It's very simple to replace a lamp cord. Simply disconnect the old cord and snip it off, using wire cutters, a few inches below the bottom of the lamp. Tape the new cord to it with electrical tape and then draw the new cord up through the lamp stem by pulling the old cord out from the top. Remove the tape from the cords and discard the old cord.

When an appliance cord is defective, it should always be replaced; never attemp to repair it. If you can disassemble the appliance to see how the cord is connected, you may be able to handle this job yourself (be sure to unplug the appliance first). Otherwise, call an appliance repairperson.

Most cords are secured to the appliance with a strain-relief device, loops, or a clamp that must be removed. For screw- type, solderless connections, unscrew the terminal screws that hold the cord and screw a new cord in its place.

Cord wires that are twisted together and secured with wire nuts are easy to undo—just remove the wire nuts, untwist the wires, and reverse the process with a new cord (strip 1/2 inch of insulation from the wire ends).

If the cord’s ends are soldered to terminals and you know soldering techniques, you can remove the old cord and solder a replacement to the terminals. Otherwise, leave this work to an appliance repairperson.

When you replace a cord, be sure to use an identical replacement; take the defective cord with you to the hardware store or electrical supply company to find a match.