The light bulb broke and is stuck in the socket. How do I remove it?

Question

This is on a pendulum (hanging) light fixture. I unscrewed the old bulb and removed it, only to find that the silver base is still in the socket.

I have tried using pliers, but it is too pliable and it breaks off.
I have also tried using a potato, but that doesn't work either.

What else can I do?

Answer 1

Two ideas....

1) get a towel, put towel over your hand. Make sure light switch and power are off. Use your hand with thick towel over it. Stick your hand in there and try to get the bulb remains to turn.

2) get a small pair of pliars, like needle nose. dont grab hold of it, just put the pliers in there, then force the pliers open hard against the edges and twist..

I have used both methods successfully.

Answer 2

Hanging Light Bulb Socket

Answer 3

Happens frequently. Your problem isn't that hard to overcome. First of all make sure the power is OFF!!

Then I strongly urge you to wear safety goggles because what you are about to do can cause parts of the remaining glass in the bulb to break. Since this fixture is ABOVE your head, any broken glass has a pretty good chance of falling on your face and eyes.

Take the needle nose pliers and pry the aluminum part of the bulb AWAY from the base of the socket. Doing this will give your pliers a better surface to grip.

Then get a good grip on the needle nose pliers and make a pulling, twisting motion counterclockwise in the socket. Basically you're trying to unscrew the socket.

You can also just continue to bend the aluminum socket in towards the center of the fixture. Doing this moves the socket threads away from the threads of the fixture allowing you to just pull the broken socket out of the fixture.

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
The light bulb broke and is stuck in the socket. How do I remove it?
This is on a pendulum (hanging) light fixture. I unscrewed the old bulb and removed it, only to find that the silver base is still in the socket.

I have tried using pliers, but it is too pliable and it breaks off.
I have also tried using a potato, but that doesn't work either.

What else...

Answer 5

Hanging Light Socket

Answer 6

If you could find a spreading device, like an inverted pliers maybe you could put that inside, spread it so it grabs both sides and then turn. Maybe regular needle nosed pliers would work if they open wide enough to reach both sides of the base.

Another idea is putting wall patching material inside of the base, then shove something like an old pliers or something that will hang out that will be able to be turned inside the patching material. Wait until the material hardens, then turn the pliers which hopefully turns the base along with it.

Another similar suggesting is using crazy glue. Glue something to the side of the base that you will be able to turn after the glue dries.

You could try going to a hardware store and asking someone that looks knowledgeable. Maybe there are other devices that would work.

Answer 7

These suggestions all seem pretty good. As a last ditch resort, if none of them work, you can just buy a new socket and wire. If involves threading into existing wiring, you're best off calling an electrician (and ask HIM how to get the bulb out first!).

Answer 8

I've never had success with the potato method myself. Try a carrot, they're a bit stronger than potatos when used as tools.

Barring that, keep trying with the pliers or try to see if you can take the fixture apart from the other end, you may need a new socket at the end of this. Don't worry though, they're not expensive.

Answer 9

perhaps you could use two pairs of needle nose pliers to grab both sides of the base and try to twist it out of there. if you have a medium to thick leather glove you can just stick your finger up there and push out on the sides to twist the base out. you could also just go to town with the pliers and tear it apart(try not to damage the socket). as long as the circuit breaker is off you shouldn't have any fear of electrocution.

Answer 10

do not use anything metal.!!!!!! Turn off the light switch and put on tennis shoe to break any conduction. Take a potatoe and twist it over the socket. Te broken socket will wedge on the potatoe and you can unscew your bulb.