How to: Change light bulb sockets to outlets for plugin shop lights

Edit: After a few years there’s no need to do this anymore with these screw in adaptors. A long time ago these weren’t available as three prong. But here they are!!! And they now make two prong lights also linked below.
amzn.to/3WnG3nc
Double plug round socket and plate: amzn.to/3W1zFlQ
Single plug round socket: amzn.to/3W3Dze8
LED long plug in lights 6 pack updated just two prong available now!: amzn.to/3Pr65nD
The first of some how-to videos. Getting the garage ready for upcoming projects and videos. Quite possibly a painful video to watch if you've stumbled upon it for a specific DIY guide. This is also the intro to the rebirth of this channel. Stay tuned for some cool stuff.

[@SteveK139]

"We live in pretty amazing times, where if you don't know how to do something, you can find a video on it". Truer words were never spoken.

[@tomaskenzo7155]

instablaster.

[@rastaming6884]

That is true. Best time to be alive.

[@bullymaguire9677]

No not exactly

[@GeauxRilla]

It's how I'm here lol

[@CooperCollins88]

Intros done right: “Hey...whoever’s watching” Killin it

[@bselanders]

It's truly all-encompassing.

[@jimstreeter7361]

This is a great video, Joe! We moved into a house with very poor lighting in the garage with just one bare light bulb. I will be doing this project shortly to add the fixtures like you did. Thank you, Joe!

[@tooblekain]

Nice!!! An easy way to remember what color wire goes to what color screw: White to Bright GReen to GRound Black to Brass

[@sandrapascale4937]

Thank you!

[@RayRayGrt]

Joe this is an amazing video. I came on here because im looking to convert my outdoor light to a switch for an outdoor tv being hung. Simple and to the point. You made this VERY easy for me. Thank you !

[@roccos7642]

I was yelling "turn on the light switch!!" Thnx Joe...I'm going to try the same thing soon....

[@jakephillips6869]

Thank you Joe! This video is very helpful and exactly what I’m about to do. I appreciate your help!

[@russdoesstuff]

You're my kind of guy. I use to be in finance, now I'm in data. Just bought 1.5 acres. Love working with my hands and doing stuff myself.

[@404photos]

Excellent work! I am installing those exact light fixtures.

[@kehoegm]

Great job! Exactly what I’m doing today! Thanks for the help

[@poofypoopy8838]

Thanks for the video!! This is exactly what I'm doing in my kitchen for under the cabinet lights. I'm using an existing switch that powered a can light that i am getting rid of. Then i am adding an outlet inside each cabinet that gets a plug-in cabinet light if that makes sense. Anyways thanks again!

[@waynehamrick1475]

This is exactly what I'm doing today, thanks for the vid, from a fellow white collar garage dude.

[@GroovyCachinDude]

You're correct in that we do live in an amazing time. I'm doing this same project for my in-laws, but replacing crummy hard-wired fluorescent fixtures with plug in LEDs. I've done some minor electrical work in my lifetime, but wanted a quick refresher before I get to work. Thanks.

[@GroovyCachinDude]

@T Clodfelter Yes. The only issue was that the existing hard-wired box was round, and my new cover plate was square. I just had to drill one screw hole through the plate to secure the duplex socket. I came prepared to swap out 4 ceiling mounted receptacles, but my father-in-law thought the LEDs were so much brighter (and they light instantly compared to flourecent) that I only changed 1 receptacle, and daisy-changed the other light. Super easy. Go for it!

[@Iabeerbrewer]

Didn't know they made a round plate for the light sockets.Saved me a ton of aggravation..Thanks Joe!!!

[@ambrosio46]

There are people that know how to explain things and thanks God they take the time to make make these videos; ¡MUCHAS GRACIAS!

[@OspreyFlyer]

Happy to know someone operates like I do! Thanks for posting! 👍👏😂

[@zero_4113]

Dude this was helpful. I’m trying to do the same thing in my garage. Thank you!

[@apagan65]

Nice job! This is exactly what I want to do. Thank you.

[@2001pontiacta]

Thanks for posting, I’m gonna perform the same thing in my garage today after work. We’ve all been there, Plug something in and it doesn’t work so, we think we messed up. Only to find out the light switch is the culprit,lol thanks again

[@GroovyCachinDude]

Like poor Clark Griswold in Christmas Vacation!

