lamprewirewire
I'm trying to replace the socket in an old desk lamp, and I need to pull the wire through. However, the wire is secured tightly by a black plastic clip at the base. I'm wondering what this clip is called, and how to remove the wire without breaking the clip. I would like to be able to reuse the clip (or buy a new one if I know what it's called and can find it).
I think I found the mechanism: There's a small hole to insert a screwdriver or something, which kinda keeps the wire in place. One of the wires required a bit more force then the other, that's why I was confused, but this seems to do the trick:
First off you do not want to hang the light by the socket that you purchased. With the poke in holes for the wires this is NOT an acceptable mounting system for your lamp - heavy glass or not.
Next note that the wire used to hang lamps is a special type that has strengthing cord built into the cable.
The conventional hanging lamp fixture has a two piece socket assembly that has a top part that slides up on the cord. The cord is then knotted with a special electricians knot that puts equal tension in all the conductors and fibres in the cord. The ends of the wires then attach to the lower portion of the conventional socket via screw terminals. Finally the top and bottom parts of the socket firmly snap together to hide the knot inside. The hanging lamp assembly pulls against the knot to transfer the weight into the cord from the ceiling.
Best Answer
That is a Heyco bushing. You need to squeeze, preferably with a needle-nose pliers, in what I would call a top-to-bottom position considering the orientation of how it is installed.
If you squeeze just right it will come out no problem and will not damage the cord.
Here is a decent video explanation: http://youtu.be/G1IWQB3mQrw
Here is the manufacturer's guide: http://www.heyco.com/img/SR_Assembly_Guide.pdf
Rest assured, it CAN be done with a regular pliers if you're careful. I've done it a million times.
Also, keep in mind, to replace a socket you really should not have to remove that bushing if the cord is in good shape.