How to Remove a Shattered Light Bulb From the Socket

Changing a light bulb is a mundane task done without much thought before or after. Trying to remove a broken bulb is awkward, difficult and dangerous. It is important to turn off the electrical breaker to the socket or unplug any lamp before attempting to remove a broken bulb. Needle nose pliers and a potato will remove the remnants in a matter of minutes. Try this do-it-yourself repair and prepare to be amazed.

Things You'll Need

• Needle nose pliers
• Electrical tape
• Medium raw potato
• Replacement light bulb

Instructions

1. Unplug the electrical cord if the broken bulb is in a lamp. Turn off the electricity at the breaker box if the broken bulb is in a fixed light socket.

2. Wrap the ends of a pair of needle nose pliers with electrical tape. Slip the jaws into the center of the broken bulb. Open the jaws, and press against the inside metal edges of the base of the bulb. Slowly attempt to turn the open pliers in a counterclockwise direction. The bulb should unscrew from the light socket.

3. Press a medium raw potato up against the broken bulb firmly if the needle nose pliers did not work for removal. Insert the rough edges of the broken bulb into the end of the potato and twist counterclockwise. The remainder of the bulb will unscrew from the socket. Discard the potato and the bulb. Insert a new light bulb. Plug in the lamp, or turn on the electricity at the breaker box.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to leave as much glass attached to the broken light bulb as possible when attempting a removal by needle nose pliers. Watch a video demonstration of these techniques at home.glam.com.

• Make certain to shut off electricity to the light socket. Severe electrical shocks can cause serious injury and death.

Resources

• Video demonstration