Today's Tip ~ Monday, November 15, 2010 (driver, kids, how to, home)

[PJSinger]

Hi, Kids! I hope everyone had a super-fantastic weekend. Now it's back to the grind.
Scroll on down for the first Tip of the week!

If an incandescent light bulb with a standard base breaks in the socket, follow these steps to remove the light bulb.
***First and foremost, make sure the electric power is off.
There are two ways to take out the bulb's base.

Way 1
Using both hands, insert the pliers as far into the broken base as you can.
Spread the handles apart, exerting force against the sides of the bulb base with the tips of the pliers, and rotate counter-clockwise (the pliers, I mean).Continue turning until the base is out. If you meet resistance, turn base back in slightly and then back out. The idea is to remove the broken bulb base, not break the fixture.
If the first method doesn't work, try this:
Way 2
CAREFULLY insert a small screwdriver or awl between the bulb base and the socket. Bend the bulb base SLIGHTLY INWARD, just enough to allow the needlenose pliers to get a grip.Hold the pliers firmly and begin to turn the base out, counterclockwise. You will probably meet some resistance. When you do, turn the base back in slightly, then out again. The trick is to work the base out, not break the fixture.
The above is excerpted from: How To Remove A Broken Light Bulb from the Natural Handyman Home Repair and Do It Yourself Website
PS - I researched the trick of using a potato half to remove the broken bulb, but experts agree the above methods are much better.

[Nomadicus]

I hate having to remove them but have done it with the needle nose pliers.

[AksarbeN]

If you try to remove the bulb and it’s stuck (before you break it) spray a little WD40 around the metal base of the bulb. Wait a little while for the WD40 to work it’s way down into the socket area of the threads. This should loosen a stuck bulb and allow you to unscrew it.

IF the glass is broken you can try to remove the threaded metal part that’s left in the socket by using a potato. Place the potato down onto the broken glass area and turn carefully. The potato will should keep the glass from cutting your fingers and give you the ability to turn the metal screw threads of the base to remove it. You might want to use the WD40 as well in this case to help.

Yes,,, a red or white potato will work equally as well. Do not try French Fries however. They need to be whole uncooked potatoes. Yams this time of year are also a possible potato for this removal of broken glass light bulbs.

And yes ,,, turn the power off before trying this.

A side note: I use a little WD40 when placing the bulb into the socket the first time, it seems to help adding the new one and also it seems to help when I remove the burned out bulb later.

[PJSinger]

Originally Posted by AksarbeN

If you try to remove the bulb and it’s stuck (before you break it) spray a little WD40 around the metal base of the bulb. Wait a little while for the WD40 to work it’s way down into the socket area of the threads. This should loosen a stuck bulb and allow you to unscrew it.

IF the glass is broken you can try to remove the threaded metal part that’s left in the socket by using a potato. Place the potato down onto the broken glass area and turn carefully. The potato will should keep the glass from cutting your fingers and give you the ability to turn the metal screw threads of the base to remove it. You might want to use the WD40 as well in this case to help.

Yes,,, a red or white potato will work equally as well. Do not try French Fries however. They need to be whole uncooked potatoes. Yams this time of year are also a possible potato for this removal of broken glass light bulbs.

And yes ,,, turn the power off before trying this.

A side note: I use a little WD40 when placing the bulb into the socket the first time, it seems to help adding the new one and also it seems to help when I remove the burned out bulb later.

Thanks for the additional tips, Aks!

And yeah, I agree that a French fry probably wouldn't work too well. lol

[taigagirl]

Once again really great tips!! I have also been told by a friend of mine who is a fireman to avoid purchasing lightbulbs, extension cords etc., from dollar store because most of them are made offshore and are not always up to par. And yes, it is definitely a great idea to have the electricity shut off

[SATX56]

Great tips Pam and yes, absolutely make certain the power is off. Avoid using both hands if possible I'd say. Try doing only with your right hand ..if holding the fixture use something to insulate your left hand and hold the fixture. This is in case the power winds up to still be on. Left hand is more likely to carry power across your heart. Be very careful on those auto light bulbs. The ones you must push in to twist. If they break they'll cut your fingers to pieces. Use heavy leather or cloth gloves! I put a dab of Vaseline on the threads of troublesome bulbs. Such as those in your fridge. Wipe excess of with tissue. Easier to remove next time.

[paladinking]

I often use the first one method

[Sweetie Pie]

Great tip Pammer Jammer!!!

[Annie of Oldsmar]

Handy dandy tip for us!!

[GloryB]

Originally Posted by Sweetie Pie

Great tip Pammer Jammer!!!

Pammer Jammer.