How to Remove a Broken Lightbulb

Right when you're trying to remove an old light bulb, it breaks on you, leaving a base stuck inside the socket. Here's how to remove it quickly and safely.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Vacuum
• Protective Gloves
• Needle-nose Pliers
• Needle-nose Pliers

1. Turn off power to the bulb and unplug the lamp.

2. Put on protective gloves.

3. Grip the metal lip of the bulb with needle-nose pliers.

4. Gently unscrew the bulb base, turning it the same way you would an unbroken bulb. Watch your fingers while turning the bulb base. Sheered glass remnants may still be inside.

5. Remove the bulb base from the socket.

6. Be sure to vacuum up any broken glass from the floor.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure the power is turned off before placing pliers inside the bulb base.

[eHowJoe]

on 7/7/2007 Thank you all so much for the "tape at the end of the broom idea"! Tried to remove oven bulb, which of course separated from it's base; but, the "tape at the end of the broom stick" worked like a charm!

[seniorfriend]

on 4/30/2007 Thanks for the suggestion with the tape at the end of a broom - my sister and I used this suggestion and it worked like a charm......we got the biggest kick out of doing it and how easily it removed the broken piece. Thanks again. seniorfriend

[Myradon]

on 2/2/2007 I read this page, and the comments. the Broom stick with tape in the end was by far the best solution for me. I assures the fixture was off, wrapped the end of a wooden broom stick in masking tape and pressed it in as I turned. it released very quickly. Thanks for the help!

-Myradon

[tadd26]

on 1/17/2007 I use the potato trick alot... workes for me, but these are som great ideas!

[jpconnolly1]

on 1/16/2007 I suggest that you wear goggles for eye protection when removing the metal base from ceiling mounted fixtures.