How do I get a busted lightbulb out of the socket?

Question

A lightbulb burned out in an overhead light fixture. When I went to unscrew it to put in a new one, apparently it was screwed too tightly in there, and the glass bulb completely broke off in my hand. Now all that's sticking out is the filaments (I believe that's what they're called, lol) and the metal part is still firmly screwed in the socket. Anyone know how I can get that sucker out of there w/o hurting myself?

Answer 1

jam a potato into it & turn, if it cooks turn off the switch.....chirp!

Answer 2

Well.. let's try several ways:

The first is:

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:

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.

Answer 3

The easiest and cleanest method is to put one turn of electrical tape on the handle of a plastic screwdriver then turn it inside out (the sticky side out) and wind a few layers on the end of the handle. Then just stick it in the socket and turn. The sticky tape sticks to the bulb base and turns easily. If the filament is still there, just break it off until you can insert the handle. Turning off the light is preferable but if in a situation where you can't, like in an office building where you can't turn off all the lights, you won't get shocked. And you don't have to try to find a potato or use pliers and possibly bend and ruin the socket.

Answer 4

If the potato trick does't work you can try what I do-With some needle-nose pliers, grab the lip of the metal base and bend it in a little so you can get a good grip on this base and turn it out- you can actually bend the base enough times so it practically drops out-ohh! Make sure the switch is off to the light! And be careful when bending the lip so you don't damage the socket.

Answer 5

turn off power to the socket... It its a lamp unplug... It a fixed socket turn off breaker or get rid of fuse... tightly carry a trashbag over bulb and ruin using bag to deliver mutually broken glass because it breaks.. decrease a potato in a million/2 and wedge into bulb base and verify out to get rid of... If that doesnt artwork ise a pair of needle nostril pliers to snatch ahold of the steel lightbulb base and verify out to tutor out it could take a whilst and the backside will possibly shread somewhat yet with the glass borken the backside is rather susceptible and you would be able to get it out...

Answer 6

Turn off the breaker. Bend the metal collar of the bulb w/a needle nose pliers, enough to get a grip on the collar & twist out. In the future rub a little soap on the collar w/a bar soap to keep the bulb from getting stuck.

Answer 7

Potato might work but make dad gum certain the juice is off before trying that. I've not messed with one but use a pair of needle nose pliers to grip the bottom part of the glass center post and turn it out. If it's badly corroded or VERY tight, you can also tear the metal, threaded part and peel enough of that down to grip it with a pair of pliers and turn it out.

Answer 8

I read once that you can cut a potato in half and jam it down over the socket, then twist out. Just make sure the power is off, you might even want to flip the breaker.

Hope this helps!

Answer 9

Turn off switch, unplug, or turn off breaker- Then, put on some heavy duty work gloves and stick your finger into the socket, apply pressure, and turn counterclockwise until the base of the light bulb comes out.

Answer 10

Cut a potatoe in half and use the cut part to screw into the broken part of the light bulb and then unscrew it.

Answer 11

I've also heard of using the potato but I wonder what the liquid from the sliced area would do...

I have a set of wooden spoons and forks for cooking. The business end of the wooden fork seems to be the right size for a snug fit, and then you can twist it out.