DIY How to Install a Vanity Light if Missing Screws

Turn off all electrical power to the vanity light fixture at your electric control panel. This may require that you turn off all electric power in the bathroom where the fixture is installed. Use a flashlight, if necessary, to provide lighting as you work.

Remove all light bulbs from the vanity fixture and set them in a safe place so they do not fall or break.

Examine the light fixture to see how to lift it up to remove screws that attach it to the wall. Remove the main fixture base piece so you can get to the electrical wires. Disconnect all wires by unscrewing them from the connector terminals. Put screws in an envelope.

Tape the ends of all wires with electrical tape. Add a paper label to reference each wire so you can easily reconnect it properly when you reinstall the vanity fixture. Use reminder codes that you can easily remember based on the color of the wires, such as white, black or green, or use alphabetical codes.

Take the envelope of screws with you and the vanity piece, if necessary, to the hardware store to purchase replacement screws. Ask the salesperson for assistance so you can purchase the correct size replacement screws.

Reconnect the wires, following your code reminders. Screw the vanity light fixture back into place, using old and new screws.

Turn the electric power back on. Reinstall the bulbs for the vanity light fixture. Flip the light switch to see if the installation was correct. If the lights do not come on, turn the electric power off again. Unscrew the light fixture and check your wiring connections. Make sure that the wires are connected to the appropriate terminals and the wires are not loose or frayed. If necessary, snip off a section of the plastic covering with a flat-edge razor blade to expose the frayed wires and cut them with scissors until you reach a section where the wires are “fresh” and sturdy.

Screw the light fixture back into place and turn the power back on. If the lights still do not come on, you should contact a professional electrician to reinstall your vanity light fixture.