Fixing a Lamp Socket

Replace the light bulb in the lamp with a brand new bulb. Turn on the lamp to see if it lights up. If the lamp still fails to light, then you will need to replace the socket; proceed to the next step.

Unplug the lamp before attempting to dismantle the socket. Remove the shade and the harp or other assembly to which the shade attaches.

Wedge the tip of a flat-head screwdriver in between the socket shell and the base of the socket. Pry the socket shell up about an inch until you can see the power cord wires inside the socket.

Cut the power cord wires with a pair of wire cutters. Pull the socket shell free and set aside.

Find the set screw at the bottom of the socket base. Turn the set screw counter-clockwise with the flat-head screwdriver to loosen it.

Grasp the threaded tube just below the socket base with a pair of pliers. Turn the tube counter-clockwise until the socket base pops free.

Screw a new socket base onto the threaded tube and tighten it down with the pliers. Tighten the set screw to lock the socket base in place.

Use a pair of wire strippers to strip 1/2 inch of insulation from the end of the power cord wires.

Tie the two ends of the power cord together in what's known as an underwriter's knot so they will not pull free from the socket.

Wrap the uninsulated tip of the neutral wire around the silver screw of the new socket. Tighten the silver screw down with your screwdriver. The neutral wire is the wire that has ribbed insulation; the hot wire has smooth insulation around it.

Connect the end of the hot wire to the gold screw on the socket and tighten it down with the screwdriver.

Pull any excess cord down through the lamp by gently tugging on the plug end.

Slip the socket shell over the socket, and press down to snap it into place inside the socket base. Screw a new light bulb into the socket, then plug the power cord into an outlet. Turn on the lamp to be sure it works, then replace the harp and shade.