OldChristmasTreeLights.com

A reader recently replaced the wire on an eight-light C6 strand. Here are his notes:

Was able to rewire a set of 8 C6 lights

Removed the socket from the base, used existing wire to attach wire I obtained from a wire company( have info if you want it).

Used shrink type cover where wire was exposed. All worked well.

The original cloth/rubber cover was degraded, however the remaining 12 strand copper wire was fine.

Next time I do this I'll leave more of the original wire intact as it will make soldering the new wire much easier

Also used a dimmer switch I picked up from Home Depot..about $ 11.75

Only problem now is to find a glue that will bond with the Bakelight base.

Crazy glue and JB weld will not stick to the base.

Rick

I have had very good luck with Devcon-" Duco Cement". I have used it a few times on the bakelite sockets and it works very well, especially on the composition sockets which will break very easily if you aren't real careful when taking the socket shell out. It also works well for repairing the fraying that happens where the wires enter the socket. A word of caution, it sticks to fingers real good, too! Usually comes off with mineral spirits, or you can peel it off when it dries. Another couple of ideas to try, for cloth covered light strings that are beginning to stiffen, try spraying the string with silicone spray. Sometimes this will soften up the rubber insulation inside if it is not to far gone .May take a few applications. Haven't had any problems with discoloration. I let them hang in the garage for about a week to dry before returning to the light box to prevent staining. Which has never happened. To clean rubber and vinyl light strings, Saddle Soap. Makes them very pliable. Shines up the sockets. Use it to clean C-7 and C-9 inside painted lamps. Makes them shine like new. However it will not soften rubber that has gone brittle.

Gary-g, Thanks for the tips. The original poster also replied that he had found Gorilla Glue useful.