A common type of lamp socket is one equipped with three-way switch. If your lamp begins flickering or refuses to turn on, it may be time to replace the socket interior, the part of the socket assembly that houses the switch. Lamp socket interiors are available at home improvement centers, hardware stores and electrical supply houses. They are very inexpensive. Changing out/replacing one in your lamp will only take a short time, and you will only need one common hand tool to perform the work.
Instructions
1. Unplug the lamp from the wall outlet. Using your hands, carefully remove the finial, shade, harp and light bulb. Put them aside for re-installation later. This will expose the lamp socket.
2. Press your fingers against the socket cover. Apply pressure where the word "Press" is stamped into the metal. After the socket cover is loose, slide it up over the socket interior and set it aside.
3. Unscrew the contact screws on the sides of the socket interior. Loosen them until you can remove the black and white wires of the lamp cord. It is not necessary to remove the screws completely.
4. Discard the old three-way socket interior. Use the screwdriver to loosen the contact screws on the replacement socket interior.
5. Wrap the end of the black wire around the shank of the brass contact screw on the socket interior. Wrap the end of the white wire around the shank of the white metal contact screw on the socket interior. Tighten the contact screws using the slotted screwdriver.
6. Locate the socket cover. Press in on it where the word "Press" is stamped into the surface. Slide it back down over the new socket interior until it locks into the crimping in the socket base.
7. Reinstall the bulb, shade harp, shade and finial. Plug the lamp into a wall outlet and turn on the replacement switch.
Tags: socket interior, contact screws, socket cover, around shank, contact screw