I suppose you have heard of the old potato trick. Cut a potato in half, push it into the bulb base, and twist it out. Does it really work? I guess it could, though I must admit (sigh) that I never tried it.
SAFETY FIRST!!
1) First make sure the electric power is off. If you are not sure which circuit the fixture is on, turn off all power circuits.2) Lay down a pieces of paper to catch any broken glass from the old bulb.
3) Wear Leather gloves (preferred) if you have to touch the broken bulb base.
4) Wear eye protection, especially if you are working on an overhead fixture.
There are two ways to take out the bulb's base...
Way 1
- Using both your hands, insert the pliers as far into the broken base as you can.
- Spread the pliers handles apart, exerting force against the sides of the bulb base with the tips of the pliers, and rotate the pliers counter-clockwise.
- Continue turning until the base is out. If you meet resistance, turn base back in slightly and then back out. The idea is to remove the broken bulb base, not break the fixture.
Way 2
- CAREFULLY insert a small screwdriver or awl (a long pointed spike) between the bulb base and the socket. Bend the bulb base SLIGHTLY INWARD, just enough to allow the needlenose pliers to get a grip.
- Hold the pliers firmly and begin to turn the base out, counterclockwise. You will probably meet some resistance. When you do, turn the base back in slightly, then out again. The trick is to work the base out, not break the fixture.
Be Gentle... DON'T OVER-TIGHTEN YOUR BULBS
If you follow this simple, commonsense guideline, you will probably never have to remove another broken bulb (unless you do it for other people)!
When you replace a bulb, turn the bulb in just until you feel slight resistance. Turn the switch on. If the bulb lights without flickering, you are DONE. Do not turn the bulb any further!
If bulb has not lit, turn switch back off, turn bulb a quarter turn, and try again. Do this until the bulb lights. Never screw in a bulb so tightly that it bottoms out.
