Lamps
Wednesday, May 25th, 2011
Choosing the correct wick size for your kerosene lamp
Choosing the correct wick size for your kerosene burner can be approached a few different ways. They all end in getting your kerosone lamp back to burning again.
If you have a remnant of the old wick from your burner you may simply measure it's width and you are halfway home. The other dimension that you must consider, length, can be summed up pretty quickly; a little too much is a lot better than not enough. If your wick cannot reach the fuel in your oil font, it will dry out and extinguish itself. Most wicks are pre-cut to 7 1/2" to 8" long. Spool of wick (96 ft. X 1" wide) are available for people who may need longer or shorter lengths.
Another approach to wick replacement is to check the wick descriptions offered for the correct application. If you know the size (e.g. No. 1, No. 2, or nutmeg) and the style or brand (e.g. Queen Anne, Gem Arctic, or Eagle) of your oil burner, you may check to see if your particular size is available based on those details. If you are not sure about the size or style of your burner then you may need to measure the wick channel.
To get at the wick channel on many No. 1 & No. 2 size burners, simply pull the top of the burner off. Some burner tops are hinged, others are held down with small tabs that are crimped through a slot on the burner body. It depends on the lamp hardware used by the manufacturer. Most of the time you can use your fingers to remove the top but in some instances you may need a small set of pliers to remove the top.
With the wick channel exposed, carefully measure the width of the wick channel.
If you are unable to get to the top of the wick channel, turn the burner over and measure from the bottom side. Compare the width of your measurement with the width dimensions available for new wicks. Chances are good that you will find a match and can get the correct wick to get your kerosene lamp back to burning.
About the Author
Antique Lamp Supply has been in the early style lamp and antique lamp parts business for over 50 years. Antique Lamp Supply is now the largest online supplier of antique lamps and parts. The business specializes in restoration of antique lighting and has produced a lamp repair book and numerous antique lighting articles that provide guidance and tutorials for simple and advanced lamp repair jobs. For more information about lamp restoration and Antique Lamp Supply visit http://www.antiquelampsupply.com.
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