Many people think that when a lamp switch breaks, you have to toss the lamp and buy a new one. This couldn't be further from the truth. Lamp switches are easy to repair and replace and make a great do-it-yourself project for the otherwise novice home handyman.
Install a Lamp Cord Switch
Choose the location on the cord where you'd like the switch to be. If the plug is polarized (one prong is larger than the other - most newer ones are) you'll need to cut the wire on the side of the cord opposite the larger prong. If it's not polarized, than you can cut either side. Be sure to unplug the lamp before making your first cut. Using your utility knife, make a 5/8-inch incision in between the two wires. Pull the wires apart to make a and then make your second cut down the center of one of the divided sections - the non-polarized wire if your plug is polarized, or either wire if it's not polarized. Unscrew the two halves of the light switch with your screwdriver, and insert the back half of the switch into the diamond shape between the two wires. Fitting the top piece of the switch over the wires, insert the screw and tighten it into place. Test the lamp.
Install a Three-Way Lamp Switch
Almost any lamp can be made into a three-way lamp by replacing the light socket. Inquire at your local hardware store as to what socket you'll need to buy. Unplug the lamp, remove the bulb, and the lampshade brackets. Look for the word "press" on the socket, apply pressure with your thumb in that spot, and remove it. Loosen the terminal screws and remove the wires from the old socket, and release the socket. Reattach the wires to the terminals on the new socket. Tighten the screws and replace the socket cover, shade brackets and bulb, and test the lamp.
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