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The plastic attachment device to affix the lamp often breaks when tightened. If you don't tighten it enough the lamp is unsteady. This has happened several times over the years with Alvin swing lamps and is the result of supplying and using a supposedly hardened plastic attachment rather than one made of steel. Be prepared to drill a hole or otherwise jerry-rig some other method to mount this lamp. It is a great lamp when it works but getting it mounted is sometimes a problem and is the result of the cheapening and plasticization of many products.
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The Alvin lamp; and other brands, but especially Alvin have been around about as long as I can remember, and I am going on 66. I used these lamps for all of my 40 year work carrier as first, a drafter (yea, I actually drew with a pencil) and then into graphics and CAD, but this lamp was always around.
Because of this 40 years (and now more) I can give you a few hints about its use and misuse.
First, do not yank the lamp around like its a garden hose; parts will break.
Second, mount the lamp where you have proper clearance in the directions you plan on moving the swing arm.
Third, move the lamp to the position or general area you will most likely use it the most and then do your
adjusting.
Fourth, (and this is a little secret) you can use the cord as leverage at the lamp head by pulling some of the
cord back through the swing arm assembly and in doing so this will help hold up the lamp head and not put all
the strain on the tightening screw (which is plastic). This (besides the main plastic clamp) is one of your two main stress areas.
Fifth, loosen the middle screw more than the others and the swing arm will flex much better and you will let the
springs do there jobs.
And lastly, Yeh, the friggin clamp is made of plastic; if you can't live with it, drill a hole in the desk and
shove in the post.
I do have at least 4 or 5 of the old metal clamps laying around this place and I guess it would be a good time to go find one.
Best Deals for Alvin G2540-B Swing Arm Lamp, Black
I bought this lamp for a dorm room, where my desk is under my bed. It fits my needs perfectly. It clamps on (the clamp can be mounted on a sideways plane) the support brace for my bed, and is highly articulate. It's also very steady, if you tighten down the screws, and doesn't droop too much if tightened. My one problem with this lamp is that it has the tendency to droop slightly if not tightened, and the clamp may wear out (but is probably replaceable.) If you're looking for a cheap swing arm lamp that still looks professional, look no further!
Honest reviews on Alvin G2540-B Swing Arm Lamp, Black
I bought this 4 months ago, and the metal that holds the socket on the lamp broke, so the bulb and socket started falling out of the lamp. I thought about hot-glueing it, but then the switch fell out of the socket. Into the trash it went.
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I have owned two of these lamps now. I bought the first one and was initially impressed by the flexibility of the lamp it swivels and it turns quite well and, as such, it appeared to be a perfect desk lamp for those that occasionally require more light than at other times. You can flick it on and pull it into place (say, for spotlighting a book you're reading) and then you can push it back out of the way easily again. So, due to this initial experience, I decided to buy a second one (as a reading lamp for the bedroom).
However, now both of these lamps are broken. The reason is simple: the plastic fixtures which connect the lamp to the desk are just too brittle. I made the minor mistake of turning the lamp in a direction that it is supposed to be able to turn in and, suddenly: POP the fixture snapped in two!
Lamp Number 1, RIP
And today, Lamp Number 2 went the same way of the Dodo I was trying to turn the lamp around, so I could illuminate a document and POP the same cheap plastic fixture gave way with almost no pressure having been applied to it whatsoever.
Lamp Number 2, RIP
Thus, I'm in the market for a new desk lamp and, despite everything else about this lamp being really rather good, I fear I simply cannot purchase another one of these lamps, due to the inevitable POP (and mourning period) that will follow shortly thereafter.
I would not recommend purchasing this lamp UNLESS you do not wish to swing the swing arm. Ever. (Seriously do not touch the swing arm: then everything should be fine).
Otherwise, avoid or, prepare for a POP.
