2007-01-09 09:50:23 · 26 answers · asked by ke11y_o 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
It is on the underside of my microwave and the bulb separated from the base entirely, there's no where for the potato to stick onto.
2007-01-09 10:01:04 · update #1
First make sure its unplugged. Then I would use a pair of needle nose pliers. Put them inside the base, and spread it open, and it will begin to unscrew. IF that doesnt work, as in its still stuck, grab the edge of the basewith the pliers and try to unscrew it out. If that dont work.... And its happened to me before... Piece by agonizing piece tear the base out using.... the needle nose pliers. Grab the edge and begin tearing it out...
2007-01-09 11:15:23 · answer #1 · answered by jeff the drunk 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Shut off the power- make sure it is off. Take a small potato- preferably a softer one- and cut it in half.
Push the potato onto the remnants of the light bulb CAREFULLY.
You should be able to twist the bulb out of the socket safely by grabbing the potato and turning it (lefty-loosey) until it comes out.
Clean up any glass bits, vaccuum carefully and install a new light bulb.
2007-01-09 10:00:11 · answer #2 · answered by CYP450 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cut a potato in half. Then take the cut (flat) edge of the potato and twist it up onto the broken edges of the glass. It should grab. Now twist out and the remains of the light bulb should come out.
Avoid using pliers or any metal implement because if you fail to unplug the lamp (or if someone plugs it back in and doesn't realize what is going on) you could be in for quite a shock.
2007-01-09 09:56:15 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you end up with a potato shredder, first be absolutely sure the power is off.
I use pliers (prefer 7" needle nose, but any size and shape that will go in works.)
I grasp the glass knob that holds the filament gently and use it as the knob to twist it out.
WD40 as a lube will help the older bulbs that have cooked to the socket.
If the center bit cracks off, reverse the pliers to press outward on the bulb base.
Aluminum sockets and aluminum bases on bulbs are the worst, as aluminum does not slide well on itself.
Wear rubber gloves and eye protection from shattering glass.
Be fearless, it's already broke, and you can't fix it if it aint broke.
2007-01-09 10:07:05 · answer #4 · answered by MarkLight 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If there is part of the glass of the bulb sticking out of the base, then you can use a potato. Don't use carrots unless the bulb is really small, like those used in nightlights. If there isn't any glass sticking out, use a pair of needle-nose pliers and try to turn the base out of the fixture. It can take a bit of work, but that's the best way to take the base out if there isn't any glass left.
2007-01-09 10:03:04 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Turn off the circuit breaker to that light or if it's a lamp, unplug the lamp. Cut the end off of a potato and jamb it into the broken bulb and back the thing out. Martha Stewart says it works. I've never tried it. Good luck
2007-01-09 09:56:58 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Turn off the power to that device at the fuse box or circuit breaker. Take a potato, cut into half. Use it to unscrew the broken light bulb.
2007-01-09 09:56:37 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cut a potato in half and stick the potato half into the broken glass. Turn the potato to unscrew the lightbulb.
2007-01-09 09:54:37 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure the switch is turned off. If you have to kill the breaker. Then take a potato and use one of the ends and push it into the broken bulb. Should let you turn it.
2007-01-09 09:54:58 · answer #9 · answered by Daniel W 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
make sure the power & Breaker are off first!!! then put on a rubber glove & use a potato. Just shove it into the light fixture with the broken bulb and twist the broken light bulb off
2007-01-09 09:55:43 · answer #10 · answered by vannilla26 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