Copper Lantern Repair

By Robert Robillard on Home Repairs And Remodeling

Copper Lamp Post Repair

A client of mine has this beautiful copper lantern on a post in their front yard. This past winter heavy winds and pushed snow from the snow plow caused the solder joints holding the lantern seams together to break.  They asked if I was able to perform a copper lantern repair.  I said sure let’s give it a try.

I brought the lantern back to the shop to repair it.  For this copper lantern repair I decided that a mechanical connection would be better than re-soldering the seams so I installed two copper rivets to each seam.

Copper Lantern Repair

Four of the eight seams on this lantern broke and the frame was slightly bent as a result.   I used “seam-ers” to straighten the frame before installing the rivets.

Three glass panes also broke and were replaced.

Photo above: clamping the seams together. [click on phot to enlarge]

Photo above: Drilling holes for copper rivets.


It’s important that I used copper rivets with the copper lantern.  Steel or aluminum rivets used with copper both run the risk of galvanic corrosion.

Photo above: installing rivets


Lantern installed.

~ concord carpenter
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About the author

Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor

Rob Robillard is “The Concord Carpenter” Rob is a builder, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, and editor of Concord Carpenter and ToolBoxBuzz As a General Contractor and carpenter, Rob owns and operates Concord Carpenter LLC. A full-service remodeling and construction company. Rob is a recognized leader in home building best practices and a source for how-to information for building professionals. On this website, Rob covers all aspects of home construction, building science, home improvement, woodworking, remodeling, and some of the best product and tool reviews. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review series - Concord Carpenter Videos where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth. #BeAMentor #Green2Great Craftsmanship, quality, and pride guide his journey on this channel The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

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