Looking for better quality light socket

[Brian Tymchak]

I had to replace the light socket on my floor lamp about 9 months ago. Just stopped switching on. Apparently something wore out inside the molded case. Put in a replacement from the borg and it has now worn out in the same manner, I assume since I have not opened the case up to inspect.

I want to avoid making this a yearly-ish task. Can someone recommend a good quality brand replacement socket with manual switch?

Thanks!

491688

[Paul F Franklin]

First, unplug the lamp and make sure the center contact in the socket is not pressed too far down. Take a little hook and pull up on the contact to bend it up a little to ensure it is making good contact.

If it really is the switch itself that has failed, you could try replacing it with a porcelain socket; they tend to hold up better. Here's one: https://antiquelampsupply.com/collections/porcelain-lamp-sockets/products/standard-size-porcelain-turn-knob-sockets

[Bruce Wrenn]

If your lamp ISN'T a three way, replace the socket with a slide switch, rather than a rotary. We have a lamp that looks like yours that I did years ago. No prolems since.

[Tom M King]

I've replaced several lately, and the replacements look sorrier than the ones they replaced. If anyone knows of a good quality one, please post a link.

[John K Jordan]

What is it, the socket or the switch? Testing with an ohm meter/continuity tester is quick.

But face it, light hardware is usually cheap junk - I haven’t been able to find better quality. If the switch, I’ve been using these, I put two on an end table to switch on lights on either side of the couch. Easier than using the lamp switch and keeps it from wearing out. I also use them at the computer to turn on monitors and elsewhere.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B088ZWQP7N

If it’s the socket, test as mentioned and check the contacts. I usually don’t have trouble with floor and table lamp sockets but occasionally in enclosed fixtures they can get hot - sometimes the contacts can corrode a little, especially in areas with high humidity. I smear a bit of dielectric grease on both the center contact and the threaded part - inhibits corrosion and as a bonus can prevent the bulb from sticking.

JKJ


I had to replace the light socket on my floor lamp about 9 months ago. Just stopped switching on. Apparently something wore out inside the molded case. Put in a replacement from the borg and it has now worn out in the same manner, I assume since I have not opened the case up to inspect.

I want to avoid making this a yearly-ish task. Can someone recommend a good quality brand replacement socket with manual switch?

Thanks!

[Mark Beiting]

I was replacing 3-way lamp sockets (and bulbs) on an almost annual frequency until switching to LED bulbs 5 years ago, haven't touched one since. I think the lower current is easier on the contacts. Also the dielectric grease John mentioned is good practice.

[Maurice Mcmurry]

There are several interesting choices on eBay. I see N.O.S., made in the USA. And some solid brass, better quality, imports.

[Dave Fritz]

Thank you John for the remote switch tip. My shoulder is shot and I have a terrible time turning off the light on the bed stand. This will help immensely.

[roger wiegand]

I think your best shot is to find junk lamps from before ~1960 and steal the hardware from them. Even very expensive, high end, fixtures these days come with complete junk for sockets. Or look for a really old hardware store and see what they have squirreled away in the basement.

[Brian Tymchak]

Thanks to everyone who responded. I decided this morning to try the easiest next step which is Paul's suggestion about pulling the center contact up a bit and, wouldn't you know, the socket is working. So big thanks to Paul for getting me back to a working lamp. I will still try to find better quality sockets so I appreciate those suggestions for alternatives. Will definitely pick up one of touch on cords that John suggested, actually probably several for other lamps in the house.

Thanks again everyone!

[Curt Harms]

I was replacing 3-way lamp sockets (and bulbs) on an almost annual frequency until switching to LED bulbs 5 years ago, haven't touched one since. I think the lower current is easier on the contacts. Also the dielectric grease John mentioned is good practice.

I find 3 way sockets a pain, there are 3 contact points that must all contact the bulb at the same time. I've replaced 3 way sockets with dimmers and dimmable 'single speed' LED lamps. No problems since.

[Myk Rian]

When I restored my WW machines, I went to grandbrass.com. High quality lamp fixtures.

[Brian Tymchak]

When I restored my WW machines, I went to grandbrass.com. High quality lamp fixtures.

Thanks for that link and recommendation Myk. Did a quick look-around there and it looks promising.

[Myk Rian]

I was looking for replacement sockets for my delta retirement lamps. I'm very satisfied with the quality.

[Tom M King]

My thanks for that too, Myk!