Repair a Light Fixture

Updated: Dec. 08, 2022

One minute fix for a light socket

wire nutsFamily Handyman
One solution for a flickering light bulb is to bend the tab in the socket slightly upward to assure a better electrical contact. The fix takes only a minute.

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Simple fix for a flickering light

Bend the tab

With the power off, bend the tab in the bottom of the socket slightly upward with a screwdriver.

Do you have bulbs that burn out quickly, lights that flicker, or a light fixture that simply doesn’t work even though there’s power to it? Try this 60-second fix before you call an electrician or learn how to change a light fixture.

Turn off the power to the fixture and use a non-contact voltage tester to make sure the power is off. Then reach into the bulb socket with a flat-blade screwdriver and gently pry up on the tab that’s centered at the bottom to restore good contact with the bulb.

Required Tools for this Repair a Light Fixture Project

Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.

  • Flat-head screwdriver
  • Non-contact voltage tester