The Only Lamp Rewire Video You'll Ever Need from the Secret Underground Laboratory Recovery&Salvage

In this video, I answer every question ever asked about rewiring a lamp, except for one.

[@Ruhejungehaut]

I'm scared to death of electrical, but I've been working on that fear by very slowly doing small projects around the house. Rewiring a mid century lamp is next on my list. I am absolutely far more confident after watching this video in contrast to the 30 second ones showing "how simple " it is.

[@BronZeage]

@@Ruhejungehaut Fortunately, once the lamp is unplugged, there's no electricity to worry about. Rewiring a lamp is not simple, but does not have to be more complicated. It's the minor details that I point out in the video which keeps the electricity where it belongs.

[@eelnoops5200]

Thank you for making this video! I learned A LOT... which is a little concerning given that I've rewired about a dozen lamps before seeing this.

[@BronZeage]

You are very welcome. Please check out my other lighting videos.

[@crazyorangefish01]

Step by step instructions. Great video, Sir. Thanks

[@BronZeage]

Thank you very much. I thought it was time for something like this.

[@kevinfrench5915]

Thanks, great video, I picked up a couple of tips from it. Grand Brass has sockets with dimmer switches built into them

[@BronZeage]

You're very welcome. GrandBrass.com is my main supplier.

[@kevinfrench5915]

@@BronZeage Mine also

[@rosecat5638]

This was well explained, thank you for detailed video. Off to rewire and old lamp from the trash!

[@BronZeage]

@@rosecat5638 You are very welcome and thank you as well.

[@leonardbriones-gg7hk]

Thank you for another fine video. I have rewired a few lamps and like to cover the bottom with felt to keep from scratching a table. I really enjoy watching your videos.

[@BronZeage]

Thank you, as well.

[@katehunter538]

Thank you - great video. I was wondering if there's a good trick for getting the wire up through a tall floor lamp.

[@BronZeage]

You are very welcome. A floor lamp is too long to push a cord all the way through. There's too much friction and the cord will simply get stuck about halfway through. The solution is to use a piece of stiff steel. This is usually called "fishing". I prefer mechanic's wire, sometimes called baling wire. Home Depot and Lowes sell it in the cement and concrete aisle. It holds it's shape and can be pushed. Push it through the pipe and make a hook on the end to pull the cord. If the old cord is still in the lamp, it can be used to pull the new cord.

[@gin6601]

That answered so many questions! Thank you!

[@BronZeage]

Thank you very much, as well. That was my goal.

[@ernestinearms315]

Thank You! I definitely needed to see this as I'm replacing two antique lamps I found that needs a new cord.. Question? I got a lamp that has one solid cord and it's smooth all the way around so, it still works but Now that I'm seeing your video 🙏🏾Should I buy a cord like the one you have ? And where do I get them from? Thank you!

[@BronZeage]

@@ernestinearms315 If the cord is smooth on both sides, it's at least 70 years old. There's no reason to keep it and plenty of reasons to replace it. Old insulation becomes brittle with age and tends to break off, exposing bare wire. A “cord set" has a molded plug and the end wires are tinned. It can be found practically anywhere where hardware is sold, Home Depot, Lowe's, True Value, etc.

[@thelampshadeworkroom]

Thankyou Bron!

[@BronZeage]

@@thelampshadeworkroom You are very welcome.

[@user-ck1qs8ql1j]

Really like your how to vids on lamp repair. Thank you! I repair lamps for a non profit and send them out to the recipients as a safe and functional unit. Can you please tell me why they still sell non polarized replacement plugs for the cord? Thanks so much, Cheers!

[@BronZeage]

Thank you as well. A lamp with a polarized plug and a properly wired socket will not shock the person who touches the socket shell. This isn't an issue for something like a fan or other appliance, so non polarized plugs still have an application.

[@chuckfisher2106]

Thank you for the information. In the past I think I've seen you put a knot in the cord where it exits the base of the lamp and I was wondering why you didn't do that this time.

[@byhammerandhand]

Yes, I wondered what your guideline is for knot in the base vs. knot in the socket.

[@BronZeage]

I prefer the knot in the socket base, but a knot in the base serves the same function. The main problem with the knot in the lamp base is you have to remember to tie the knot before you push the wire up the pipe.

[@petemusgrove606]

Help! The pipe is too long for the 2 piece lamp. It appears a spacer missing.

[@BronZeage]

@@petemusgrove606 The simplest solution is add a neck at the top, or a combination of necks. If the pipe is all thread, the pipe can be cut with a hacksaw. Be careful to not damage the threads.

[@gregschmitt502]

What kind of solder do you use?

[@BronZeage]

I use only rosin core solder for electrical work. The alloy is about 99%tin with a little copper and silver. For metal repair, I use 60/40 lead/tin solder.

[@janmcroberts5064]

point out unplug lamp before rewiring as you did not show plugging it in when you completed wiring. Looks like it did not matter you just turned on bulb . I am an old lady going to rewire and I know to unplug but do the younger generation of women. thank you

[@BronZeage]

Thank you very much. Any electrical device should be disconnected from the power source before any repair is attempted.