3 Easy Ways to Remove a Broken Light Bulb

Safely remove broken light bulbs from fixtures

Introduction

We've all had a light bulb break when replacing a burned out one. We'll show you a couple of ways to remove a broken light bulb from a light socket.

Tools Required

Materials Required

  • 1/2" x 1/2" x 6" stick
  • hot glue
  • Light bulb lubricant
  • Potato

Beware the Broken Light Bulb

Removing a broken light bulb from a screw-shell lamp holder can be dangerous if you don't solve two problems: First, how do you know the electricity is really off if the fixture or lamp holder is controlled by a simple on-off switch (or a pull chain)? Second, how do you get the broken light bulb base out of the lamp holder without cutting your hand or damaging the inside of the lamp holder?

Removing a Broken Light Bulb

When a light bulb is stuck in its socket, the culprit is usually corrosion between the socket and the bulb's metal base. This is the most common outdoors and in damp places like basements and bathrooms.

If you've been attracted by LED lighting before but haven't switched yet, now's the time. Here's what you need to know about buying LEDs for your home.

Project step-by-step (5)

Step 1

Check for Voltage

broken lightbulb

If you have a bulb that won't budge, put on heavy gloves and eye protection. Make sure the light switch is off, then check the base with a non-contact voltage detector just to be sure, especially if you live in an old house. When an electrical field is present, the voltage detector will both flash a light and emit an audible signal.

Step 2

Grab the Broken Base with a Potato

grab broken lightbulb piece with a potato

Then go ahead and twist as hard as you like. Don't worry about breaking the bulb. In fact, if the bulb just won't turn, your next step is to break it intentionally. Hold a screwdriver tip against the bulb and give the handle a firm whack with a hammer. This leaves the bulb's metal base in the socket.

Often, you can unscrew the base by inserting pliers and holding the jaws open as you turn. But a potato will work too: Round the end of the potato with a knife. Support the light fixture and plunge a spud into the lamp holder. The glass bits and debris will bind up with the potato, making a good lock on the lamp base as you twist the bulb out.

Plus, check out these ingenious tips, tricks and solutions to common problems are simple, smart and straightforward.

Step 3

Grab the Broken Base with a Needle-Nose Pliers

grab the broken lightbulb base with needle nose pliers

If neither of those methods work, use needle-nose pliers to remove the bulb. Firmly grab the bulb's metal base and turn, but avoid damaging the light fixture's metal screw-shell lamp holder. To avoid damaging the light fixture's metal screw-shell lamp holder, bend the metal rim slightly inward and twist out the bulb.

Step 4

For Badly Corroded Bulbs

exterior stuck light bulb

If your bulb base is really stubborn, use hot glue and a 1/2 x 1/2-in. stick of wood. Apply a heavy blob of hot glue to a stick and press it into the broken bulb's base. If the glue doesn't fill the base, inject glue into any voids. Let the glue cool for five minutes and turn the stick to screw out the base.

Step 5

Prevent Stuck Bulbs

prevent stuck lightbulbs with bulb lubricant

Save yourself all this hassle in the future by applying a special lubricant such as Bulb EZ to the new bulb. (Ordinary lubricants like WD-40 or petroleum jelly are not recommended.) Coat the threads of the new bulb with a special lubricant designed for light bulbs. The coating inhibits corrosion and makes future removal much easier.

Get Bulb EZ on Amazon.

Plus: What is a 3-way switch.

Originally Published: February 07, 2019