Alright, let’s get started with this little DIY on how to rewire that spectacular lamp you might find with exposed wires, circa 1940.
First and foremost, you don’t have to fear rewiring lamps. The wire kits come with all the instructions you need. You can buy the entire kit, or each of the pieces separately. This lamp worked, so I knew the socket was good.
***Always follow the directions that come in your kit.
You’ll need:
A flat head screwdriver
Needle nose pliers
A new cord/socket kit with instructions
Here’s what you do:
- Poke a hole in the bottom covering so you can access the cord inside the lamp base
- Remove the top of the light socket and the cardboard sleeve to expose the wires and screws
- Unscrew both wires on the light socket. One will be on a silver screw and one on a brass screw
- Remove the old wire from the lamp, pulling it down and out the bottom of the lamp
- Review the manufacturer’s instructions with your new lamp cord and/or entire kit
- Determine if your new cord needs some of the plastic to be peeled back to expose the wires, or if it’s ready to attach like this one. Very nice and user friendly.
- Insert the new cord through the lamp base and up through the threaded pipe in the top of the lamp. Even though it looks like I’m helping this lamp give birth, it’s just my arm threading the cord through the upper pipe in the neck of the lamp.
- Now, you need to split the cord about 4” down from the top and tie the Underwriter’s Knot which is included in a diagram on the instructions.
- Here’s the most important part: there is one side of the cord that has grooves all the way around it (flat head screwdriver in the photo is resting on the grooved side). The other side is smooth. The grooved side goes on the silver screw, and the smooth the side goes on the brass screw. MAKE SURE YOU GET THIS RIGHT.
- Replace the cardboard sleeve over the wire and screw piece of the socket
- Replace the metal sleeve onto the socket
- Trace and cut out a new piece of felt to glue on the bottom of your lamp for furniture protection.
I’m not such a fan of this kind of lampshade, but I had it on hand, it fits the lamp and it only cost $11.99, also at Goodwill.
My studio upholstery classes in Indianapolis have attracted students from all over the US. Our recently added online upholstery courses, Upholstery Knockouts, includes students from the US and Canada who are learning how to upholster through our online ‘classroom’ (private blog) videos, written materials, a private Facebook Group, as well as emails and group calls. If upholstering in your jammies sounds like the way to go, check out ModHomeEc and the Upholstery Knockouts sales page for the class that is now in session.
Thanks to Shelly! I'm back tomorrow everyone so I'll see you then. Wait. No I'm not. I'm not coming back until Friday. See? I'm so tired from working I can't even be trusted to make sense anymore. ~ karen
doug barrey
i rewire old lamps too i started doing that since age 12 which was in 1984 and 85 to now which i still do it old lamps are made better than new lamps in my opinion and experience and have lots more character to them and are more interesting i use the old plugs if possible if they have the wires exposed i redo the wires if the wires are good then put a piece of plastic or cardboard on the plug where the prongs are at whee the cover goes all depending on what kind of cardboard it is right now i am in search of a tension pole lamp they are hard to find hoping this year i find one
Sabina
I have a wonderful old wrought iron kitchen ceiling fixture that I snatched at a flea market, I use on my patio in the summer. There is an on/off switch along the cord itself. Can I rewire this with outdoor grade wiring/switch?
Maureen
I'm just finding this post today, and thanks! I have a lamp that the base/cord went underwater during Sandy. It's a one of a kind copper lamp, made as a retirement gift for a plumber, and it's oddball, but I have loved the thing ever since I spotted it a the yardsale. I don't trust the old cord after being exposed to the salt/muck. Now, I can salvage it! Already ordered a replacement wiring kit.
Karen
Excellent! Good luck with the lamp. ~ karen
Julie
Hi Shelly - How timely your post is! My friend gave me a lovely lamp that needs to be rewired. I was going to have my husband do it and he said "he would put it on the list" which means whenever he gets around to it! Now I can tackle this myself. Thanks a million!!! I too am going to check out ModHomeEc.
Susan
Hi, Shelly! I check into your blog occasionally, to see what new things your are up to and your students have done. Love the thing you and your students do! Thanks for the tute on lamp rewiring!
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Nancy Blue Moon
Thanks Shelly..easy to follow!
Amy in StL
I rewired a two socket lamp that I inherited. However, I cut the plug off the old cord and twisted each side to the wires on the new cord to help fish it up the lamp. It wasn't big like yours, its a little tube just big enough for one wire - because it came loose once. Pulling the new cord through was easier than trying to "push a rope".
karol
great idea!!!
Deirdre Fowler
I just have to say, I LOVE your wallpaper. Beautiful lamp too.
Thanks,