How to replace a lamp switch and socket

Mark Wanamaker demonstrates how to replace a lamp switch. It's much easier than you think! (Yes, you can do it in less than 10 minutes!)

[@dillonthrockmorton7365]

The most helpful video I have seen. You talked about polarity and even the clockwise orientation of the wire. Thank you, Mark. I wish you were my local hardware man, but this video is the next best thing.

[@carmellclark3054]

I was in the midst of my socket replacing project and realized I didn't know if it mattered which side of the wire went to which screw contact point in the socket... IT DOES! So thanks, Mark! When you said "Smooth is Hot" after explaining which is the hot and which is the neutral, I was able to thread the wires to the contact points "clockwise", and finish the project STAT :-D Such a great video--all the pertinent important information, and in a short concise delivery.

[@1967res]

I have personally wired many things in my home, from switches and wall outlets, to a pool pump and garage furnace. However, I learned today about lamp cord polarity. Thank you!

[@angieguerrero1633]

I like that you not only said what you were doing, but also why you were doing it.

[@LilShogunMusic]

Thank you so much for this video (7 years after you posted it!). This old lady just fixed a floor lamp! :)

[@lenaboyer6981]

Thanks for helping me save my antique lamp :) I don’t have a wire stripping tool, so I used a utility knife to cut through the plastic. Whole repair went off without a hitch and the total cost was under $6!

[@lukelucy1980]

As soon as you said That, I knew your were from Massachusetts. Made me a bit homesick. Hope your shop is still doing well. Thank You for a great demo.

[@rebeccadelmonico8356]

This was EXACTLY the instruction I needed, and at the right pace and right amount of detail! Thank you so very much. You made my first lamp repair job go smoothly.

[@johnlarc5532]

THANK YOU! The video that keeps on giving! Just repaired my lamp switch and your video is by far, the clearest and most precise instructions for this repair!

[@tragerec]

Your video was super helpful to me. You included important points about twisting the strands and looping the wire clockwise, which were both points that other videos left out. My life was miserable trying to get that wire to stay on while tightening and it was because initially I had it looped counterclockwise! Thanks for your clear video too - it was great having the close-ups.

[@annreddy8428]

Thanks to this video I fixed my first lamp tonight. Thank you so much for posting such a helpful and straightforward video!

[@madhawk95]

Great video! This is what I needed, especially the part about which wire is hot and which one is neutral. Thanks a lot!!!!

[@karenhawthorne5869]

Just finished replacing my Mom's lamp socket! Small blade plus smooth cord plus gold screw! Easy to remember! Thank you sir, for your help!

[@bc5968]

Great job explaining the replacement process and the importance of polarity and the direction of wrapping the wire loop around the screw!

[@earthwitch8]

How To! This was exactly what I was looking for! #1 I have about 4 lamps that need this switch replaced. It ‘s not the $$$ it the getting them to the repair place without ruining them😄 I 100% recommend this video. I want to thank you for your great instructions, although I think the lady that the lamp belongs too isn’t going to be happy about the shorter cord😅. Thanks again.

[@user-zz9mh1hv8y]

Great step by step instructions for a novice. Exactly what I needed.

[@catrinavivas6256]

I saw another link...

[@lindaholland4247]

Thank you so much for teaching me how to do this. I really thought I was going to have to throw away a beautiful antique lamp with a broken socket. Now I don't have to and it works as good as new. Big fat hugs.

[@donnaduke7786]

Excellent teacher! I just replaced a lamp switch and socket! Thank You!

[@janisnichols6926]

Great Service and tribute to this store! I wish you were in my neighborhood! Easy to understand, specific, methodical, safety-minded, educational. I feel confident I can do this because of this video.