12 volt Head Light Bulb Socket Work Light Shade

This was made for a 91 Ford Taurus headlight bulb, but it may fit many more makes and models. I needed more light in my work area, and this light shade holder fit the bill.

There is a quick print male stud to check your fit on the bulb you have. Save plastic and time by printing it first, really slowly, for a good print.

I used some thin plastic to super-glue up a shade for it. I glued some aluminum foil inside the shade to make it more reflective. You may also use cardboard or other materials to make a shade for the printed part.

+++++ Notice.........these bulbs run HOT !! So, make your shade with that in mind and watch it while using it to check that all will hold up. Also, you will need a GOOD power supply with about 6 amps of juice to push these bulbs. ++++++

I think I used 14 AWG wire size. It may work even better with size 12, I don't know. It is a tiny bit loose with the wire contacts, so size 12 may work better, but bit harder pushing the socket bulb into the male printed part.

++++++UPDATE+++++++
Use 12 AWG for a tighter socket to electric connection. Also, the cable wire will support the socket and shade with no other support, much better. The 12-3 awg I used did not hold up the heavy shade I glued to the printed socket part like I was hoping it would. Maybe if I had used strong, thick paperboard as shade, it would have.
+++++++++++++++++++ I kept the 14 AWG and taped a wire coat-hanger for much better support.

I just stripped back an inch or two of the main 3-wire cable and then stripped back the 2 main volt wires and stuck them into the 2 holes on the far right. Then bend over 1/8 inch on the inside of the printed part and pull the wires out snug for a tight fit. Bend the whole wire cable over 90 degrees and use 2 pull tights for a neat, tight connection. Use enough cable to get the socket and shade where you wish, and use the cable as the main support, and you will be able to bend the cable the way you wish. Point the socket/shade anyway you wish. It will be lightweight and hold to the bends well. Wire nut the 12 volts either way, no polarity on the bulb. I think the 2 holes on the left will give you low light, and the two holes on the right will give high-bright light.

Mine works great, hope yours does!
Thanks, Rick.