How to Fix a Lamp

Three Tips for Fixing a Lamp

When it comes to the type of lighting a lamp offers, we know that the mechanics working behind the scenes aren't exactly worthy of rocket science. But that doesn't mean someone who's inexperienced with electrical wiring and light fixtures will know what's happening inside a lamp, either. If you feel that it's time for you to take it into your own hands and fix a lamp, these three tips will help you safely and securely accomplish just that.

Tip #1: Make sure the lamp is unplugged.
Sounds like common sense, right? Some people don't necessarily follow this tip. The lamp should be unplugged at all times when you're trying to repair it. This doesn't simply mean that it should be set to "off." It doesn't mean that the power going into the outlet powering the lamp is off, either. The plug should be out so that there is zero possibility of electricity going into the lamp before you work with it. This is the kind of silly lesson you don't want to learn the hard way, so do yourself a favor and make sure that you start at Tip #1 and unplug the lamp.
Tip #2: Make sure you have the proper equipment.
There's only a limited variety of tools that you'll ever be using to repair a lamp, so making sure that you have them ready to go isn't a big challenge. With that said, however, you'll still want to know which tools to use should the need ever arise. Tools like screwdrivers and wire strippers, and materials like electrical tape often come in handy when you're fixing a lamp.

What will you use these tools for? Your screwdriver will be needed to loosen screws throughout the lamp, including the socket attachment. The socket can often be the source of problems with a lamp so this is a tool you'll want to make sure you have handy.
Tip #3: Know your lamp.
The best thing you can do in order to repair a lamp is to know more about it. This isn't the type of situation where you necessarily want to go in poking around before you learn about how to fix the lamp. Instead, you'll want to make sure you know the relationship between the socket, wires, and bulb. Knowing how your lamp works will help you not only diagnose the problem with a broken lamp, but help you fix it when you decide to go in.

Fixing lamps doesn't have to be difficult - if you're smart and prepared, you can make sure that you don't have to buy a new one. Just make sure that you follow some basic safety rules before proceeding.

Photo Credits: Leonid Mamchenkov

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