.
11. Glue the felt backing back onto the bottom of your lamp and test the switch by turning the lamp on.
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