Old lamps abound. You find them at flea markets and yard sales and at unexplored attics. Finding wobbly old lamps is no issue; the challenge comes in turning those worn-out frogs into useful and handsome princes. But repairing almost any lamp and restoring its attractiveness and usefulness are skills the do-it-yourselfer can learn.
First Things First
Snip off the old string with scissors, then get rid of the old socket by pushing “PRESS” on the socket cover. Pull the socket and remaining cord throughout the lamp. If the nut at the close of the lamp pipe is loose, then tighten it with an adjustable wrench. Turn clockwise until it is just secure; forcing it might hurt fragile lamp parts. If any parts or hardware are missing, purchase replacements in the lamp repair section at a house center or in a lamp store. Clean the lamp with window cleaner and a cellulose sponge.
Out, Damned Spot!
Remove unwanted paint and worn lacquer from metal by soaking it in a slow cooker filled with water and sufficient dishwashing liquid to make it slippery. Disassemble the lamp by unscrewing the nut on the bottom. Set the metal parts in the slow cooker, set it to low and let it sit 6 hours or overnight. Scrape off the softened material with a plastic putty knife and other non-scratching implements. Polish brass with brass cleaner and a soft cloth. Rub gently in a circular motion until you attain the shine you want. Remove pits — stubborn spots of tarnish — by massaging them with brass polish and a bit of baking soda. Reassemble the lamp by changing the disassembly process.
A New Lifeline
Run a new cord during the pipe until it dissolves at the surface. Pull the cord’s wires a few inches apart and then tie at a slip knot. Wrap the stripped ends clockwise across the new socket’s terminals and secure with a screw driver. Attach the ribbed neutral wire to the silver impartial terminal and the smooth hot cable to the gold hot terminal. Gently pull on the cord in the bottom so the socket rests on the socket base, then slip the cover over the socket. Push the socket cover to its foundation until it clicks firmly into position.
Choose Wisely
If you’re looking for old lamps to restore, prevent those with broken ceramic or glass parts; they may require professional restoration. Avoid brass-plated items with damaged finishes, which cannot be entirely restored. Prior to taking any canopy apart, take a picture to use as a guide during reassembly. If you need to freshen painted surfaces, spray paint the disassembled pieces at a well-ventilated area. To complete your restoration, choose the lamp with you as soon as shade shopping so you don’t make mistakes about the magnitude of the shade or the shade holder, known as the harp.
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