[@nancyvandyke5246]

Just what I was looking for. Thanks

[@libaaxalee]

Thank you brother :), I had that in mind and was scare of it. Thank you.

[@junimcdowell5571]

I’ve been look for something like this, I’ve been wanting to find a way I can change a light fixture to a plug for a ceiling mounted projector, so this was a big help!

[@alexoz7795]

Duuuude! Yes! Perfect... Was thinking to put an outlet above out kitchen table and doing string outdoor edison lights instead of the 18ft chain fall fixture! This plate is what I need... And an outlet of course, but I'm sure I have some laying around

[@fogboyenterprise2724]

I dig your style bud, lol i'm gonna take a crack at this this weekend. New developments suck lmao.

[@rockhaus43085]

Loved the video. Simple and to the point. Btw...who doesn’t have a noisy neighbor kid 😂

[@davidblood9882]

For a “white collar” guy, you’re sharp. Good job! Your video was just what I was looking for. Thank you!

[@dmatthews7423]

Thanks! Straight forward and simple.

[@BJ_PLATZ]

I'm interested! Thanks for talking me through it. KZbin and other resources are awesome that a person can look up and figure out if they are able to do something or hire it out! Now I will have adequate lighting in my basement!

[@largewoodenbadger7195]

Thanks for the video! Exactly what I’m going to be doing!

[@jordanbennett6461]

I wanted to do something like this but had no idea what to get. Thanks for the info!

[@lozarkderccy3254]

Ohhhhh my gosh, I didn’t know this was possible! THANK YOU for this video Joe! Seriously, thanks!!!

[@dwaynebible2147]

Thanks Joe, working on ours this weekend!

[@loopedmess]

Lowes here has the 4ft direct replacement led bulbs 4 per box at 4 bucks a box. It's a clearance thing. Those and the Wally world 4ft shop lights are a good combo

[@Thanos0001]

Great job. I am going to doing this upgrade to my garage now that the temps have started to go down a bit. Thanks for the video.

[@TheDirtyBirfield]

Glad it helped!

[@Thanos0001]

@@TheDirtyBirfield Actually, I did this today!! Super easy and now I have plenty of light in my garage. Thanks.

[@Sanchezandres929]

Badass needing to do that for my garage

[@frankgiammarese7255]

Rocking it!

[@ambrosio46]

Joe, THANK YOU VERY VERY MUCH!

[@TiffanyTheMost]

Thank you so much!! I just bought an RV and the wall sconces are the worst. Can’t wait to do this this weekend!

[@jeffsears7018]

Thanks brother. This is exactly what I needed!

[@TheDirtyBirfield]

Glad it helped!

[@techmap4191]

Joe tremendous help but I have a little problem. My ceiling is a single round gang box so it is smaller than the one you were using. Any idea how to add a single outlet?

[@shelbymax2003]

I bought the ones listed that screw into a socket in early March 2020 at Home Depot. One of the three LED arms was intermittently working. I returned it.

[@joemcfarland4121]

Great video‼ Could I use that round plate on an outside outlet for a mounted TV. I'm using a old light fixture and converting it into an outlet, there is already an round old work box and I can't get it out. So I was guessing I'm going to have to put a outlet in that box.

[@lanabanana663]

Once converted, is it okay to use a multi plug outlet?

[@RichHommi]

I never comment on videos but man what a good video. Well explained

[@TheDirtyBirfield]

I’m honoured!!

[@CoBrAChiCKeN948]

I always wrap around the outlet to hide the side screw and prevent shorts

[@karinlong7598]

Thanks for the info, You got a company and part number for that face plate? Phil

[@sunilnegi8078]

Cant find that round wall played anywhere

[@theguywithnotattos]

What's the plate that u used called?

[@Riggerwife]

Joe, so I have to agree with you about how if you want to find out something, Google it! Lol I recently bought a house that has a huge sunroom on the back. I bought some curtain lights, like Christmas icicle lights, that I have been waiting to put up. First, had to clean out the crap to organize. There is a wall mounted light that is turned on by a switch in the house. I wanted to somehow turn the light into an outlet to for the curtain lights. I didnt want it to look cheezy, but more clean lined. No extension cords all over. I typed in what I wanted, and BAM, your video popped up showing how you did the outlets in your garage. I was saying... "Turn on the switch!" Lol Your garage looks alot like ours did when my husband was alive. He even hung a couple of the same lights. Saw the press you have, I just sold my husbands, that he used to make guns with. I learned to clean my guns, thanks to KZbin! Lol So, as I begin this project, thank you for posting your experience, and I can say, that yes, someone did watch, so talk to yourself all you want.

