How To Assemble a Fixed Shade Cord Hardware Kit - 1/8 IPS

Brian Obernesser

 

 

Ready-Made Hardware Kits for Fixed Shade Assemblies

At Color Cord Company, we strive to make custom lighting accessible to all kinds of creators—whether you're a DIY beginner, a ceramicist, a glassblower launching a lighting line, or just looking for inspiration for your next project.

Our Colorado made shade-ready assemblies are UL-rated and designed to work with a common Euro or 1 5/8-inch shade opening, but we also offer solutions for other shade styles. If you want to review all of the possible shade opening options, check out our Shade Compatibility blog. While purchasing lights that we built for you is an easy way to enhance your space, we also sell hardware kits, shades, bulbs, and individual components so you can assemble a custom piece that’s uniquely yours.

For smaller shade openings, such as 7/16 or 1/2 inch, you’ll need to DIY build your fixture around the shade itself. This option for assembly on your own also helps if you already have some parts like a cloth-covered cord, canopy and socket. In that case, you may only need our fixed shade cord hardware kit to complete your installation.

Use the parts list below to order all the components needed for this assembly. We've provided two separate lists—one for a hardwired setup and another for a plug-in assembly—so you can choose the option that best fits your project. Be sure to check out our video tutorial to see what’s included and learn how to install your own fixed shade style pendant light with ease!

Table of Contents

  • Hardware Kit Contents
  • Additional Lamp Parts
  • Tools for Installation
  • Prepping the Cord
  • Threading the Shade
  • Prepping for the Socket
  • Installing the Socket

Fixed Shade Hardware Kit Contents

parts in the fixed shade cord hardware kit

Our helpful Fixed Shade Cord Hardware Kit includes a female metal cord grip / strain relief available in 6 gorgeous metal finishes that’s compatible with this assembly. This kit is designed to help secure a 1/8 IPS slip style shade to our cloth covered wire. We do also sell a tubing oriented assembly separately. 

While this tutorial strives to take you from installation start to finish, we recommend that you consult an electrician if you have any questions about your individual project needs. DIY projects like this take time and patience, and learning through trial and error is part of the process. You may need to adjust or replace parts along the way, but that's all part of the creative journey! We’re here to help with this how-to guide and our customer support, but in the end, the final assembly is in your capable hands. Have fun making something all your own!

Fixed Shade Cord Hardware Kit Includes:

(if need to purchase separately)

    PLEASE NOTE: If you choose the Raw Metal Finish, it is intended to oxidize and the material will rust. Most people use this finish to match industrial & up-cycled applications, or clean and sand it to paint in a custom color.

    Additional Lamp Parts for Your Fixture

    Our hardware installation kit for this pendant light only includes the nuts and bolts – literally. To complete this job, you'll also need these DIY Lamp parts to assemble your fixed shade: 

    OR

    • Power Cord Whip for plug-in
    • 1/8 IPS Shade or provide your own
    • Socket of Your Choice
    • Socket Cover (optional)
    • Color Cord 3000 (optional)

    Tools for Installation

    pendant light tools for installation

     

    Tools you'll need to complete this project:

    • Wire Stripping Tools
    • Phillips Head Screwdriver
    • Flat Head Screwdriver
    • Needle Nose Pliers
    • Masking Tape

    Installation Instructions

    Watch our video and read the instructions below to learn exactly what you need to do to put all the pieces of this pendant light together. We’ve also included still images of each step to ensure you can see exactly what each step looks like.

    Prepping the Cord

    1. Strip your cord for several inches.
    2. Gather your 1/8 IPS shade and 1/8 IPS small parts.
    3. Feed the female barrel cord grip onto the unstripped cord that is staying OUTSIDE of your shade.
    4. Follow the female barrel cord grip by one knurled nut, the metal washer, and one silicone washer.

    Cord Feed Order

    • Female Barrel Cord Grip
    • Knurled Nut
    • Metal Washer
    • Silicone Washer 


    All four of these 1/8 IPS lamp parts will be assembled on the OUTSIDE TOP of the cord that is feeding into your glass shade. 

    pill shaped glass shade

    holding a glass shade

    pointing at cord

    threading a lighting cord

    demonstrating threading

    assembling the washer

    finishing threading with washer

    showing assembly distance along the cord

    Threading the Shade

    1. Feed the exposed end of your cloth covered wire or power whip through the top of your shade.
    2. Then, slide on another silicone washer and knurled nut on the INSIDE TOP of the shade.
      threading a cord into a glass shade

      holding up a washer and nut

      threading on a washer and nut

      finishing the presocket installation

       

      Prepping for the Socket

      1. Thread the 1" All Thread Nipple into the top of the socket cap.
      2. Slide your socket cover over the nipple and socket.
      3. Thread the knurled nut onto the all thread nipple as tightly as possible to prevent the socket from spinning when twisting in a light bulb.
      4. Then, feed the silicone washer onto the nipple, flush against the knurled nut.
      5. Now, feed the cord back through the top opening of the 1/8 IPS shade so the all thread goes through the top of the shade and the silicone washer is flush against the INSIDE TOP of the shade.
      socket assembly parts

      prepping for the socket

      threading socket parts

      assembling nuts and washers

      completing fixture assembly

      closeup of socket assembly

      fitting socket pieces together

      securing socket pieces in place

      Installing the Socket

      1. Slide the top silicone washer down over the all thread.
      2. Follow it with the metal washer.
      3. Then, thread on the other knurled nut and your female metal barrel cord grip onto the all thread nipple.
      4. Tighten down the set screw on the cord grip.
      5. Admire your work
      threading the socket and cover securing socket cover and socket threading socket back into light shade securing exterior light fixture parts screwing in light socket cord and parts pointing at pendant light socket and cord


      Hang it up & Enjoy!

      completed pendant light installation pendant light handing over a reading nook clear glass pendant light shade over a bench

        As you're working, compare each part of the process to our still photos for best results. We promise, it really is that easy!

        If you have any concerns before you begin this project, our team is always happy to help. Explore our other tutorials, or reach out to us online with any questions about the parts, tools, and accessories you’ll need for your work.

        Be sure to tag us in your photos of your assembled 1/8 IPS Fixed Shade Cord Hardware Kit!

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