Lamp Hinge Won't Hold Position - Need Advice

https://preview.redd.it/bv46hcqmms0f1.jpg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=64789db155f559fdfd2eb5fa817459ff71fca88c I've been working on this lamp hinge for a while, but I just can't get it to stay consistent. It moves smoothly, but it won’t support the weight—it either constantly falls or, if I tighten the screws, holds temporarily but loosens again after a few movements. Sometimes it won’t hold at all, but strangely, if I move the hinge about 75% of the way up, it stays put. I’ve looked at countless lamps, and the mechanism always seems so simple—just a few washers and a screw—yet mine refuses to work the same way. Here’s what I’ve tried so far: Current setup: M4 screw with a spring washer and nylon washer, screwed into a melted screw insert. Plastic deformation theory: Thought it might be warping, but increasing the wall thickness didn’t help. Cone insert mechanism: Tried adding a cone insert inside the hinge for more attachment surface—I've seen this design work elsewhere—but it actually made things worse. Tight tolerances: Adjusted things so the inside and outside pieces line up perfectly, but that just made the problem worse. Spring washer issue: I’ve noticed that every time I unscrew something, the spring washers are almost always broken. I’m not sure if this is part of the issue, but it keeps happening. https://preview.redd.it/x71abkvnms0f1.jpg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=aead67b510c7b45c6dff8544e37cdc7f075db815 At this point, I’m wondering if thinner walls could help it act more like a clamp, but I’m really not sure. If anyone has ideas or experience with a similar issue, I’d love to hear your thoughts. submitted by /u/Boss150185 [link] [comments]

May 14, 2025 - 19:56

https://preview.redd.it/bv46hcqmms0f1.jpg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=64789db155f559fdfd2eb5fa817459ff71fca88c

I've been working on this lamp hinge for a while, but I just can't get it to stay consistent. It moves smoothly, but it won’t support the weight—it either constantly falls or, if I tighten the screws, holds temporarily but loosens again after a few movements.

Sometimes it won’t hold at all, but strangely, if I move the hinge about 75% of the way up, it stays put. I’ve looked at countless lamps, and the mechanism always seems so simple—just a few washers and a screw—yet mine refuses to work the same way.

Here’s what I’ve tried so far:

Current setup: M4 screw with a spring washer and nylon washer, screwed into a melted screw insert.
Plastic deformation theory: Thought it might be warping, but increasing the wall thickness didn’t help.
Cone insert mechanism: Tried adding a cone insert inside the hinge for more attachment surface—I've seen this design work elsewhere—but it actually made things worse.
Tight tolerances: Adjusted things so the inside and outside pieces line up perfectly, but that just made the problem worse.
Spring washer issue: I’ve noticed that every time I unscrew something, the spring washers are almost always broken. I’m not sure if this is part of the issue, but it keeps happening.

https://preview.redd.it/x71abkvnms0f1.jpg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=aead67b510c7b45c6dff8544e37cdc7f075db815

At this point, I’m wondering if thinner walls could help it act more like a clamp, but I’m really not sure. If anyone has ideas or experience with a similar issue, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

submitted by /u/Boss150185
[link] [comments]