How to Remove a Broken Light Bulb from the Socket
Use this safe and easy technique next time you need to replace a shattered light bulb.
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You Will Need
- Needle-nose pliers
- Work gloves
- Safety glasses
- Electrical tape (optional)
Steps
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Working with electricity is dangerous. Be extremely careful and, if you have any doubts, contact a professional.
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Step 1
Turn off electricity
Unplug a lamp from the wall plug. For a permanent fixture, shut off the circuit breaker.
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Step 2
Insert pliers into fixture
Wearing your gloves and safety glasses, insert your needle-nose pliers into the rim of the light bulb.
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For added friction, wrap electrical tape around the ends of your pliers.
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Step 3
Unscrew bulb
Spread the pliers’ handles apart so that the ends push out against the inner wall of the light bulb. Turn the pliers counter-clockwise to unscrew the bulb.
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If you’re having trouble extracting the bulb using the needle-nose pliers, try using a raw potato to unscrew the bulb.
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Step 4
Discard bulb
Discard the broken bulb and screw in the new bulb firmly, but not forcefully.
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Step 5
Turn on power
Turn the power back on or plug the fixture back into the wall, and let there be light!
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Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) use approximately 75% less energy than conventional incandescent bulbs.
