- Mar 29, 2012
- 160
Preface: Yes, I know what I'm asking isn't recommended by anyone, anywhere. I indemnify and hold harmless anyone who makes suggestions regarding this light. That said...
My light fixture leaked a few years ago and my base corroded a little bit, most notably the tab that touches the center contact on the bulb. After awhile it apparently suffered stress cracks at the bend point and lost its spring tension. I tried to use a dental pick to pull it out a hair and it snapped off, leaving only the rivet. If this were a traditional light fixture, I'd be out $1.29 for a socket. Unfortunately, it's embedded in epoxy and can't be replaced.
So here we are, a dead light for want of a 1/4 in piece of brass. And I seriously do not like the idea of spending $200 to replace a $1.29 part. So, I'm on a quest for a hack.
My current thoughts are to get a 3/8in brass rod and cut a 1/16" thick disc. Then glue that into the center of a rubber disc with a 3/8" hole. This would be placed in the bottom of the socket, causing it to be pinched between the bulb center contact and the rivet.
Thoughts? Concerns? Alternatives?
My light fixture leaked a few years ago and my base corroded a little bit, most notably the tab that touches the center contact on the bulb. After awhile it apparently suffered stress cracks at the bend point and lost its spring tension. I tried to use a dental pick to pull it out a hair and it snapped off, leaving only the rivet. If this were a traditional light fixture, I'd be out $1.29 for a socket. Unfortunately, it's embedded in epoxy and can't be replaced.
So here we are, a dead light for want of a 1/4 in piece of brass. And I seriously do not like the idea of spending $200 to replace a $1.29 part. So, I'm on a quest for a hack.
My current thoughts are to get a 3/8in brass rod and cut a 1/16" thick disc. Then glue that into the center of a rubber disc with a 3/8" hole. This would be placed in the bottom of the socket, causing it to be pinched between the bulb center contact and the rivet.
Thoughts? Concerns? Alternatives?