Protector Lamp & Lighting Co. Miners Safety Lamp Renovation, How it works etc assemble "mr factotum"

[@christopherjarvis887]

Brilliant video - My grandads lamp is being renovated with your help - Cheers!

[@MrFactotum]

Fantastic! Christopher you've done him proud👍👍👍😉😉👍👍 regards Kev

[@deg262]

Great video. I've got my Dad's old miner's lamp too and was wanting to get it stripped clean and back to working condition. Many thanks for the info

[@MrFactotum]

cheers d262 Go for it, 👍 many thanks for the feedback atb kev

[@thisoldcottage]

Thank you, just doing the same with my great grandfather’s 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 this video is invaluable

[@MrFactotum]

Hi TOC thankyou for your feedback, it's very much appreciated, I am pleased to know that it helped you in such a way to keep your great grandad's lamp up and running, a sub and thumbs up would be greatful to help my channel grow. kind regards Kev

[@TonyM540]

Thank you for very informative video. I have same lamp but it’s lit from a battery. I’ve never tried to light it as it also needs a magnet to open the base. So many safety features they must have saved hundreds of lives. There is a good video on KZbin showing how the mesh contains the fire.

[@MrFactotum]

Thanks for watching! Anthony and for feedback i will check the video out later; Appreciated ATB Kev

[@esvarwyn]

Great, thanks! This is the type of lamp that carried the olympic flame in 2012

[@MrFactotum]

Hi ESVA Really, I never knew that, thanks for watching and feedback regards mr f

[@chroniclesofbeard3681]

Enjoyed your video very much. Thank you for taking the time.

[@MrFactotum]

hi COB Thanks for watching and taking time to comment regards mr f

[@angelarch5352]

THANKS! This helped me understand how to take apart my own safety lamp!

[@MrFactotum]

Great AA Glad it helped! Thanks for watching and commenting stay safe regards mr f

[@Trebor-hc7ri]

Great video! I was a local Policeman in Leicestershire during the dispute in 1984 and managed to buy a NACODS lamp (self lighter) from Ellistown or Bagworth Colliery. I will take it apart and see if I can get it to fire up. I wanted one because I had spent eight months outside different Collieries sitting in a van with nothing much happening. We had some pickets from Wales early on, but they were friendly and got in our van for a warm. After that, we hardly saw anyone unless the Television cameras turned up. The Notts, Derby and Leicestershire miners fell out with the NUM and kept working.We were quite simply the 'Pigs in the middle'. Orgreave was properly scarey, Scunthorpe was dull. Years later, I had to take an unconnected statement from an ex miner from Ollerton Colliery. He told me that the local football league wouldn't play anyone from South Yorkshire. Later I took a statement from an ex miner from Goldthorpe near Doncaster and he said the same thing about Notts. One thing we could all agree on, is that we all hated the Metropolitan Police! They were like an invading army who didn't give a shit and were happy to destroy years of hard won mutual respect in the pursuit of massive overtime payments. My two prized mementos of that tragic and turbulent time are my lamp and my NCB Donkey Jacket, swapped for a Police 'Car coat' at Nailstone coal washing plant.

[@MrFactotum]

hi robert that's a welcoming story to have from the other side of the coin, it was a really turbulent time and left many scars, which some have not even healed as yet. Sounds like you have a deputies lamp of the self striking type like the one I have. Yes give it a go and try to get it working, i'm sure it should be able to work once again, make sure the wick is ok. nice to hear the story, good luck with the refurbishment, let me know once you get it working. regards mr f

[@alandobb950]

Robert, have you managed to do your lamp, if not, see my comment to Christopher above. Iwas also involved with the 84/85 strike, I worked at Bilsthorpe, 5 miles South of Ollerton, I worked during the strike, something I now regret, but you cant turn back the clock. I had a good relationship with most of the lads who were on strike at Bilsthorpe, I would listen to their argument & they would listen to mine, Anyway Robert, it would be nice to hear if you have managed to do your lamp, regards Alan Dobb.

[@beerswiller1955]

Thanks for this video it has been a saviour for me. My Father had two, one which he used whilst working at Chanters pit and then Bedford pit. He lit the lamp he used every Christmas but the other he had was baffling because like the lamp in this video, he never knew how to dismantle it to clean. I have also had problems but now since watching this clip, I'm sure I will be able to take it apart and give it a well deserved clean.

[@MrFactotum]

Thanks for comment, glad it was helpful Regards Mr f

[@LonerOnTheField]

This was fascinating, thank you

[@MrFactotum]

Hi Chris Thankyou for the feedback, appreciated regards Kev

[@liamofthornhill]

Thanks for the upload mate, bought my first one on eBay as the family ones are long gone, managed to strip and clean it and see what I've got missing, as none of the pit men are alive in my family anymore it would of remained a mystery

[@MrFactotum]

thanks for watching and comments regards mr f

[@kb8wfh]

Very grateful for your documenting your experience. Just got one from eBay for my boat (commonly used on old boats) and I will need to clean mine too. Glad to see how it's done. Thanks and cheers.

