Stuck "skirt" on pendant light fitting

Manxman_in_exile

Been doing various bits of DIY and decorating during lockdown and getting round to those jobs you never have time for.

We've got a couple of box rooms we use for storage.  They both have what I understand is a pendant ceiling light but no lamp shades.  I was going to remedy this but was stymied by finding that after removing the bulbs (basic bayonet fitting) I couldn't unscrew the skirts on either fitting to attach the shades because both skirts are jammed solid.

I can't see I can free the skirt without breaking the fitting itself.  Can I simply buy a new skirt etc., cut the flex and then rewire the new flex etc, or what?  Should I be able to cope with it myself or do I need an electrician?

Thanks for any advice.

lesalanos

https://www.screwfix.com/p/6-pendant-bc-white/8974j

Pendants are cheap and relatively easy to change.  

Just make sure you turn the circuit off and then remember which wires go to which terminal 

EssexExile

Or just a bulb holder & save 10p.
https://www.screwfix.com/p/british-general-cordgrip-lamp-holder-bc/48002

Jonesya

Before going to the effort of changing the fitting, have you tried a bit of WD40 or some oil on the skirt threads to loosen them?

daveyjp

Using liquid around live cables isn't recommended!

You may get better purchase on the existing fitting wearing rubber kitchen gloves.

Replacing a ceiling rose and pendant is straightforwards.  Did it myself yesterday. 

Manxman_in_exile

Thanks.  I'll try rubber gloves and if that fails I'll go with EssexExile and just buy a new cordgrip/bulb holder.

(If I try WD40 I'll wear extra thick heavy duty rubber gloves and wellington boots just in case...)

chrisw

WD40 is completely non-conductive which is why you can use it on 30,000 volt car ignition systems.

BillTrac

Long term heat will have jammed the skirts on. Best solution is as said, either replace the whole fitting including cable and lamp holder or failing that, just the cable and lamp holder. You may be lucky enough (If you can get the same make of fitting) to just be able to replace the cover, cable and lamp holder leaving the base and cabling intact.

sew_what

You can buy just the skirt for a couple of quid - you could remove the old skirt with a pair of pliers; they get brittle and crumble away.

DCFC79

I bet it will easily come loose if you use as suggested some rubber gloves.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

and when you refit don't screw it up too tight, somebody might want to change the lampshade in twenty years time.