Help - Really Can't unscrew a lightbulb!

[Niagara2]

Actually - it is embarrassing but we have two light fixtures in the house that bulbs are in so tight we cannot change them. We really do know how to change a light bulb but these are in canisters. The recessed one in the kitchen ceiling looks like it was installed deeper into the ceiling and thus we cannot get a grip on it at all to unscrew it. Any suggestions. It sits high and tightly against the metal canister. Then a reading light on my bed stand has a halogen bulb inside a metal tube. This too will not turn. It is much smaller where as the kitchen one is a spot light. We have changed the other matching bulbs with no problems. We are thinking of shutting off the power, breaking them and using pliers to get out. Anyone have an easier way? Thanks

 

[hiwaygal]

Check out this link

 

[tkd lisa]

Okay, but what if the light bulb (glass part) has come apart from the socket (metal part). I've got 3 lights in a ceiling fan with this problem. So far, I haven't done anything, but I'm leaning toward the plan the OP posted.

Any reason that wouldn't work?

 

[TwinkieMama]

Sorry Niagara. I understand your dilemna but I don't have any useful advice. I also can't change a tire or open jelly jars. Sorry.

I am just waiting to see how many DISsers it does take to change a lightbulb...

 

[TinkNH]

Okay, but what if the light bulb (glass part) has come apart from the socket (metal part). I've got 3 lights in a ceiling fan with this problem. So far, I haven't done anything, but I'm leaning toward the plan the OP posted.

Any reason that wouldn't work?

Make sure the power is OFF..and I remember seeing somewhere that hou can slice a potato in half stick it on teh socket and turn it and it will remove the light bulb base. Power must be off cause the potato will conduct electricity. I dont know if it works..but I did see it...

 

[snowy76]

Happened to me a couple of times. Once the bulb was still attached to the base, once it came right out and the base was still inside. Went down to the basement and flipped the circuit breaker, then used pliers. One or two good cranks and the base came right out.

Make sure you cut off the power at the breaker though!

 

[Frantasmic]

On occasion, I've had to turn the power off and use a needle nose plier (once the bulb glass is gone that is, not disintegrated, but just pulled off while trying to unscrew the bulb) to unscrew the bulb base.

 

[mickeyfan2]

Make sure the power is OFF..and I remember seeing somewhere that hou can slice a potato in half stick it on teh socket and turn it and it will remove the light bulb base. Power must be off cause the potato will conduct electricity. I dont know if it works..but I did see it...

It actually does work and prevents you from cutting yourself.

 

[mtblujeans]

I have used those flat, rubber, gripper jar openers to get a bulb out of a recessed fixture before. Just pressed it up against the flat side of the bulb and started turning it. But, I have done the same you suggest for a broken bulb.

 

[mickeysgal]

Make sure the power is OFF..and I remember seeing somewhere that hou can slice a potato in half stick it on teh socket and turn it and it will remove the light bulb base. Power must be off cause the potato will conduct electricity. I dont know if it works..but I did see it...

Please...make sure the power is off at the circuit breaker box, not just the light switch.

 

[HonestAbe]

I've done the potato trick once and the other time I had to use needle nose. If turning off power at the circuit breaker is a pain, just stick a big piece of tape over the switch. It's not that you'll get shocked from the socket, but the fear is someone turn the light on while you're working with it.

If you have lights that stick, you can buy from any big box hardware store a lubricant specifically for light bulbs that keeps them from getting frozen in the socket.

 

[Niagara2]

Thanks guys - I am at work now but will try tonight. Glad I am not the only Dis'er that has had this problem.