[@MrFactotum]

cheers Matt Glad it was helpful, thats what its all about sharing experiences, all the best and let me know how you get on, oh by the way ive learnt since the video that Coleman's lighter fuel is best for the fuel, not yet tried myself but thats what many tell me. stay safe regards mr f

[@chriscomoglio7806]

It’s beautiful thank you for showing us

[@MrFactotum]

cheers chris thanks for watching regards mr f

[@chrisgoes9610]

Love this vid and the back drop storey. Many thanks for sharing. My dad worked down the mines as a fitter (just for a few years in Doncaster) and I would love to buy one of these lamps and use in his memory.

[@MrFactotum]

Glad you enjoyed it Chris It would be nice to get one in his memory, with his name engraved on it, like my dads. There's always plenty up for sale at car boots, flea markets and the usual FleaBay. etc etc Thanks for the feedback, it's appreciated atb Kev

[@paulevans9790]

Cheers, was able to give me lamp complete overhaul.

[@MrFactotum]

cheers paul glad to hear it helped regards mr f

[@tarmaccowboy4939]

Great little video. I’v converted a couple of these into electric lights with a small bc brass lamp holder. Really effective and looks great. I believe these round gaskets were asbestos until 2000 though!

[@MrFactotum]

That's a great idea! TC Thanks for watching and commenting Yes you may be right about the gaskests👍👍 regards Kev

[@Holzue5]

Really good video, was able to take it to pieces after watching this.

[@MrFactotum]

hi sc thanks for watching and commenting, appreciated, glad it was helpful regards mr f

[@sr3radical]

I found this video brilliant. I helped me no end

[@MrFactotum]

thanks . glad it helped a fellow youtuber regards mr f

[@Steviegtr52]

I've always wanted a Kerosine lamp. Bid on a few on e-bay but still never got one. Looks beautiful. Steve.

[@MrFactotum]

hi steve I'm sure one will turn up, thanks for feedback take care Kev

[@royboy6890]

For your future reference, the catch on the base should be should have a pin that stops the catch from being turned to prevent the lamp being opened underground. The lamp could only be opened in the surface lamp room that had a strong magnet fixed to the workbench that released the pin allowing to locking catch to be turned. If anyone has a lamp that the pin has not been removed, a strong magnet will be required held under the brass to release it.

[@MrFactotum]

hi rb68 thanks for watching and commenting, appreciate the info. regards mr f

[@COIcultist]

Those are the non re-lightable wire lit and magnetic locked lamps.

[@johnarkle7916]

The particular lamp in the video would have used a lead rivet to lock it, but you are right - the usual Type6 / 6RS / GR6S / SL would have had a magnetic lock

[@marklammas2465]

"So shine yer buttons wi' Brasso; It's only three 'a'pence a tin! Ye can buy it or nick it at Woolies But I doubt that they'll 'ave any in!"

[@MrFactotum]

Nice one Mark👍👍👍👍 thanks for watching Kev

[@jackiechan8840]

Cheers mate.

[@MrFactotum]

cheers

[@MetalFreak187]

My grandad just showed me his one, it was his dad's and he keeps it on the fire place too, his one says it's a model A1

[@MetalFreak187]

Also the wick has like oxidised(gone all green) so I think it was one he actually used, around the 1930s

[@MrFactotum]

Great Jordan Thanks for watching and feedback regards mr f

[@patricklavin7576]

Any tips on how to replace a slide locking bar on a Protector Lamp, without causing too much Damage (plier marks) on the Lamps pillars ?. Many thanks.

[@MrFactotum]

hi Patrick Not with out looking, maybe tuesday now before i get chance to look. cheers Kev

[@tonybacon3218]

It was cosaline they used to put in it.

[@MrFactotum]

eyup Tony Thanks for watching and feedback, yes i've had several comments to that effect, thanks for confirming, and appreciate you watching regards Kev

[@alandobb950]

Hi Mr Factotum. T he mechanism, was locked so you couldnt undo it down the mine. in the lamproom, on the surface, they used a magnet to undo the lock, that lamp was used by Deouties, Overmen and management, these lamps could be relit if they went out underground. The other type you mentioned was used by ordinary colliers, if they went out they couldnt be relit. They were filled with Kerosene, I have a couple of lamps, one the same as the one you got off your Dad and an ordinaryone, I havnt had them lit for years, but now Ive seen your video I might get them out, give them a polish and try to light them. Afriend of mine, he was a Deputy at the pit I was at, he buys, refurbs and sells them, I know you wont sell yours as it has got sentimental value. If I can be of any assistance please dont hesitate to leave a message.

