How to unscrew a broken light bulb from its socket: three ways. What to do if the light bulb does not come out of the socket? How to unscrew a burnt out light bulb hanging by a thread

Many in their lives have encountered a situation where, for certain reasons, a light bulb broke or burst in the base. This situation is unpleasant because now it is necessary to somehow remove the damaged light bulb and replace it with a working one.

Lamp burst in base

This article will be devoted to a safe and simple way to remove the remains of a light bulb.

Process Features

The situation in which the bulb base remains screwed in, and its glass bulb is very damaged, is most typical for incandescent lamps. To unscrew it with your own hands correctly and quickly, and also to avoid electrical injury, you need to know the following nuances:

  • First of all, you need to turn off the electricity in the room. Quite often, in a situation where the working light source bursts or breaks, the machine automatically turns off the electricity in the room. Therefore, after removing its remains from the base, you will need to turn on the power to the meter;
  • You will need some tools for the job. Its use in a steam room will be the key to successfully extracting residues with your own hands;
  • To avoid damaging the skin of your hands from fragments, it is better to wear protective gloves just in case. You also need to take care of your eyes, which may get caught in small fragments during the removal process. Therefore, safety glasses will also be useful;
  • There are several extraction methods.

Note! The choice of method for unscrewing broken light bulbs depends on whether you have the necessary tools in your home.

It is worth noting that there are several options for removing a damaged light source from the base. Let's look at each of them in more detail.

Method with electricity turned on

This method does not involve turning off the power. Here your actions will look like this:

  • Unscrew the cap of a plastic bottle;
  • melt the edges of its neck with a lighter until soft;

Note! During the melting process, do not touch the edges with your hands, otherwise you may get burned.

Bottle neck melting

  • after that, insert the prepared bottle with the neck into the base of the broken light bulb and wait about 20 seconds;
  • Now you can safely unscrew the cartridge.
  • In this case, when turning on the light, you must turn away from the light source. If the new light bulb is faulty, when it is turned on, it may blink very brightly and stop working. Such a flash can illuminate you for a while if your gaze was directed at it at that moment.
  • As you can see, this method is quite simple to implement with your own hands. The main thing here is to carefully handle the neck of the bottle without getting burned.
  • But this method is still rarely used, since it is preferable to turn off the electricity in order to 100% prevent electrical injury.

Safe twisting options

First, it is necessary to touch upon a situation where it is unlikely to be possible without outside help. As a rule, problems arise when there is a closed-type light source. In such a situation, the base often burns to the cartridge contacts.

Melted cartridge

And here you cannot always do everything yourself, since the risk of electrical injury or damage to the cartridge is very high. In this case, all you have to do is call a professional electrician.
Now let's talk about safe twisting options. The first of them is with the help of special means. To remove the base of damaged lamps, there are special tools, as in the photo.

Special tool

You can also use regular long-nose pliers or thin-nose pliers, which are usually found in your home tool kit.
You need to work with them as follows:

  • using the selected tool (a type of pliers), grab the edge of the base of the base;
  • bend its edge slightly inward. This will ensure a good grip;
  • Then, using gentle movements, slowly unscrew the base from the socket.

Note! When unscrewing, pieces of the base may break off. It's OK. Just grab the tool somewhere else.
This method allows you to quickly and efficiently remove the remaining light source from the socket.

In addition to tools, the most common medium-sized raw potato can be an excellent helper. The main thing is that it is clean and dry. There is no need to clean the skin. It is used very simply:

  • cut off the top;
  • place it on the remains of the lamp;
  • unscrew it.

That's all.

Conclusion

Using various tools and even potatoes, you can easily remove the remains of a burst or broken light bulb from the socket with your own hands. The main thing is to turn off the power to the room before work.


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Wear gloves and goggles for safety. Always wear thick gloves to avoid cuts from broken glass. Better yet, wear them over rubber or protective gloves. This will protect you from electric shock in case the power turns on while you are working. Glasses should protect your eyes from small glass fragments. This is especially important if the light bulb is mounted somewhere near the ceiling.

Remove any debris from the floor. They can be removed with a broom, rag or vacuum cleaner. Scoop up the pieces with a dustpan and throw them in the trash. Smaller pieces can be collected using thick paper or cardboard. And if the fragments are so small that they resemble dust, you can collect them with tape.

Place an object so that the remaining glass shards fall on it and not on the floor. If the light bulb is still susceptible to splinters or if it is fixed under the ceiling, hold this object under it and much less glass will fall to the floor, which will make cleaning much easier.

