Broken light bulbs
I have a ceiling fan with 3 light bulbs but they are very small, just a tad bigger than a night light bulb. I went to change 2 of them and they broke right off, and I have tried everything to get the metal part out. I've tried potatoes, needle nose pliers, a rubber band wrapped around a wooden spoon and have had no luck! Any advise would surely be appreciated! Thanks so much in advance!
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I can't figure out why my light bulbs get loose!
A few light fixtures in my house will sometimes go out, but when I tighten the bulbs they work again. Any idea why the bulbs would get loose?
I used needle-nose pliers. You have to use them to *twist* the metal piece out, rather than pulling it straight out.... Like you would twist it out if bulb were still attached.
Hi Susie, perhaps this video will give you a few more tricks you can try - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8TIxGuTx4E&feature=related
I've had this happen and it's such a pain. I usually make sure the light switch is turned off and use a rag to twist the broken part out.
Seems you've tried several methods with no success. Perhaps #4 in this article will be helpful.........hot glue method! Hope this is helpful.
https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-remove-a-broken-light-bulb/
Yes needle nose pliers. Just make sure all light switches are off. Use a headlamp if you have to for light.
Hello there,
Call in an Electrician to replace the Fan for you, that is the safest way!
This is the only method it seems like you haven't already tired: If your bulb base is really stubborn, use hot glue and a 1/2 x 1/2-in. stick of wood. Apply a heavy blob of hot glue to a stick and press it into the broken bulb's base. If the glue doesn't fill the base, inject glue into any voids. Let the glue cool for five minutes and turn the stick to screw out the base.
Hello, as a few have stated here, hot glue and a piece of wood is the way to go!
Make sure to cut the power supply by flipping your breaker so as not to get shocked. Then try the hot glue trick.
here is another easy idea https://www.cnet.com/how-to/5-ways-to-safely-remove-a-broken-bulb-from-a-socket/#:~:text=First%2C%20make%20sure%20the%20light,while%20the%20socket%20remains%20still.
You might try a hair dryer or heat gun to heat up the metal. Different metals (bulb base and socket) will expand at different rates. Then use the other methods - not fingers. The socket may be corroded.
Yes, they are an incredible pain in the a**. The threads are very wide and get stuck very easily. I'll throw one more suggestion out there and that is to use two pairs of pliers. Don't be afraid to bend the old socket base a little and turn it as hard as you can.
https://www.hometalk.com/diy/repair/electric/q-how-to-get-a-broken-light-bulb-out-of-a-socket-5990898#!
Broken light bulb in socket
First make sure the electric is off even at the breaker box, Don't want you falling off a ladder from a shock. Then take a jar opener and wrap it around a microfiber cloth. stuff it in the socket and twist.
You certainly do not need an electrician to do this, and do not need a new fan.
get a piece of wood which is long enough to act as a handle and it fits snuggly in you light bulb socket and make sure the wood is rounded off so it touches neatly the inside of the socket and put some super glue on the wood and insert the wood and hold for a while until it grips the inside of the socket and then slowly twist it out. Good luck
You have to go back to the needle nose pliers and turn the metel to unscrew it out with the pliers
Did you manage to solve the problem? Strangely, you did not manage to unscrew the broken light bulb with the help of needle-nose pliers. It seems that this is the only tool with which this can be done. This happened to me more than once, and I managed to unscrew the broken light bulb using ordinary pliers. However, be careful as it is easy to cut yourself.
Lately, I don't have such problems as I have replaced almost all the light bulbs in the house with better quality smart light bulbs. In addition to good quality, I can set the light depending on the mood. I do this with my phone. I love smart home paraphernalia.
Cut the power and use the pliers. You have to unscrew the metal. It might take a while especially since you've tried before. The metal might be bent now. If that fails you might need to call a pro for help.