Okay, so the major lighting in my computer room is from a ceiling fan - you know, those little tiny bulbs that cost eight times as much as the regular ones. Being a cheapskate, I usually wait until three out of four go out before replacing any of them. Well, today, the last two went out at the same time. This isn’t a question about that, though - it’s about what happened when I pulled the bulbs out. One of them came apart, so that the lower (metal) bit is still wedged firmly in the socket. I’ve tried multiple ways to get it out, and I haven’t had any success. Adding to that is the fact that, as I mentioned, it’s the main light in here - I’ve got the hall light on now, with no cover on it, but that’s not enough to really see the thing - and obviously, I’m not going to work on it with the power on. Anyone got any tips as to how I can de-wedge it? Bonus question: Anybody know how to de-wedge it in the dark?
Needle nose pliers and a flashlight, mebbe?
Cut a potato in half and jam the flat surface onto the remains of the bulb. You should be able to remove the bulb by turning the potato. (You did cut the power first, I hope.)
Potato works. Or I’ve used the fat end of a tapered candle – stick it in an give it a twist. Er, so to speak.
Oh, Jeez! And cut the power at the BREAKER, don’t just turn the switch off!
YMMV: The candle sounds like a better “twister.” You should use a flashlight, too. Don’t screw around with electricity in the dark (or even during broad daylight - That shit’ll kill you).
I always just grab whatever is left of the bulb with a pair of (insulated) pliars. I like the potato idea though. First cannons, now an electrical tool. Who knew they were good for so much more than just eating?
Thanks to all who replied.
For anyone who’s paralyzed with worry about my lighing situation, rest assured; the candle technique proved quite sufficient. Now, if only I could fit a futon and a fridger in here, I wouldn’t need the rest of my apartment.
I also use needle nose pliers when this happens. I grab the edge of the metal part of the broken bulb and bend it in towards the center (this gives me a better grip with less slippage) and then twist it out. Sometimes there’s some sort of corrosion sticking the light bulb shell to the socket (which plays a role in the glass separating from the metal shell). In this case, I use the pliers to bend as much of the shell away from the socket as I can, and then twist it out.
Second the call for safety; switch off the power at the fuse box, not just the wall switch; even if your house is correctly wired there can be live wires at the ceiling rose when the wall switch is turned off.
I’d suggest a big lump of blu-tack (or whatever your local equivalent is called - that stretchy sticky putty used to affix posters to the wall).