Making a Lamp

Standard lamp kits contain a harp, cord set, switched socket, finial and hardware. Additional lighting hardware items may be purchased separately. A lamp kit's contents will vary based on manufacturer. The following is a basic overview of assembly.

Once you've chosen your base, use the following information to assemble your lamp. Make sure the base you've chosen is sturdy and well-assembled.

Install and use this product according to your local electrical codes and regulations.

We made our lamp from a harp kit and four craft boxes.

1. Drill a hole through the center of the base to accommodate the lamp rod and cord. Use a 3/8" drill bit that is appropriate for the base material.
   
   
2. Measure and cut the lamp rod to the right length using a hacksaw. The top of the rod should extend approximately 1/2" above the top of the lamp base.
   
   
3. Slide the lamp rod through the hole in the lamp base, holding it in place at the bottom with a washer and nut. Countersink the washer and nut to make the base flat. If you cannot countersink the washer and nut, add feet to your lamp base.
   
   
4. Thread the lamp cord through the lamp rod from the bottom of the lamp base and through the top, leaving the plug end of the cord extending from the bottom of the base.
   
   
5. Screw the locknut onto the lamp rod. Pull the lamp cord through at least 3".
   
   
6. Screw the neck, with the largest end down, onto the lamp rod.
   
   
7. Slide the harp bottom onto the lamp rod.
   
   
8. Thread the socket cap onto the rod and tighten it.
   
   

9. Underwriter's knot.

   Pull the cord apart about 2". Use a sharp knife or wire stripper to remove about 1/2" of the insulation from each wire. Do not cut into the wire.
   
   
10. Tie an underwriter's knot in the end of the cord to prevent it from being pulled back through the lamp rod. Hold the lamp cord so it forms a Y. Following the shape of the Y, make a loop of each end of the wire, holding the end of one loop in front of the joined cord and the end of the other loop at the back of the joined cord. Slip each end through the loop formed by the opposing wire and tighten the knot. Pull on the plug end of the lamp cord at the base of the lamp so that the knot fits against the socket cap.
    
    
11. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to find the hot and neutral wire. (The neutral wire often has ribbing on it.) Connect the neutral wire to the silver screw on the socket. Connect the hot wire to the gold screw. Tighten the terminal screws, making sure all of the wires are under the screw head.
    
    
12. Place the socket shell with the paper insulated liner over the lamp socket. Pull the cord back into the lamp and snap the socket shell on the cap. Listen for clicks to be sure that the shell is locked in place.
    
    
13. Raise the sleeves on the harp and gently squeeze the harp while inserting it into the harp bottom. Lower the sleeves to secure the harp.
    
    
14. Add a shade to complete your new lamp.