How to remove glass lightshades for cleaning?

[Elle44]

Has anyone seen light shades like this before?  Do you have any idea about how to remove them (they’re glass) for washing?  I’ve had a general inspection but can’t see any moveable bits. Any help appreciated!

[Jason]

Hi @Elle44,

Do the three prongs near the top of the lightshade contain springs? I would expect them to be able to be depressed so you can slide the glass cover off. 

Jason

[Elle44]

Hi Jason. I thought so too.  I did try to move them but they wouldn’t budge.  I’ll give it another go though and let you know.  Cheers, Elle

[Elle44]

Hi Jason.  No just tried and they don’t move at all.  Elle

[EricL]

Hi @Elle44 

Jason's suggestion was actually very close, the pins I suspect are screws that need to be turned anticlockwise in order to remove them. Carefully place your fingers over the front of the pin head and grab tightly and turn it anticlockwise.  If it has been put in too tightly, I propose wrapping the pin head in rubber band and using some pliers to turn it. Please be very careful when using a tool, you don't want to damage the finish on the heads. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Elle44]

Dear Eric, I've only just tried your suggestion and you are quite right, they are screws and turn anticlockwise. I also used your suggestion of the rubber band as I think they have not been disconnected since installation.   So many thanks for your advice.  Once I had that working it only took a couple of minutes to remove them. On the other hand it took about an hour to get them back on!  Is there a trick for doing that? The two glass parts are separate and then the three screw-in prongs and holding all five pieces together up a ladder is pretty difficult! I have a lot of them to do so if there's a better way for putting them back up I will be very grateful.  Cheers Elle

[JacobZ]

Hi @Elle44,

An extra set of hands is probably your best solution to make things a bit easier, although this would likely require a second-step ladder so they can also reach.

If you didn't have a spare ladder and someone to help, then maybe something like this Craftright 150mm Metal Spring Clamp could help to hold the glass in place while you screw things back together. As long as the bottom of the inner shade is no more than 50mm above the bottom of the glass, then this should work.

I imagine once you have one of the screws in, it would be much easier to line up the second and third.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[Elle44]

Thanks JacobZ. I’ll give it a go. Hopefully I started with the most difficult set.  I can’t understand why anyone would design something that is so difficult to clean!  All the best Elle