We have a light-switch on the ceiling in our closet and sometimes when I pull on the rope that turns it on or off it does not turn on? It always seems to be able to turn off but sometimes (quite often actually) it doesn't turn on. There's nothing wrong with the bulb as when it does turn it, it's fine (indeed I've changed it.). As you can imagine it's driving my wife and me crazy.

What should I do to try to fix it? I have minimal (to none) handyman skills so please break it down.

The rope is attached to a chain which enters the fixture and wraps around a cam. When you pull the rope the cam truns and that throws the contacts closed inside. That cam can fail, not worth trying to fix because you can buy and install a new socket for a few dollars.This one is high quality and costs $7 but you can get a plastic one for about $3. Craftmade K858 Three Piece Porcelain Pull Chain Lamp Holder

Ballenger: Thanks for the advice. Now do I have to turn off the main switch in order to do this or is it all about making sure I don't fuse the wires? What's safer given my lack of experience?

Do you have fuses or circuit breakers? Check your panel and maybe you will be lucky and see a circuit labeled for this room. If not get the light turned on, I know it may be difficult, go the panel and, with the help of another person, start throwing breakers off one by one until the light goes out. Once the light is off you should be able to unscrew the bulb and then, most fixtures, unscrew the two screws that hold the fixture to the ceiling box. Once the screws are out you pull down on the fixture and you should see a black and a white wire connected to the fixture, most frequently held by 2 screws. You are almost home from here