Unplug the lamp if it is plugged into an outlet. If the light bulb is broken, all you need to do to turn off the power is unplug the power cord from the outlet.

If the light bulb is fixed directly to the wall or ceiling, then turn off the power to that part of your home. Find an electrical panel with fuses or circuit breakers and turn off the power to the area of ​​the house where your light bulb is located. If you have a fuse on the panel, then unscrew it, and if there is a switch, then change its position to “off”.

  • If the panel does not indicate which part of the house each of the fuses or switches is responsible for, then it is better to turn everything off. Even if you have several electrical panels at home, you should not think that the one closest to the room with the light bulb is responsible for it.
  • If there is no natural light in the room with the light bulb, then find a flashlight in advance.
  • Try unscrewing the base counterclockwise. Your hands should always be wearing thick gloves that can protect you from cuts. And rubber gloves will protect you from electric shocks, which are unlikely, but can still happen even when the power is turned off due to improper wiring.

    Use needle nose pliers for extra strength and precision. With these you can safely grip the plinth. Using pliers, you will be able to apply more force when unscrewing the light bulb than if you simply unscrew it with your fingers. Always unscrew counterclockwise.

    Try placing the ends of the pliers on the inside of the plinth if you can't get around the outside of the plinth. Spread the ends of the pliers so that they rest against the inner walls of the base and twist counterclockwise.

    If the above methods don't work, grab a screwdriver. Insert the end of a small flat-head screwdriver between the base and the socket. And with a smooth, gentle force, bend the edge of the base inward, enough so that you can grab it well with pliers. Now try to twist it.

    When unscrewing it from the socket, the light bulb sometimes bursts. This is an unpleasant situation, since the lamp will still have to be taken out. This article will discuss how to unscrew a broken light bulb from its socket.

    Causes of the problem

    A lamp in a socket can burst for several reasons:

    1. Sudden voltage drop. In this case, sharp fragments remain in the base. You should be careful when dismantling to avoid injury.
    2. Careless twisting. Excessive force during dismantling is associated not only with carelessness, but also with rust that has formed inside the cartridge. It interferes with twisting. If you put in a little more effort than necessary, the light bulb will burst.
    3. Manufacturing defects.

    Removing the remaining light bulbs should be done very carefully. There is no need to rush anywhere to avoid cutting yourself on pieces of glass or a broken cartridge.

    Solutions

    Before starting work, it is necessary to turn off the power to the lighting fixture. If the wiring was installed with several inputs, the power supply can only be turned off in a specific area. If this is not possible, you will need to disconnect the entire apartment. You should not rely on the switch of a lighting device that has become unusable, since its power supply may initially be incorrectly arranged and interrupt not a phase, but a zero. To illuminate the work area, you will need an autonomous light source (flashlight, mobile phone, candle, etc.).

    Note! The remaining intact central tube in the base will have to be broken before dismantling work.

    There are several options for solving the problem of a broken light bulb socket:

    Pliers

    Use pliers to pry up the edge of the base (without touching the cartridge itself). Rotate this element counterclockwise. Metal often sticks due to rust. In this case, treat the damaged surface with cologne or other alcohol-containing liquid. We wait a few minutes for the rust to soak. After this, we continue to unscrew the part. There is also a method in which the pliers are inserted inside and unclenched, which allows you to unscrew the base.

    Disassembly

    This method is not suitable for new types of ceramic products. However, the method works in the case of carbolite elements, since they can be disassembled. We unscrew the cartridge very carefully, supporting the base with one hand. We remove the cylinder, dividing it into two parts. As a result, a “skirt” remains in your hands, in which the base is located. Now it will be easier to work, since manipulations are carried out not under a suspended ceiling, but on the “ground” - in a convenient mode.

    Plastic bottle

    Heat a regular plastic bottle over an open flame until it melts. Work carefully as otherwise the hot plastic will come into contact with your skin. We direct the heated neck of the bottle into the metal base. We wait for the plastic to harden, and then pull the light bulb out of the socket. The plastic acts as a kind of hook due to the ability of the semi-liquid material to penetrate small cracks and irregularities.

    Champagne cork

    This method repeats the principle described above. Lightly sharpen the edges of the cork with a knife, removing the chamfer. Then insert the plug into the base of the lamp. Next, slowly unscrew the base so that you can then pull it out.

    Potato

    This method is especially relevant when glass shards protrude from the base. Cut one potato into two parts. We take one of them in our hand and “put” it on pieces of glass. After this, unscrew the base.

    other methods

    If the base does not unscrew, we use additional options:

    1. Dry rag or newspaper. We twist the material to make it denser. We direct the twist into the cartridge and take out the base.
    2. Special tool. This is the easiest way to unscrew the base. However, to implement it you will need to buy a special device in the store that looks like a clothespin.
    3. Scissors. We insert the scissors into the base. We open the tool so that the sharp edges catch the stuck part. Unscrew the base.
    4. We cut the base into fragments and take them out separately.

