my stupid flatmate blew the light bulb recently and noones changed it.
i tried to tonight, but i tried one with a pointed end that u ccan screw in, and it didnt fit.
i can see two prongs inside the bit the hangs down, so i tried one with two flat bits on the end, and it lit up but i cant screw it in as it has no twisty bits so allow me to screw it in.
do i need to buy a bulb with two flat bits and a twisty bit? is there a name for this? ergh i sound so dumb.
2007-10-12 09:52:17 · 17 answers · asked by ribenacreep1 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
it is real and its hard to describe!!
tried twisting every which way. i think i need a different kind of bulb
2007-10-12 09:59:38 · update #1
I wish I had never friggin asked!
2007-10-12 10:07:19 · update #2
You're not too hot with the description!! but if it won't screw in, then it must be a standard BAYONET CAP (BC) lampholder that you have?? Does it hang from the ceiling?? If so, buy a 60 or 100 watt BC lamp (bulb) and press it into the lampholder, when you feel it engaging on the two lugs press a bit more and turn it a little further and it should engage. UNLESS the lampholder is old and the lugs have broken off?? Why not ask in the shop where you buy the lamp for a demo. of how to fit it
2007-10-12 10:23:22 · answer #1 · answered by jayktee96 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
OK...let's see if I can help you out here. I'm going to ask a few questions that should only require a yes or no!
Is the "bulb" a long glass tube?
Do you still have the end of the blown bulb?
Is it a tiny round bulb?
Does it have these little pins sticking out the side, so you twist the bulb in once you have pushed it into the bulb holder?
If so, look at the old bulb. Does it have one or two of these side pins? Are the pin shapes and locations the same on the new bulb as the old bulb?
I'll wait for about an hour or so. you can also get in touch with me through yahoo IM.
The small bulbs, with the tiny pins at one end, that twist into a holder may be obsolete.
Don't get frustrated!! I've been frigging with lighting my whole life, and it still drives me bonkers!!!
Sorry, Honey!! I waited for an hour, but I have to go, now!
Post the answers to the above questions tomorrow on another question blog. I'll try to find you and see if i can help more, then, OK?? Have a good night!!
2007-10-12 11:59:30 · answer #2 · answered by Rawstuff 007 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
First of all you are not dumb! Everyone in life has to be shown how to do things, thats how we learn and progress. If no-one has taught you then you will learn now! OK
Might be better to do this in the morning, to save any electric shocks. Im sure you can find a lamp somewhere to use in the meantime...
Lesson One... MAKE SURE THE LIGHT IS OFF AT THE LIGHT SWITCH. This is impoortant because if its not then you go sticking your fingers where theyre not spoz to be, you could be in trouble.
Lesson 2; Have a good look at the place on the light fitting where you are inserting the lightbulb. There should be metal ring all the way around where the light bulb fits into. In that metal ring you will see two bits cut out of it.
3; On the bulb itself, turn it so you can see the metal face on it, rather than the glass end. You should see two oval shaped metal things. On the outer rim there are two little pieces that stick out from the sides of this. (bit like metal matchsticks, only not as fat) only very small length too
4; Those 'metal matchsticks' are then LINED UP with the two openings in the light fitting, and you push bulb up into the light fitting, pushing these two bits together. Push them together gently (dont push hard incase you shatter the lightbulb)
and when you have pushed it as far as you can do so, turn it gently til it stops. That will either be one way or the other...my lamps appear to be clockwise turn, and the central ceiling fixtures are anti-clockwise, so its trial and error, But at least you have the basic essentials in line.
Lesson five:
TEACH YOUR FLATMATES TO DO IT, SO THAT IT ISNT ALWAYS LEFT TO YOU EACH TIME A BULB GOES
PS The screw-in type bulbs are quite rare nowadays!
2007-10-12 10:20:34 · answer #3 · answered by ? 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Hang in there kiddo, gettin frustrated never helped solve a problem. First question; was the original light bulb broke? If so the base may still be in there. Make ABSOLUTELY sure the switch is off. Throw the breaker or pull the fuse if you have to, but DON'T get shocked. Take a pair of needle nose pliers, insert and spread the handles to apply pressure inside the fixture. (scissors works sometimes if you don't have a pair of pliers) If there is a base stuck inside that'll get it out. On the off chance that you do have the wrong size bulb (which is possible) go to the store and get one with a different size base. Since you said it was you flatmate, I'm assuming you aren't in the US? I don't have a clue how things work in any other country, but I assume it's the same. BE CAREFUL and good luck!
2007-10-13 20:18:42 · answer #4 · answered by Grayduchess 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OMG I really can't decide if this question is for real or not. Bayonet light bulbs are the ones with the flat ends and the bits that stick out at the sides - the light fitting will have a slot that the bits on the side fit into, you push the light bulb in and twist it (clockwise I think) until it fits in.
In the unlikely event that this doesn't work, it probably means the light fitting is broken, you should be able to unscrew the section the light bulb goes into without having to replace the whole thing, and replace just this section.
2007-10-12 10:03:10 · answer #5 · answered by Jude 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
It sounds to me like when you removed only part of it.
Have a look at the base of the discarded bulb is intact and if it is the same as the ones you are attempting to fit.
2007-10-12 10:25:10 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy a bulb marked BC cap, if it's a screw in type it will be ES, The one you need is BC= bayonet cap, common in the UK insert it in and turn clockwise keeping it pushed in as you do so.
2007-10-16 09:32:30 · answer #7 · answered by John L 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Push the two prongs into the slots then a quick twist to the right, I think, and the lugs will stay in the slots.
2007-10-12 09:57:38 · answer #8 · answered by Veronica Alicia 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It sounds from your description as if the retaining part of the light fitting has broken. It should look like this top image, Does the 'dark' bit inside the white 'skirt' appear to be complete?.
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Wiring_Accessories_Menu_Index/Lampholders_1/index.html
2007-10-13 07:16:20 · answer #9 · answered by Pauline 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
two types of bulbs,
screw type, or bayonet fitting
the fist one has a screw end, the other has two pins, one on either side , of it .
ask at your local walmart , they will show u what you need
2007-10-12 12:20:24 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