Review by I bought my most recent Tertial lamp about two years ago. I can remember having one of these lamps in my room all through my childhood and it seemed like a useful desk accessory for work. For a super-cheap lamp it's been pretty good but I find I don't use it much anymore, mostly due to the annoying (and painful) top switch.
I know what you're thinking: "You bought a cheap lamp from IKEA, what do you expect?". Well, I guess you'd be right. The light turns on using a thin knob on the top of the lamp head and after a few months, the knob grew stiff and it's very difficult to get enough grip on it to turn it on. I've even resorted to using a pair of needle-nose pliers a few times.
However, before I carry my complaint too far, the new model (which is in the photo above) appears to have moved the switch. I can't see where it's been placed now, but on mine the cord doesn't run into the top of the lamp like in the photo. If the engineers at IKEA fixed it, good for them.
My only other gripe with the lamp, and a problem I've had with the IKEA Sekund lamp I own too, is that the shade around the bulb gets very hot. I'm not saying warm, I really mean hot as in it will burn you. As long as you're careful it's not a problem, but it's something to be aware of.
Copyright © 2004-2008 silverorange. All rights reserved.
The more stuff you own, the less happy you will be - so be sure and own good stuff!
Comments
John Boylan - June 16, 2004 3:49 pm
If you can find one that fits you can always try a compact fluorescent bulb. They run a lot cooler than conventional iridescent bulbs, though some don't like the greenish colour cast.
Rob - June 25, 2004 9:46 pm
I hear you on the hot lampshade issue. We own an IKEA Lista and I regularly burn myself on it. You really have to make sure its pointing where you want before you turn it on. It's hard to complain about, however, having enjoyed treats from EasyBake ovens.
ikea shopper - January 19, 2005 12:55 am
When I saw the IKEA Sekund lamp at the Ikea store I thought what a neat retro looking lamp and at only $12.95 i thought it was a real deal. When I got home an turned it on with a 60 watt bulb I touched the chrome surface of the outside of the shade and burned my fingers. It gets dangerously hot and only after a few seconds. I am considering returning it, but I might try a 40 watt bulb,,,,OUCH
Phil - September 20, 2005 7:20 pm
O.K., I guess they upgraded the ole Tertial lamp, and uped the price too.
Here's my situation: the old clamp to secure the Tertial Work Lamp has broken and is not repairable. Where, or who from, can I get a Tertial clamp. It has a stand for the lamp post to sit in and a angle-threaded L-shaped tube and a clamp-piece that goes on the other side of the desk/bookcase.
Where can I get one. I really only need the smaller clamp-piece as I have the base and the threaded angle-piece.
Help me out, I'm cheap. It's a brown lamp and I see none for sale now at IKEA and I am assuming that is the way it is. My alternative is to buy a brown one and use it. Any help would be appreciated.
recraddar
Rizak the Really Horrible - November 20, 2005 1:43 pm
Phil,
Just go to the IKEA parts/returns department and ask them for a replacement part. Seriously. I know people who used to work there and their horror stories are amazing, but they say that they have about every part for every unit on stock or can get you another one right-quick-like. For free. Free is good, right? If not, it doesn't hurt to ask.