How to Fix the Chain on a Desk Lamp

Desk lamps often have a socket controlled by a turn switch, flipping switch or a pull chain switch. When the chain breaks, you can often attach a new chain without having to replace the switch itself. If the switch itself is faulty, you will need to replace the entire socket to fix it. This requires a small amount of rewiring. For best results, bring the removed socket to an electrical store with you to find a replacement.

Screwdriver
Pliers

Instructions

- 1
  Unplug the lamp from the wall.
- 2
  Pry the socket from the base using the end of a flat screwdriver.
- 3
  Loosen the set screw at the socket base with a screwdriver.
- 4
  Pull the wires out of the socket base.
- 5
  Set the new socket base onto the lamp. Pull the wires through using a pair of pliers.
- 6
  Strip 1/2 inch of insulation off the wires using a wire stripper.
- 7
  Tie a knot in the two wires coming out of the lamp so the knot sits firmly in the new base.
- 8
  Connect the neutral wire, which is usually indented or has a color strip, to the silver screw on the pull chain socket. Connect the other wire to the other screw.
- 9
  Reassemble the lamp, plug it in and test.

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