[huesmann]

The chandelier in our home has probably been here since it was built around 2002. The thing has a metal housing with a top cap in the center. The top cap hangs from the ceiling, and the metal housing below has the arms that all the bulbs come off of. There's a threaded hollow tube on the top piece and the bottom piece, that appeared to be fastened together with a long threaded hex coupling. The coupling appears to have had a port in the side so that the wires for the lamp could come down the middle and out the side. It's the dark grey thing in the pics. Appears to be made of pot metal and broke one day at the hole where the wires come through the side.

Anyone know what these things are officially known as, and where I can source a new one?

(Also, seriously f*ck this forum software for being such a pain in the ass to get photos oriented correctly. :vs_mad: )

 

[SPS-1]

I have not seen anything like that before, but all these lighting stems are generic. Not sure what the Covid situation is your way, but if you can find a lighting store (a real lighting store, not Home Depot) that is open, there is a very good chance they will have one.

 

[HandyAndyInNC]

There are many things that you can use to replace that coupler. I have used a plain old all-thread coupling. There are also some that you can find at places like VanDykes Vintage Hardware. As stated, that a very generic item. The one shown does not look like it is broken. Some are make to allow the wiring to come out of the side. So they are not a solid piece. But it just a female threaded nipple. Many types of these are readily available in many locations.

 

[Oso954]

It's called a hickey, also fixture hickey.
They come in various materials, stamped steel, cast iron, brass, etc.

 

[huesmann]

There are many things that you can use to replace that coupler. I have used a plain old all-thread coupling. There are also some that you can find at places like VanDykes Vintage Hardware. As stated, that a very generic item. The one shown does not look like it is broken. Some are make to allow the wiring to come out of the side. So they are not a solid piece. But it just a female threaded nipple. Many types of these are readily available in many locations.

How would I use an all-thread? The wires need to come down from the ceiling and up from the bottom of the fixture, through the centers, and exit in the middle of the hickey (thanks Oso!). This one is most definitely broken; you can see the rough surface where the bottom pulled off from the top.

 

[SPS-1]

https://www.grandbrass.com/category/hickeys/