Electricity Question

[oldtoyota]

My house is rather old. We have overhead lightbulbs with a metal pull string that is supposed to turn them on/off.

Over time, both have broken so that the light is always on. For one, the metal string pulled off completely. For the other, the metal string is still there but nothing happens when you pull it.

Do you know how I could fix this?

[velocistar237]

I don't have experience with this, but I'm guessing you'll have to do one of three things.

1) Replace the chain
2) Replace the switch
3) Replace the fixture

You can cut the power, remove the fixture, and take it to a local hardware store to get specific advice.

[GuitarStv]

You can get those pull lights for pretty cheap at home depot, 4-5$ the last time I checked.  Replacing the light fixture is typically pretty fool proof . . . match the black wire to the black wire, and the white wire to the white wire.  Screw the ground into the box.

[lukebuz]

Ground wire?  Old House?  HAHAHHA!

[Spork]

You can get those pull lights for pretty cheap at home depot, 4-5$ the last time I checked.  Replacing the light fixture is typically pretty fool proof . . . match the black wire to the black wire, and the white wire to the white wire.  Screw the ground into the box.

With those, it's probably black wire-> brass screw, white wire-> silver screw.

[Mr.Macinstache]

Just remember to cut the fuse to that light before you go up there with a screwdriver in hand.

[Matte]

Step one, get replacement from hardware store five bucks tops
Step two, isolate the light, pull the fuse or flip the breaker so the light is off
Step three, unscrew old fixture and replace with new one
Step four turn the power back on

Enjoy!

[oldtoyota]

Thanks, all!