Ron Tanner form Houselove.org shows how to re-wire an old floor lamp in easy-to-follow steps. Includes information on newer lamps. Also includes instructions on wiring a plug to a lamp cord.

Comments

1. I'd like to state that it ABSOLUTELY DOES matter which wire goes where. If it's wrong you could get shocked by removing a lightbulb and accidentally touching the metal part....
   To avoid frying yourself or your kids follow the above tutorial but BEFORE YOU PUT THE PLUG END ON, use a continuity tester or multimeter to see which wire is connected to the metal socket that the bulb gets screwed into. the one that beeps goes under the silver screw.... not the brass.
   
   If you don't know how to use a continuity tester or multimeter to figure out whhich wire goes where ask an electrician.
2. I have one where the switch is a 3 way for 3 bulbs, but this switch is located on the pole. You grab it & twist it to turn on 1, 2, or all 3 lights. When I start dismantling this floor lamp, is this rotating switch, located roughly 2/3 up the pole, going to be an issue? It works, I just have burned sockets & no doubt loose wires.
3. Thanks Ron! I have a single 3-way bulb, but it flickers on and off (mostly off) when moved slightly. I assume that this is because there is a bad connection somewhere. Why replace the wire? Couldn't I just take everything apart, make sure the connections are good, then put it back together? Maybe clip a few inches off the old cord to get fresh wire on either or both ends (plug and bulb-socket) and lose a few inches in the process, but that would be ok? Or is there some reason that new wire is better?
   
   I very much liked your video -- information and presentation was quite good. Thanks again!
4. You can learn more about it on woodprix webpage.
5. You've saved me $90 that an electrician wanted to charge me to rewire a solid brass floor lamp. Thanks!
6. David G. I have an update. Our lamps i figured it out, the cover comes apart easily. it is just pressed on. once u loosen the top bulb socket by unscrewing it thus gaining at least 2-3 inches then remove the small screw at the top of the cover over the switch. then twist the cover back and forth to loosen it, then attempt to cock it to one side a bit, once you achieve that take a small screw driver and insert it into the small opening that u should see and gently pry the lid off and reveal the switch. Hope this helps!
7. Ron, the lamps we are, or at least I am working on, looks identical to the one in this video by : Johnsons DLJ ... will this help you to help us? I most certainly hope so . Thank you Ron! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9w9K7bUC6w
8. Can install a led lamp instead?
9. Hi Ron.......I have one of the old Corning 3 way floor lamp that has the additional 3 arm candle lights on the side. Can you give me advice on how to disconnect the part cover that holds it all together so I can get access to the candle arms so that I can rewire them? It turns slightly to what seems to unlock the hold, but they just don't come apart. I also need to replace one of the two switches that need to be replaced. I wish I had the ability to upload a picture to show you my exact problem I am having. Can you please help?
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11. Ron, thanks for making and sharing this video. I curious to know if I should use electrical tape for the plug just like you did on the socket.
12. i like your wall
13. Underwriter's knots should be used to provide strain relief on the chord, Ron. One at the socket, one at the plug. Important if you want to prevent fires/injury.  Also the "polarity" of the plug/chord/socket is important.  You have neutral (white screw) and hot (Brass screw).  The chord is identified by either a stripe or other texture on one conductor's insulation. The one that is smooth/unmarked is the "hot" conductor and goes to the inner socket terminal and the larger of the two plug terminals.  The ribbed/marked conductor is the neutral and goes between the large spade on the plug and the threaded part of the socket.    Here's how to make an underwriter's knot.  Be safe, don't be sorry. http://www.animatedknots.com/underwriters/
14. Ron, what can you tell me about repairing/replacing the lamp-stand switch on a Stiffel floor lamp (which has mogul three way socket) but where you pull down on the shaft to turn lamp on and off without having to turn the three-way switch near the bulb? This second lamp-stand switch is hidden. It does not appear when you take the cardboard off the bottom of the base.
15. I just bought a lovely old mogul floor lamp and will likely need to rewire it, so this was extremely helpful - thanks!  I'll err on the side of caution, however, and connect black cord to brass screw.  I did it this way when I rewired my mom's old table lamp.
16. What I needed to know is how to get the wire up from the bottom of an old floor lamp that doesn't come apart.  It was my grandparents lamp, cheapo, but I hate to chuck it. 
17. Ron great video. Does the  adapter work on 3 way switch?
18. FYI - I used an online video to change a light socket and I can assure you, IT MATTERS WHICH WIRE YOU ATTACH TO WHICH SCREW! The wire, when separated, one is perfectly smooth (ground) one is ridged (power). Make sure you attached the ridged wire to the bronze screw and the smooth wire to the white screw. Otherwise you will get fireworks.
19. Ron, I emailed you to the address you gave below. Did you get the pix? Would appreciate some feedback when you have a chance. Thank you.
    Steve