Lamp Repair 101: Common FAQs
Perhaps you have a vintage lamp that has been in your possession for a lot of years, or maybe you just have a lamp that you would like to hang onto in spite of it having problems. In either case, it is possible to repair a lot of lamp issues. Take a look at a few of the common questions lamp owners have about repairing a lamp that has some kind of problem and the answers you may want to know.
Is it possible to replace a cord on an old lamp?
Old lamps are fairly notorious for sustaining damage to their cords, and it is not uncommon for some vintage lamps to have those paper-coated cords that really are not all that safe to use. Thankfully, it is possible to replace lamp cords in most cases. Unless the cord is made into the lamp in some way that it cannot be pulled out, the old cord can be dismantled and a new one can be installed rather simply.
How do you get a broken light bulb out of a lamp socket?
This is actually a really common problem for lamp owners. Maybe you applied a bit too much pressure when installing or removing a bulb and the glass broke, leaving the base of the bulb screwed in with nothing to grasp to screw it back out. There are a few things you can try in this situation. You may be able to use a pair of pliers to gently turn the base of the bulb until it comes out. However, you do have to be really careful not to damage the socket in the process. Some people have success retrieving an old bulb by using a cut potato to screw down over the socket and then using a turning motion to dislodge the broken bulb.
How much will it cost to have a lamp professionally repaired?
Lamp repair costs can vary depending on the problem, of course. More complicated problems are going to cost more. You can expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $100 for general repairs. Something as simple as changing the socket or installing a new cord will usually cost somewhere around $30 to $50. Most repair professionals will gladly give you a price quote before they get started on the work so you know how much you will have to pay when the work is done.
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