[@brandonpowell7003]

Thanks bro

[@matthew393]

Helpful video. The first link in the description is not working (page not found). What's the better solution called?

[@matthewharrisparker]

Yes I’m interested in this

[@TheDirtyBirfield]

Super!

[@aero1850]

"weird talking to no one" (46k views) great video! were listening =)

[@bizzfo]

Is there a plastic face plate available?

[@gregj2647]

Informative video. Did screws come with the metal cover plate or did you have to buy those separately?

[@nelsoncalligan7851]

Hey Joe, I am not an electrician but I have learned from one as a helper on some jobs. When you put a wire around a screw, you always put the loop of the wire so it tightens the loop when you tighten the screw. I noticed you did it backwards on the ground wire. Not sure if the others were done that way or not. Also make sure the screws you didn't put wires on are tight before you install the duplex outlet onto the face plate. There has been cases where the loose screw came out and touched something it shouldn't have, if you get my drift. I think you should have tried the other screw slots on the face plate to box mounting. It might have centered the face plate better on the box. It's a good video, however and I appreciate you making it. Working with your hands always is better than sitting in an office, isn't it? You and I are very much alike, except I retired from the "rat race" altogether and spend most of my time in my garage or the woodshop.

[@Donnythelatemodeltech]

Thumbs up!

[@you2tooyou2too]

re.2:35 Don't remove the fixture mounting screws, just loosen them. Then just rotate the fixture CCW slightly to release it. Quicker & no dropping and losing the screws for both dis & re-assembly. re 3:20 He said 'Flat head", but meant 'Slot/blade' drive. The screw heads are almost certainly 'pan or round' head. re 4:20 Easy to remember: White(unpowered~uncolored, "return/neutral") wire goes to the 'white/silver/steel' terminals, and the black(hot/deadly dark) wire goes to the 'brown/copper/brass' terminal, and the green(ground) wire goes the (usually green) grounding terminal (and the metal box). FWIW: To get more even light coverage, I would have mounted the utility lights pointing radially to/from the center of the ceiling (45deg to the walls).

[@erickchavez3523]

How many AMP does the outlet have to be in order to do this ? Or does that not matter, not much of an electrician but have a job where I have to do this exactly. So this helped me out a lot just need to know if the amps matter for the outlet

[@dashadiaz1616]

Thank u so much!!

[@TheDirtyBirfield]

I am so glad this video is still helping people out!

[@alamjane5709]

Would be best if you can share where did you get that circular plate from? Thanks.

[@sfraser5009]

Very helpful! Thanks

[@kellyslaughter1845]

Starting with 1999 NEC outlets can not be mounted with only one screw.

[@kyrujames]

came here for outlets but saw you had a toyota, sub'd

[@CjPoz]

I'm about to do this and mine has a pull string. I wonder if I need a light switch combo??

[@tollisonc1]

If the pull string is attached to the bulb attachment, then you will not have to buy a switch combo. If there is a wire dedicated just to cutting the power off, you will need a switch combo. But please cut the power off from the breaker! You probably know that already, but I always add that in just incase lol.

[@Hortizuela66]

Where did you get the ac plate that fits in the precut hole for the light fixture? Thanks man!

[@Hortizuela66]

Joe Miller thank you sir! Good luck on the Channel!

[@itsgoocifer]

Very helpful, thanks!

[@mae2759]

Hard to find... it's Item # 72443 Model # 5402LR-25R STEEL CITY 1-Gang Round Metal Electrical Box Cover

[@OspreyFlyer]

@@mae2759 👍

[@juanrojos78]

What’s that plate called, my local home depot didn’t know what I was talking about

[@sunilnegi8078]

Lol... just happened to me at home depot 30 minutes back...

[@reviewerjay707]

1-Gang Round Metal Electrical Box Cover www.lowes.com/pd/STEEL-CITY-1-Gang-Round-Metal-Electrical-Box-Cover/1000195259

[@phyllisadams7822]

I went to take off my lite fixture globe to clean it , and the light wouldn’t come back on , what seems to be the problem?

[@imkatiekateful]

Phyllis Adams bulb out?

[@Bane_Diesel]

Did the crawler ever get built?

