Have a lamp that doesn't work? Before you throw it away, consider fixing it.
Bob Sowders, who repairs lamps, says if a lamp won't turn on, try a new bulb. Table lamps will have a longer life if the bulb used is the correct wattage. Lamps often say not to use bulbs with more than 60 watts to reduce the amount of heat a higher wattage bulb produces. Less heat makes for safer operation, he says. Some of the newer florescent bulbs also are made to work in table lamps and are cool burning.
If you replace the bulb and the lamp still won't work, turn the lamp off, unplug it and test it on another wall socket. If the lamp still won't work, it is likely the lamp socket needs repair.
Sowders says before attempting any repair work, don't forget to unplug the lamp.
After removing the shade, you'll see the socket into which the bulb is placed. The socket may have a brass cover, and sometimes the cover has a place where the word "press" is written. Press on that area of the brass cover, sometimes called the shell, with your thumb and remove it, exposing the socket.
