Safest way to get a broken light bulb out of a ceilin fixture
by
Cathy P
+2
two of my bulbs blew out in the kitchen, and when I went to change one, it turned, and then stopped. me ( having NO patience) kept unscrewing, the bulb burst, and fell onto the table. the metal thing is STILL in the light fixture. the remaining burned out bulb feels like it's not going to cooperate either ! any suggestions? if you tell me to turn off the breaker, I can do that , but what should I do to get the ring out? can I use a needlenose plier? HELP! you can see I'm not good at this stuff!!!
5 answers
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USE A RAW POTATOE, PUSH IT INTO THE METAL PART AND TWIST.
Cindy
on Aug 25, 2012
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You can use a needle nose piler by spreading it open inside of the broken lamp base and turning it out....you can also use the plastic or rubber end of a screw driver that will just fit into the broken socket. Just make sure the light switch/power is disconnected. Gary Hint: When replacing the lamp (bulb), screw the lamp until it is tight, and then back it out about 1/8 of a turn.
LandlightS
on Aug 25, 2012
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This is a very common condition in the ceramic bulb holders. Often the result of being to tight in the fixture combined with over wattage bulbs overheating them. In any case, the potato does work, but not always, and the needle nose pliers will work as well. Just be sure the power is off and that you wear gloves and eye protection as more glass will shatter as it is removed. Then follow Garys advice to back the bulb out just a bit once you tighten it in. Or choose CFL bulbs that will not overheat and last for many years so you do not have to fool with this again any time soon.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Aug 26, 2012
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I'm a pliers guy...the potato is too hard in most cases and does not typically fit into a recessed opening....one step better than the CFL are LED's these can go 40,000 hours...which is a long long time.
KMS Woodworks
on Aug 30, 2012
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Electricity off of course. Use a dry washcloth or sponge. Mash it up into the socket and twist. The roughness of the item grabs the inside for easy removal.
Karen
on Aug 15, 2015
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