[@2grilledcheeses484]

Some thing you could probably do in the future man is provide a link to all the items you've used in the video. :)

[@shotbymdaz]

that would be awesome. I was at HD this morning and was asking for exactly that plate cover. Sadly came home empty handed:(

[@MrPawlywally]

I did the same thing but added a motion sensor light switch

[@luxman9463]

I came for the DIY but stayed for the comedy.

[@pyfinx]

lol... "i am in finance"... that's what i always tell my neighbours when i work my home projects.

[@lcook0825]

Always remember b to b (black to brass)

[@lightseek88]

Why did u not want to hardwire? Can u make another video where ur lights have a plug but u only have wires coming out of the wall not an outlet to plug into. That's my situation and I was hoping this video was it guessed wrong

[@harrydoherty8299]

allways ck for power even though the wall switch is of. a miss wired switch can cause power to be allways on when the switch is commanding the common white wire. ask me how i know!! 😮

[@mattsalassalas3883]

What if I want it to be constant power and not controlled by a switch

[@TheDirtyBirfield]

Call the electricians :)

[@keithgway]

is this a 4 car garage or what

[@Z28Racer1]

some outlets have different colors, i always go off the slots, the long slots are neutral the short slots the hot side

[@TheDirtyBirfield]

I did not know that! Thanks!

[@JDM_MSK]

bro this was super helpful thanks so much !

[@santana3455]

But what if the wire is torn from the socket and I don't know how to re-attach it?

[@TheDirtyBirfield]

Call an electrician I think :)

[@paulstradley9157]

Thx! I’m doing this in my shop because the little screw in bulbs just don’t give off enough light for my old eyes anymore!

[@OspreyFlyer]

👍

[@anthonytorres9947]

Can you send me the part number lowes cover

[@bullymaguire9677]

Yea Great

[@TheDirtyBirfield]

Great

[@samg9328]

Black to brass or it’s your ass. How I remember. 😂

[@stableboynmilkmaid]

Good luck hope you don't burn your house down!

[@TheDirtyBirfield]

Amazingly it’s still there last I checked.

[@snorman1951]

The only problem I see is that the connection between cover and outlet is not very strong. I think I'd plug in the light before installing the cover and then never touch it again. The alternative is hard wiring the light, but if the light has a plug, then you have to cut off the plug and face the problem of identifying the wires. It can be done, but I'd rather not.

[@keytothegate68]

"Black to Brass- Save Your Ass"

[@rayonwilliamssportsandfun2106]

I just use a bulb wit the outlet built in

[@TheDirtyBirfield]

Problem with those is that they don’t have grounds.

[@rayonwilliamssportsandfun2106]

@@TheDirtyBirfield yea they help out when options limited

[@jesseesquivel1158]

Nice mountain bike in back ground...

[@CM-jt2pw]

Go to 3:00

[@cwhite8702]

hopefully the kid next door that talks a lot doesn't watch your video... LOL!!

[@kristiantucker5449]

Video starts at 2:25

[@TheDirtyBirfield]

Yes can’t believe this video has been watched so many times. Would have done a short and sweet one if I had any idea that anyone would watch it lol.

[@dt58moe]

Its killing me to watch this, spin the wire to the back of the outlet, and it will go into the plate easier

[@TheDirtyBirfield]

Hey thanks!

[@acousticide]

This is not a how to video. It's a video of you trying to figure out how to do it ..... like anyone else would do. Not much help, but looks simple enough.

[@sodawater52]

you are great but you talk too much its a how do instruction video

[@BrushlessNitroSlayer]

lol fire insurance will not cover your shotty electrical work because you are not a licensed electrician. They would see where the fire started and then see why if you messed it up then they would deny your claim.

[@charlesvollmer7517]

Please explain how this was shotty?

[@will3821]

BrushlessNitroSlayer all he did was add an outlet he didn’t run the wires through the ceiling

[@BrushlessNitroSlayer]

I did not mean his job for say, just the idiot who tries to follow the video and fucks it up. In the video he made a comment about insurance or that is what insurance is for or something along those lines. And the truth is if the work he did caused a fire the inspectors would find the source of the fire then ask who put that outlet in and he could not give them a straight answer on that because he did it. He could ramble off the company that did the electrical install but their records would show different. This is all I am saying if you play with your homes circuits and wiring and mess it up and cause a fire your ins company will get tot he truth. And you will not get anything. @@charlesvollmer7517

[@michaelfitzgerald1328]

Stick to finance, it would be safer for you!