How to get a broken lightbulb out of a socket.

[mariahlullaby]

I have a 3-day old lamp that suddenly stopped working, so I thought it might be a dud light bulb. I waited until it had cooled off (gave it a day) and unscrewed the lightbulb from the metal base, and the whole thing shattered in my hand (gave me a nasty cut). Now I have just the metal bit and the "innards" sticking out of the socket and I can't get it out so I can put a new bulb in.

Any suggestions?

 

[Matty-Andy]

Whenever that happens to me I use needle-nosed pliers and grab the metal edge and slowly turn...

 

[tweakers_suck]

I have heard of people using a potato cut in half and using that to grab onto the sharp pieces, then unscrewing the broken bulb.

 

[Dont Hurt Me]

Make sure you unplug the power first

 

[slackersonly]

potato works.

 

[Lau]

Is it a screw thread or a bayonet fitting (the kind you have to push down and unhook the little side pins from the shade)?

Firstly, get rid of any bits of glass that are sticking up, and then protect your hand with a towel or something. Make sure the power's off! If its a bayonet one, just push down really hard on the metal bit and turn it enough to unhook it. If it's a screw thread, maybe use some pliers to grip the metal bit and turn it with them?

Good luck!

Edit: Well, I was really slow there!

 

[iGav]

Don't forget the pink marigolds.

 

[mariahlullaby]

potato works.

Ok I will see if I can find a potato (on a college campus, but there's a grocery store around). Thanks!!

 

[iMeowbot]

Excellent. Now we know how many MR posters it takes to change a light bulb.


[ edit: Bah. ]

 

[Queso]

Excellent. Now we know how many MR posters it takes to change a light bulb.

Did anyone else hear drums and a cymbal as they read that?

 

[monke]

Did anyone else hear drums and a cymbal as they read that?

Real faint ones.....

 

[dcv]

Hehe, I saw that potato thing on "Tool Time" (Home Improvement)

 

[Unorthodox]

I waited until it had cooled off (gave it a day)

A day?!
You could have seriously injured yourself.

Next time please follow this list of lightbulb changing safety tips:

-Allow at least on month for bulb to cool down (one year for halogen)
-Always wear safety goggles
-Unplug lamp and throw circuit-breaker for entire house
-Wear ELC certified electrician gloves
-Always use the buddy system
-Have phone nearby incase of injury or fire
-Throw away lamp and buy a new one
:roll-eyes:

 

[MrCrowbar]

A day?!
You could have seriously injured yourself.

Next time please follow this list of lightbulb changing safety tips:

-Allow at least on month for bulb to cool down (one year for halogen)
-Always wear safety goggles
-Unplug lamp and throw circuit-breaker for entire house
-Wear ELC certified electrician gloves
-Always use the buddy system
-Have phone nearby incase of injury or fire
-Throw away lamp and buy a new one
:roll-eyes:

You can fund professionals who do it for you. Costs about as much as hiring a hitman for a weekend, but definately worth it.

 

[skunk]

Frankly, I prefer the needle-nosed pliers to the potato method. Potatoes tend to be full of water. Water + Electricity = Bad. As long as the switch is OFF you'll be OK.

 

[iMeowbot]

Now this is special. Someone actually makes a tool for that.

 

[erickkoch]

I saw a commercial where a carrot was used to remove a broken light bulb. Use whatever vegetable works.

 

[LethalWolfe]

Excellent. Now we know how many MR posters it takes to change a light bulb.


[ edit: Bah. ]

I'm embarrassed that I laughed at that.


Lethal

 

[iGav]

Potatoes tend to be full of water. Water + Electricity = Bad.

That's what the pink marigolds are for silly.