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Oooh, I love that lamp!

They should mention before page 3 that you shouldn't yank all the wires out. Even though the step-by-step instructions don't tell you when to pull the wire out until it's time to thread the new cord through the lamp base, some people hurry. It's not one of the greatest tragedies of the world, but it can be discouraging. I had another website bookmarked that I thought had clearer illustrations, but someone changed it to something that looks very confusing, and I already know how to wire a lamp. I've only done it a few times, and still consult a reference in case I'm remembering wrong. It's easy and fun, but I feel safer when I double-check my steps.

Thanks for this! I just had an old lamp go on the fritz.

I love these practical posts. Thanks, Laure.

I've been so proud of myself- I just rewired my matched pair of Chinoiserie/Hollywood Regency lamps. I was intimidated at first because they're huge and hard to work with (several feet tall, and fragile old ceramic), and they have TWO sockets instead of one.

I shouldn't have worried so much. I was never able to find instruction online for a lamp with two bulbs, so I simply took apart one of the lamps and took pictures of the current wiring (a little tricky since it was perhaps 50 years old and very rusty). A trip to Home Depot got me all the supplies I would need- a wire crimping/stripping tool, two colors of 14 gauge wire, four sockets, two cords with switches, and a little advice.

It took a little patience, but I actually found doing it completely by myself easier than using one of the kits- I was able to measure everything exactly and customize it to the odd shape and size of my lamps.

So, go for it, AT readers- this is a very rewarding project, and PRACTICAL, since old wiring can be a hazard!

A couple other tips I learned from the person who taught me how to rewire:

If you can find an extension cord in the color you want, you can cut off the "outlet" end and save yourself from having to wire the plug end. Be sure it will accommodate the length of wire you need. A taller lamp, like a floor lamp, will take a large portion of that length. Of course, you can shorten it to a perfect length, keeping in mind the height of the lamp and a good few inches for the wiring and the knot. I read somewhere (I want to say it was Jeffrey Bilhuber) that you should (meaning some people do) rewire lamps every time you rearrange so there's no more wire than is required to reach the nearest outlet. A little excessive, but if that's what you want to do...

You can carefully use a pet nail clipper to strip the wires. I find it takes off some of the wires inside the insulation no matter how carefully I do it. I don't know if it's cheaper than a wire stripper at the hardware store, but I already had one. I don't know what the electrical code (safety) is for losing one or two copper wires, or if it decreases any of its efficiency, but the lamp will work. If someone with experience in this area could speak to this, I would appreciate it.

KTG I can't comment on code but a wire stripper/crimper is like $7 so if you have the budget I would pick one up simply because they are soooo much easier to use than clippers or knives or other makeshift solutions.

The suggestion about rewiring sounds a little kooky, but once you realise how easy it is, you have to admit its a nice touch.

That should be "rewiring everytime you rearrange"

Losing part of the copper out of a wire is indeed reducing it's rating. Standard lamp cord is usually 14 gauge. Depending on the type of insulation, the wire can carry up to 15 amps* in free air**. This translates to 1500 watts. I defy you to find a light bulb that is going to pull more than 15 amps. You'd melt/catch fire your lamp shade before that. So while losing a strand or two when stripping your ends isn't ideal, it isn't the end of the world.

Much much much much more important is making sure all your connections are absolutely tight. Loose connections spark and that creates heat, which can cause fire. Also, if your connections slip and short out to the lamp body, lamp cord doesn't have a ground wire, so the potential to shock yourself is there.

The above information is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and research. If you use the above information and hurt or kill yourself or others, it's totally not my fault.

*I use what is referred to as paper amps. The actual ampacity is higher, but I work in theater electrics, and we use paper amps both for ease/speed of math and to build in a safety factor. I do not know if "real" electricians use paper amps, but it's standard in my industry.

**Not under a rug or in conduit. Means just what it sounds like.