how do i replace a pullstring on a closet light fixture?

Question

The fixture is in place, in the closet ceiling, however the pullstring is missing.

Answer 1

those fixtures are cheap enough, that it is much easier and faster to replace it. Make sure the power is off before you begin, remove the old fixture, install the new one its only 3 wires. Black to black white to white and green or bare to ground. Should take you 15 minutes or less.

Answer 2

This answer may be too late and you may have already done something but I'll go ahead anyway. The original pull-string was made up of two parts; a short piece of metal chain (like a key chain) with a length of string attached. What probably happened was the string broke and the spring action of the switch inside the light fixture just snapped the chain up into the fixture. To fix it you must first make sure there is NO power to the fixture. If the light was on when the chain disappeared just leave it on while you find the right circuit-breaker in your main fuse box that will turn the light off. if you can do that it should be safe to unscrew the fixture from the wall or ceiling. Even then you must be careful if there are more wires than the ones going to the lite. Find the chain and feed it back thru the original hole and tie a new string to it. This whole process is pretty easy but you must be very careful around electricity. I wouldn't do it if you can't find the right circuit breaker. Find a "handy-man" to help.

Answer 3

I am assuming that you have a ceramic fixture that a bulb screws into with a pull chain or string. First off check and see if this fixture is still allowable under your local building codes. Some places banned them for use in such places where it may be a fire and electrical hazard if the bulb gets broken. Your local hardware store should know. either way you will need to follow this procedure to change out the fixture to another ceramic one with the pull switch or another type with a pull switch. First make sure the power is off to the fixture. if you can not tell because you can't turn it on then turn off the main breaker to the home. Remove the 2 screws holding the fixture to the box so that the fixture is hanging by the wires. There should be only 2 wires connected to the fixture but if there are more take one side off first and connect them to the new fixture, then repeat the same on the other wires. Turn the breaker back on and test the light. Be sure and careful while testing not to come in contact with the wires or allow them to contact the mounting box. If light works, turn off breaker again and push all the wires into the box and replace the mounting screws. Done. If it doesn't work then there may be something wrong with the circuit and you will need an electrician to figure it out from there but you should be fine. Be careful and good luck.

Answer 4

has it got a chain coming out the side of it if not you need to replace the whole thing.

Answer 5

You'll need to unscrew it and take it down to thread another one through.