How to Remove a Stuck Lightbulb
If you’ve ever tried to remove a burnt-out lightbulb and found it difficult, you’re not alone.
Many people have a hard time removing stuck lightbulbs, but it is possible.
With a little effort and the right tools, you can successfully remove a stuck lightbulb in no time. Keep reading to learn how.
How to Remove a Stuck Lightbulb
Below are a few ways how to remove a stuck lightbulb. But first let’s figure out why is your lightbulb stuck in the socket?
Why is my Light Bulb Stuck in the Socket?
There could be a few different causes of a light bulb getting stuck in the socket. It is possible that the threads inside the socket are damaged or corroded, making it difficult for the bulb to screw in or out.
Additionally, it could be that something is trapped between the base of the bulb and the socket itself, such as an old wire or debris. If all else fails, you may need to use some force to remove the bulb from the socket while being careful not to damage either component.
Turn Off Power to Light
Before doing anything, make sure to turn off the power to the light fixture at your breaker box.
Safety should always be a priority when it comes to any type of electrical work. Before you attempt to replace or repair a light fixture, the power has to be disconnected from the breaker box.
Turning off the power will prevent shocks or burns as well as avoiding sparks that could lead to a house fire.
Taking on an electrical project without switching off the power could put your home and family at risk of major and potentially hazardous damage, so always make sure you switch off the power first before beginning.
Use Proper Gloves to Remove Stuck Lightbulb
Carefully unscrew the lightbulb from the socket, using gloves or a cloth to avoid getting burned. Make sure it’s a thicker cloth-based glove. Mechanics gloves are good for these bulbs if the bulbs are not too hot.
Take a deep breath and remember that safety should always be your first priority! Make sure you have gloves or a cloth to protect your hands from being burned in case the metal is hot.
Carefully twist the base of the bulb until it detaches from the socket. Once it’s unscrewed, it’s safe to remove the bulb and dispose of it without risking injury.
Very Gently Tap with a Screwdriver
Try gently tapping the lightbulb with a screwdriver handle or any other object; doing so may help break away some of the stuck silicone and other material that may be keeping it from coming out easily.
Gently tapping the lightbulb should help release it from its socket, allowing you to replace it with a new one. Be sure not to tap too hard, as doing so may cause damage or even break the lightbulb apart and make removal much harder.
Clean Up When Finished Removing Stuck Lightbulb
After removing the broken bulb, it’s important to clean up any shards of glass that may remain in order to ensure a safe space for individuals in the area.
Make sure you dispose of the glass properly in an appropriate waste receptacle, such as one with a lid, otherwise stray pieces could end up scattered which undermines all previous work cleaning up the mess.
Doing this step correctly can help create a safer and more comfortable environment.
If your lightbulb is burnt out, there’s no need to call an electrician. You can easily replace it yourself following these simple steps.
Just remember to turn off the power at the breaker box first, and be careful not to get burned when you unscrew the old lightbulb.
If it’s stuck, try tapping it gently with a screwdriver handle or another object. Once you’ve removed the old lightbulb, dispose of it properly and screw in a new one.
Voila – your lights will be back up and running in no time!
As always, we recommend contacting your local certified electricians for a thorough analysis. Be extremely careful with your lightbulbs as the glass can be like tiny razorblades.
