| I know. We know. Do UNO? | | | | shades. |
| Lamp Shade Fitter Styles | | | | The CHIMNEY FITTER shade has a very large fitter |
| Over the last couple years I have noticed a | | | | hole in the center so that it can slip down over a |
| geometric increase in the number of requests that | | | | glass chimney commonly found on oil lamps. |
| we receive for a certain UNO type lamp shade. | | | | The UNO FITTER is the last type of lamp shade |
| The UNO lamp shade has been around for a long | | | | fitter although there are some other specialty fitters |
| time but due to the overwhelming influence of low | | | | which you are unlikely to encounter. The uno shade is |
| priced Chinese imports, this shade type is like a cold | | | | similar to the chimney fitter shade in that the center |
| virus and is unfortunately spreading very rapidly. | | | | hole is large enough to slip down over the electrical |
| First it is important to define a couple of terms. The | | | | socket or is threaded so it screws onto the rim of |
| SPIDER is the wire structure near the top rim of the | | | | the electrical socket. |
| shade frame which radiate outwards from the center. | | | | The uno shade has some serious issues to consider. |
| The FITTER is the very center section of the spider | | | | First, it can be an electrical hazard if disturbed |
| that fits onto the lamp or lamp hardware. There are | | | | because it rests directly on the electrical assembly. |
| different fitter types and each will be addressed in | | | | Second, when you need to replace the uno shade |
| detail below. | | | | you are forced to use another uno shade. |
| The HARP FITTER is the most secure method used | | | | Replacement uno shades are simply not available |
| to attach a shade onto a lamp. It is a metal wire and | | | | except at a very few full service lamp shops. Even |
| somewhat "U" shaped hardware piece that comes in | | | | then you are lucky to find even a single size available. |
| many different lengths to accommodate different | | | | Third, the uno shade is very unstable and when it |
| shade lengths. The harp fits into a SADDLE which is | | | | becomes unstable you are not only ready for a new |
| another smaller (3") metal hardware piece which is | | | | lamp shade but probably a lamp repair. |
| built onto the lamp immediately beneath the electrical | | | | A genuine antique lamp with a uno fitter shade is a |
| socket. When the harp is snapped into the saddle, it | | | | very special and separate consideration that can only |
| creates a very secure and long lasting mount for the | | | | be addressed on an individual basis. Do not change |
| lamp shade. Most harps have a swivel feature near | | | | anything on an antique lamp without first consulting |
| the top which allows the shade to be tilted at an | | | | an experienced antique lamp professional. |
| angle so you can aim the light for better reading and | | | | Summary: If you have a uno lamp shade we |
| work projects. | | | | recommend that you change it to a harp fitter lamp |
| The CLIP FITTER fitter method is a wire assembly | | | | shade (excluding antique lamps). Simply add a saddle |
| that simply clips onto the bulb. It is normally built onto | | | | ($ .50) underneath the socket then select your |
| and is an integral part of the lamp shade. The clip | | | | favorite replacement shade. You will need a harp ($ |
| adapter is also available as a separate component and | | | | 2) of the correct size which is usually (3") shorter |
| can be attached to any shade to convert any shade | | | | than your shade. A lamp and shade shop will fit the |
| to a clip on shade. This lamp shade fitter is | | | | shade and harp for you. You will have a much |
| recommended for smaller lamp shades only because | | | | sturdier and safer lamp and shade plus changing |
| it becomes very unstable when used with larger | | | | shades in the future will be easy. |