Apply the damp rag to the rusted surface, and let sit for several hours, occasionally rewetting the rag with vinegar. When done, use a rag, a plastic scrubber, or steel wool to wipe or scrub away as much loose rust as you can. Scrub the light socket using a baking soda paste.
How to remove a broken light bulb?
Hold the pliers open and turn them counter-clockwise and the base of the bulb should begin to unscrew. For added grip, you can wrap the tips of the pliers with electrical tape. A potato could be your friend in the battle to remove a broken light bulb. One of the oldest tricks in the book is to simply use a raw potato.
How do you fix a broken light fixture base?
To avoid damaging the light fixture's metal screw-shell lamp holder, bend the metal rim slightly inward and twist out the 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.
How do you remove a stuck Cork from a light bulb?
Hold the cork up to the bulb and apply pressure so that the rough edges of the bulb stick to the cork. Then, simply remove the bulb as you normally would by twisting the cork/bulb base in a counter-clockwise direction until the bulb pops out.
How to remove rust from a light socket?
How to Remove Rust From a Light Socket. 1 Step 1. Unplug the light fixture or disconnect the circuit breaker to cut power. Whenever you are working with an electrical fixture or appliance, be ... 2 Step 2. 3 Step 3. 4 Step 4. 5 Step 5. More items
How do you fix a lightbulb that is stuck in the socket?
1:003:50How to Remove a Broken Light Bulb Base from a Socket - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI'm just going to apply a little pressure. And just try it twist it keep it loose. It's Mike if it'sMoreI'm just going to apply a little pressure. And just try it twist it keep it loose. It's Mike if it's a really stuck it is wiggling.
Can you use wd40 on Stuck light bulbs?
Turn off the electrical supply source at the circuit breaker before attempting to remove a broken or stuck light bulb. Do not spray WD-40 or other lubricant into the light socket, as it may damage electricals behind the light.
How do you get a stuck light bulb out of a ceiling?
Grip the handles between your thumb and forefinger and give them a quick twist in a counterclockwise direction. That should loosen the bulb so you can easily spin it out the rest of the way.
How do I lubricate a light bulb?
0:372:16How to Apply Bulb Grease & Why it's Important • Cars Simplified: ElectricalYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOne you can get because they are all the same when you go to apply it to a bulb make sure you do notMoreOne you can get because they are all the same when you go to apply it to a bulb make sure you do not touch a glass part with your fingers. Or the grease water kills incandescent bulbs like this.
How do you remove corrosion from a light socket?
0:332:48How to clean a suspended Light socket - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow one of the first steps is going to be taking some vinegar. And a paper towel. Just soaking it.MoreNow one of the first steps is going to be taking some vinegar. And a paper towel. Just soaking it. Up and just shoving it up in there. Then we can leave that in to soak. One tip to make sure no one
How do you remove a broken lightbulb from a high ceiling?
Hold a paper bag beneath the broken bulb and tap lightly to catch as many loose glass shards as possible. Use needle-nose pliers to grasp the metal base edge of the broken bulb and turn counterclockwise until the bulb is free.
How to fix a broken light bulb?
Cut a long piece of duct tape, and roll it back on itself to create a sticky wad about the size of your broken light bulb. Stick the wad into the center of the bulb and apply a bit of pressure, and then turn the bulb counterclockwise.
How to check if a light bulb is broken?
Light is not always an indicator of power though (and if the only bulb in the room is broken, it might not be an indicator at all), so you should check the power with a non-contact voltage detector. Grab some safety gear.
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To create this article, 9 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 89,634 times.
What is a wikihow article?
Download Article. X. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 9 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback.
What to do when you break glass?
3. Grab some safety gear. When working with broken glass and electricity, you should always wear rubber gloves; gardening or dish gloves work fine. You may also want pliers with a rubber handle, and a cloth for grabbing any broken pieces of glass.
Can you remove broken light bulbs on your own?
Rather than calling in for help, you can quite easily manage to remove the bulb on your own using a few different household items.
How to get broken light bulb out of socket?
There are two ways to try this method. First, slice a medium-sized raw potato in half , short ways. Dry off excess moisture with a paper towel, then push the cut end of the potato firmly onto the base, as deep as it will go—the glass filament support on ...
How to stop a light from being shocked?
First, thing’s first: Disconnect the electricity to avoid getting shocked. For a lamp, simply unplug it. For hard-wired lighting, flip the light switch off and disconnect the electricity to the room at the breaker or fuse box.
Can an incandescent bulb shatter?
Photo: istockphoto.com. Incandescent light bulbs are known to occasionally shatter in their fixtures —and when they do, it’s both difficult and dangerous to extract the bulb’s threaded base from the socket. Bits of broken glass and the risk of electrical shock should make anyone think twice before attempting to take out what remains of the bulb.
Can you recycle incandescent bulbs?
And unlike other types of light bulbs, such as CFLs, incandescent bulbs don’t contain hazardous toxins such mercury that needs to be disposed of and recycled carefully.
Why does my light bulb get stuck in the socket?
Often a bulb will get stuck in a light socket because corrosion build up inside the socket prevents the bulb from unscrewing freely. If the bulb sticks, carefully work the bulb back and forth, twisting both clockwise and counterclockwise to loosen the threads. Apply a bit of WD-40 to ease the process.
How to clean a light socket with vinegar?
Step 5. Scrub the light socket using a baking soda paste. This paste is made by mixing baking soda and water, adding just enough water to make a thick paste. First dry the light socket completely to prevent a reaction with the vinegar. Then, using a toothbrush or similar scrubbing tool, apply the paste and scrub.
How to clean rust off a metal table?
Soak the corroded area with white vinegar. Wet a rag or paper towels with white vinegar. Apply the damp rag to the rusted surface, and let sit for several hours, occasionally rewetting the rag with vinegar. When done, use a rag, a plastic scrubber, or steel wool to wipe or scrub away as much loose rust as you can.
How to cut off power to a light fixture?
Step 1. Unplug the light fixture or disconnect the circuit breaker to cut power. Whenever you are working with an electrical fixture or appliance, be careful. Disconnect the power first to prevent any injuries or mishaps.
What happens if a light socket is rusty?
A rusty light socket can cause all sorts of problems. Unfortunately, outdoor light sockets are frequently exposed to moisture from rain, dew, and melting snow. Add electrical current to the mix, and you've got a recipe for corrosion. A rusty light socket will diminish the flow of electricity between the socket and the bulb, ...
Who is Brian Westover?
Brian Westover is a freelance writer, editor and publication designer. He has been writing professionally since 2006, and has written for businesses, blogs, newsletters, and individuals.
How to lock a lamp with a potato?
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.
Why is my light bulb stuck in the socket?
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.
How to break a light bulb that won't turn?
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.
How to fix a broken light bulb base?
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.
What to do if a light bulb won't budge?
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.
