Make This Old House My Homepage
Removing a Stuck Light Bulb
Removing a Stuck Light Bulb
Illustration by Narda Lebo

Removing a Stuck Light Bulb

Browse Electrical & Lighting Galleries:
Advertisement

On Newsstands Now

In the Magazine
April 2010: Easy Spring Makeovers
Bedroom with Beautiful Rafter Ceilings Woman at Sink in Kitchen Retro Vintage Stove
Advertisement

When a burned-out bulb is stuck in its socket, your only option is to turn it until it either unscrews or shatters. First, unplug the fixture. Then, wearing leather work gloves and safety goggles, carefully twist the bulb until it loosens. (Cover it with a rag for extra protection.) If it shatters, remove the glass shards. Then unscrew the base of the bulb by firmly pressing a raw, unpeeled potato or a bar of soap into the socket and giving it a good twist. If the spud or soap slips, press it in harder and try again until the base breaks free.

Skill Builder: Simple Stud Finder
Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters

Add new comment

The rules: Keep it clean, and stay on the subject or we might delete your comment. If you see inappropriate language, e-mail us.

1000 characters remaining