And don’t I feel like an idiot.
I tried to change a lightbulb, but when I unscrewed the old lightbulb from the fixture, the metal band at the base of the lightbulb (the part with the threads) remained in the light fixture, and now I can’t figure out how to get it out, or if I’m going to be electrocuted doing it.
Ideas?
This happens, occasionally. What I’ve done (after making completely sure that no power is going to the fixture) is either to stick my fingers in the bulb base and turn it from the inside, or bend it slightly at one side and turn it with a pair of needlenose pliers.
Just a WAG, but I’d unplug it, move it as far away from an outlet as possible, and turn the outlet off anyways (can never be too safe, ya know!) or if it’s in a fixed light fixture, just turn off the switch (and maybe the breaker to the room)
Then I’d grab some pliers and twist it outta there!
*Disclaimer - do not take advice from the guy who tried to rewire his laundry dryer while it was plugged in :eek: (only once, and it hurt)
Brendon
Turn off the power to the light socket.
Shut off the circuit breaker if you know which one.
Treat the outlet as if it is still powered. (show extreme care)
If you have well insulated pliers or needle nose pliers use these to slowly unscrew the broken bulb.
Alternately read this very humorous related thread:
Tool for extracting a broken light bulb?
Jim
If you can’t get a grip and get it out with needlenose pliars, then just grab a potato (raw, of course), jam it into the bulb screw, and rotate it. With any luck it will unscrew and come out.
What you then do with the potato is up to you. 
Oh yeah, do you know the difference between a pregnant blonde and a light bulb?
You can unscrew the bulb.
Done it. Been there. I have an outside light that I will have to do this with.
Make SURE the power is off. Even then wear shoes to help prevent grounding. I’ve been hit by 110v a couple of dozen times and I don’t think it’s that big of a deal, some people do.
The lowly potato. Carve it such that you can stick it in the offending bulb, then really jam it in there. And un-screw the potato.
I usually just unplug it an dig it/screw it out with a screw driver. That works too.
Make sure the swtch is off. It might not hurt to spray some WD 40 or other spray libricant around the threads. Wipe the treads after you get the base out. Don’t touch the fine wires coming out of the center of the part. Use a needlenose plier. Actually your chance of getting hurt is virtually non-existent. The outside ring of the base with the threads on it is the neutral line which is never very far in voltage from the floor you are standing on.
Or, if you are really antsy about it (and there is nothing wrong with that), call an electrician.
Just came in to mention, and I guess now, second the light bulb.
Although home repair + me = near certain probability of injury, I am intrigued by the potato concept. Especially because I don’t have needle-nose pliers, let alone well-insulated ones.
Farewell, cruel world. If I don’t log back on, you’ll know it’s because the potato thing doesn’t work.
Oh boy, here we go again.
How many Dopers does it take to change a lightbulb?
It’s been 22 minutes, I am getting nervous, should we call 911?
Jim 
Success! The potato was a dismal, drippy failure. I achieved success using my homemade needle nose pliers, a set of tweezers that I used to bend the metal thingie until my pliers could grip it.
The potato, on the other hand, didn’t seem to be able to get a grip. Maybe if there had been any glass left, the potato could have gripped the glass. But as it is, the potato just dripped potato juice and sat there like a lump of potato.
My only injury is a scrape on my foot from stepping over an obstacle to reach the fuse box. As much of a whiny baby as I am, I don’t think it merits 911. 
Thanks for the quick and helpful advice, everyone.
Previous amusing thread on the subject.
(see post #4)
OK, you’ve forced me to answer my own joke.
Apparently several dozen, and a potato.
A threaded-end broomstick works quite well, too, especially if the lightbulb is in the ceiling.
-NB
Sixteen, but they have to want to change.
Cite?
You’re not supposed to use mashed potatoes. Jeez.
For future reference
A carrot is a much better implement than a potato for this purpose.
I would recommend turning the mains off for this job. But where I live the voltage is 240V, which is a big deal if it happens to zap you. Very uncomfortable and even worse if you can’t let go of the carrot and get zapped for an extended period of time.