[@MrFactotum]

thanks for comments alan, appreciate you taking the time to view regards mr f

[@alandobb950]

Watched the rest of the video, its a thumbs up & subscribe, by the way, the lamp looks well, what was the small one in the background? I have two small ones that my Dad made, he was the Mechanic of the Mine, he was a charge fitter on nights, so he was able to turn them on the lathe in the fitting shop when he had finished his nightly chores.

[@MrFactotum]

well spotted alan, and ditto I made it many years ago as an apprentice regards mr f

[@alandobb950]

Hi Mr Factotum, after watching your video again yesterday, it spurred me to go to my shed, its been too cold lately even though I have a log burner in there. I have another safety lamp, manufactured by Hailwood & Ackroyd. It is an early one as Hailwoods & Ackroyd started out in 1897 as Ackroyd & Best, then reforming the company in 1927 as Hilwood & Ackroyd. The company was in Morley, near Leeds. This one is a colliers lamp (not like yours which was used by Deputies, Overmen & Senior Management, which could be re-lit if it was accidently extinguished, as they needed safety lamps to test for gas, methane, before shot firing). These type could not be re-lit, once out they stayed out until being returned to the lamp room on the surface. There is some interesting reading on safety lams, or Davy lamps as they are called, on Google. Where abouts are yo, it sounds like Notts/ Derby area, Im from Notts, a mining village called Bilsthorpe, near Mansfield.

[@MrFactotum]

hi alan nice to hear from you thanks for info, glad you were inspired to get in to the shed, I'm there much of the time making my steam locomotive at moment, and yes i'm battle hardened to the cold this time of the year. yes, good guess, Derbyshire, my dad worked at Markham colliery all his life. regards mr f

[@stephenwelch4518]

I have the identical lamp, not a scratch on it, just like it was brand new. my dad worked in one of the mines out of Sunderland somewhere?

[@MrFactotum]

hi sw great, he probably was presented with the lamp on retirement, hence not used in combat!!, look after it, its part of the history of uk thanks for watching regards mr f

[@RaymondFry-q6e]

Nice video sir ,I have numerous safety lamps and have finally got a deputies relighter with magnetic lock which was tricky to open as in rusty etc. Having done all I could I have managed to get it working but the top half of the lamp is getting very hot.I worked down two mines and cannot remember them getting really hot .Does anyone have any idea why. I use Colemans lead free fuel as recommended by a restorer .any help would be appreciated

[@MrFactotum]

hi Raymond Thanks for the feedback, appreciated👍 Not sure about it getting hot, i'm no expert , only what i learned fro stripping my Dad's down. Only thing i can think of is ther too much wick burning and causing to much flame, hence burning hotter. Hope you get it sorted Regards Kev

[@RaymondFry-q6e]

@@MrFactotum Thank you for your reply. I have turned the wick down as much as I can without it going out. and it still gets too hot to even touch .I have more lamps that do not have the magnetic lock on so I will get those fuelled up and see if they are the same . Regards Ray

[@ade-1772]

just got my dads pit lamp working and we have three off theses same lamps amd when you undo the bottom off the lamp the hindge with the hole in is for the lamphouse could seal the lamp i think too stop people messing with the lamp but i have got it working case if we get a power cut this winter in 2022

[@MrFactotum]

eyup ade 1772 great to hear your giving them a new lease of life, yes your correct about the seal. lets hope there not needed this winter!!👍 thanks for watching and your feedback, it's appreciated regards Kev

[@ade-1772]

@@MrFactotum thanks kev and like you my dad and grandad worked down the mines me dad just a little he didn't like it that much but me grandad was miner Al this life and still have his tags too

[@ade-1772]

@@MrFactotum oh and mine I have running on lighter fluid atm

[@MrFactotum]

@@ade-1772 👍👍

[@MrFactotum]

@@ade-1772 yes i need to get some lighter fluid to try, 👍

[@MrMick560]

Hi, nice video, I have just bought a nice old one Teales Swindon, looks quite old, I saw one similar that said it was a Lancaster bonnet, have you any idea how to tell ?

[@MrFactotum]

hi MH thanks for watching and commenting. i'm not familliar with those names, sorry i can't be of more help. regards mr f

[@yvesangus7569]

Where can we get replacement parts ? …. (Glass cylinder)

[@MrFactotum]

Hi Y759 From Memory, I believe there is a website with all the parts that are available Just google and i'm sure you will find it Regards Kev

[@christopherscourfield4363]

Idea's please to unscrew the bottom section (it's very tight at the moment).

