Hi I need to remove this light socket from a crystal chandelier I’m restoring. I need to replace one of the arms and I can’t seem to figure out how to get this weird screw loose. Everything I’ve looked up so far tells me to unscrew it but there isn’t a traditional screw it’s this weird Allan wrench shape on one side and completely smooth and flat on the other side. I hope I make sense. I need to fix this quick so any info would be greatly appreciated. 
-
Hello, and welcome to Home Improvement. It looks like a rivet to me (i.e. not meant to be temporarily removed). And, you should probably take our tour so you'll know how best to participate here.– Daniel GriscomSep 24, 2019 at 0:19
Add a comment
|
3 Answers
That bracket is riveted on. You could drill it out, but you'll have no good way to reattach it to a new socket anyway. Often candelabra sockets come with pre-attached brackets like that (sometimes threaded for a pipe nipple, other times slotted for a screw - hard to say which that is). Best option would be to remove the whole thing together if possible and try to find a matching one at the hardware store (I know my local store has a good variety of such sockets with attached brackets from Servalite). You shouldn't need to drill out the rivet to remove the wiring.
That's a rivet, not a screw.
You'll have to drill the end off to get it out.
-
Gah! I knew it had a name lmao! Ok going. To try it now. Thank you! Sep 24, 2019 at 0:10
-
Find the other end of that wire and disconnect it there and pull it through. If you file off the rivet, You'll have to replace the socket....– JACKSep 24, 2019 at 0:13
That is a rivet, which was set in a rivet press at the factory which manufactured the socket.
The chandelier manufacturer bought these socket assemblies pre-made. So clearly there's a way to disassemble it without disturbing the rivet.
answered Sep 24, 2019 at 5:31
Harper - Reinstate MonicaHarper - Reinstate Monica
277k24 gold badges257 silver badges672 bronze badges