Removing Broken Light Bulbs

Use a cut potato to grab and pull a broken light bulb out of its socket to avoid cutting oneself.

By blterri

Editor's Note: The first thing you should do is make sure the light is turned off or lamp is unplugged. One thing you can do that's even better than a potato is crumple up newspaper into a tight ball and use that to turn and unscrew the broken light bulb. The ball of newspaper won't contain as much water as a potato does.

Answers:

Removing Broken Light Bulbs

Something else that works well is a thick sponge. I found this out when I had no potatoes (didn't even consider newspaper.). Anyone have any other ideas for things to use for this?

Terry (03/15/2005)

By terry

Remove a Broken Light Bulb

If a light bulb breaks off in the socket while trying to remove it, use a small raw potato to remove the broken bulb. Lightly push the potato on the broken end of the bulb and turn to unscrew.

This is much easier and safer than using metal pliers to remove it and risk getting cut or electrocuted. Always turn off the circuit breaker when changing a ceiling bulb and pull the power plug on a lamp. An apple might work as well, though I have only used potatoes. This is a great trick.

By hedrivesz (03/23/2005)

By ThriftyFun

Removing Broken Light Bulbs

Another thing you can try is using a new light bulb to unscrew the old broken socket, it works great when the broken socket is screwed on tight (02/17/2006)

By Vanessa A.

Removing Broken Light Bulbs

Another object you can use to take out a broken light bulb is a bar of soap. Just insert the edge of soap and twist, but make sure the bar of soap is dry. (06/01/2008)