[@MrFactotum]

Hi Christopher Try heating up with a hair dryer. If still not moving. Again heat up with hair dryer and try soaking the joint with penetrating oil / wd 40 while still hot Good luck Regards Mr f

[@alandobb950]

Hi Christopher, I dont know if you have managed to get the base open on your lamp. If not, there is a video on youtube titled, "GR6S Miners Lamp Service" this explains how to do it, you need a fairly strong magnet, then watch the video. If you red my previous comment you will see Mr F inspired me to clean my TWO lamps, one an OFFICIALS lamp, like the one shown in this video, the other, a fairly old one, that one was for the use by colliers, this couldnt be re-lit if it went out. Hope this helps if you havnt got the base off yrt, regards, Alan Dobb.

[@stryryan6968]

Hi I have only recently come across my great grandads lamp it is the same model the same markings as your one. I am trying to restore it. Did you ever manage to change the wick I'm unable to work this our any info would be great thanks Steve

[@MrFactotum]

hi sr its a while since i did it but from memory you just pull the old wick out with a pointed too; obtain a new wick of the correct diameter,( it needs to be a tight fit), push the new wick in with a suitable pointed tool as far down as it will go, then trim the wick off about 3mm from the top of the wick tube., hope that helps regards mr f

[@stryryan6968]

@@MrFactotum Thank you so much I can't wait to get started on it now get it back to working order. Did you work out was it paraffin that it needs?? Thanks

[@MrFactotum]

@@stryryan6968 paraffin will work but may smoke a little, look out for a proprietry lamp oil, one's called cosaline i believe, but most lamp oil will be ok

[@jamesdinnigan2565]

Hi, I just inherited my great Grandad’s prospecting lantern, he died with it in a mine collapse unfortunately can’t unscrew the bottom wick holder, would love some tips to try and get it off and get the lantern running again

[@MrFactotum]

Thanks for your interest That's a sad story, a lot of people don't realise how dangerous the mines were or still are, but more so in your great grandads era. Make sure there's no discreet safety catches. Try heating up gently to start with, with a hair dryer, to expand the screw thread, then try to screw it whilst still hot!!!!! wear gloves!!!! Good Luck and get it repaired and lit in your great grandads memory. Hope this Helps regards mr f

[@jamesdinnigan2565]

Mr Factotum thank you for replying I will definitely try this

[@COIcultist]

@@jamesdinnigan2565 If the lamp isn't this adjustable type of lamp it will have a wire that lights it from an applied voltage. They were opened by means of a magnetic latch I believe. Try The Protector Lamp And Lighting Company that still make spare parts.

[@Brianhugetool.]

Why does mine only have one wire cage ???

[@MrFactotum]

eyup Brian i'm no expert on these, just what i found out whilst renovating my dads, but there are numerous models of safety lamps, or maybe yours is just missing Brian. thanks for feedback and watching. atb Kev

[@andrewfletcher3296]

Coleman lighter fuel is best to use no smell no smoke

[@MrFactotum]

cheers andrew i will try that . thanks

[@andrewfletcher3296]

Your welcome I use it on all 4 of my lamps

[@robertbelfitt2975]

Don't use paraffin...the fuel is a spirit based fuel..Coleman lead free camp stove fuel works well

[@MrFactotum]

Hi Robert thanks for feedback, yes someone told me that a while back, but thanks for making me aware, i am now using that, i was just eager to get it running in the video. cheers Kev

[@stephenwelch4518]

I wonder if a person could find a pin somewhere that locks the bottom latch, thats the only thing missing from my lamp?

[@MrFactotum]

hi sw yes .i realise the safety pin is missing, its on my list of various projects, etc, to make one, well spotted, thanks for watching and commenting regards mr f

[@COIcultist]

@@MrFactotum Was there a pin as such or a twisted wire and lead seal? You might try asking The Protector Lamp And Lighting Company for details, they still exist. I had one of the lamps but never worked underground.

[@MrFactotum]

@@COIcultist hi yes theres a safety pin missing, when ive time i'm going to make one, you can probably still get them for anyone unable to make one thanks for taking interest and watching regards mr f

[@davidbradley7277]

Cosoline if I remember

[@MrFactotum]

Thanks for the info Regards Mr f

[@Martyntd5]

It's spelled Colzalene if anyone wants to research it. It's basically naptha ...which is a variant of petrol. A close alternative would be Zippo lighter fuel or Coleman camping fuel. According to my research, some lamps ran on paraffin, but all the sparking/relighting lamps ran on this Colzalene. Thanks for the video. I inherited 2 of these lamps from my dad and niether have ever run. Thanks to your video I've managed to get one broken down and even to spark. I'm confident I can get them both working again now. But I dont think you have done your lamp any favours by putting diesel in it. If I were you I'd change the wick and give the tank a long soak in petrol to try and get that diesel out of it. You can still get parts for them from the orginginal manufacturer.