    Ways to avoid trouble

    To avoid getting into a situation where you have to look for a way to remove the base, it is recommended to adhere to the following rules:

    1. Do not install light bulbs whose power is greater than the power of the socket or lighting device. The higher the current in the lighting equipment and the brighter the light, the more thermal energy is released during its operation. As a result, the likelihood of lamp rupture increases.
    2. The lamp should “sit” tightly in the socket, but still, when screwing it in, you should not be too zealous.
    3. It is recommended to buy light bulbs from trustworthy sellers. Cheapness most often results in low-quality goods.

    So, there is nothing difficult in unscrewing a broken light bulb from its socket. It is only important to work carefully and follow safety rules.

    Many people change light bulbs and do not even suspect that for some this simple procedure can turn into quite a big problem. “How to unscrew a light bulb?” – This question is often asked by those who are faced with a problem when a light bulb gets stuck or bursts right in the socket. The reasons for a light bulb failure can be different: it can become rusty, stick, or simply break. You need to carefully remove a broken light bulb, otherwise the lighting fixture can be damaged in such a way that repairing it will be extremely problematic.

    4 ways: how to remove the base from a light bulb

    It often happens that when you try to replace a lamp, you discover that it cannot be unscrewed. There can be several reasons for a light bulb to break. One of the reasons may be the poor quality of the lighting device itself. Manufacturers often skimp on components by using poor quality materials.

    The reason that the light bulb does not unscrew from the socket may be poor electrical contact where the thread connects.


    The problem of the inability to remove the light bulb from the socket can be prevented. To do this, you need to follow the rules for installing and dismantling the light bulb. It is important that the light bulb is screwed in according to the power of the lighting fixture. The light bulb should be screwed tightly into the socket, but so that it can be easily unscrewed.

    How to remove the base:

    • For safety, the first thing you need to do is wrap the light bulb (if it is whole) with a soft cloth.
    • If the thread is stuck, you can move it using a special spray or, if it is not available, an alcohol deodorant. Sprinkle the solution on the place where the light bulb is stuck and wait until the thread is covered with this substance. After this, you need to try to remove the light bulb again.
    • If the light bulb bursts, you first need to get rid of the sharp fragments. You can remove the base using pliers or round nose pliers. The base must be opened with pliers and unscrewed. You need to unscrew it clockwise.
    • You can unscrew the base using a screwdriver, a wine stopper, or a wad of folded thick paper.

    The main thing is to try to open the base. This technique will allow you to grasp the object well and fix it. An interesting way to unscrew the base is to use a plastic bottle. The neck of the bottle must first be heated and then inserted into the base. This simple trick will allow you to unscrew a light bulb that is stuck in the base.

    How to unscrew a light bulb if it's stuck

    Many people don’t think about the fact that problems can arise when unscrewing a light bulb. However, experience shows that it is not always possible to simply remove the light bulb due to its breakage or deformation of the lighting fixture. You can cope with the problem yourself if you know what tools and techniques to use.

    Before you begin the operation of unscrewing a stuck light bulb, you need to make sure that safety precautions are fully observed.

    The place where repair work is being carried out must be completely de-energized. To ensure complete safety, turn off the electricity by turning off the circuit breaker. For ease of work, it is necessary to install a stable table or stepladder.

    How to unscrew a light bulb that is stuck:

    • Prepare the main tool: thin-lipped pliers.
    • Knock down all the insides that will interfere with getting to the cartridge.
    • Using pliers, try to gently crush the metal of the base inward. Different parts of the base need to be crushed a little bit in different places.


    This method can be called radical, since without proper care the base can be trusted. During work, it is important to pay attention to the fact that it is not the lamp that needs to be held, but the socket itself, otherwise it may spin. If all actions were done correctly, the twisted metal will fall out, releasing the cartridge.

    What to do if a light bulb in a chandelier explodes

    Anyone can unscrew a light bulb, provided it is intact and accessible. But many people become confused when the lamp in the chandelier bursts. Removing the residue is dangerous, as careless movement can cause cuts. It is convenient to remove the remaining glass and unscrew the base using pliers that have pointed ends.

    Users often have a question: “Which direction should I turn?” – Fix the pliers on the metal part and then turn it counterclockwise.

    Another way to unscrew a lamp that has burst is to use electrical tape. A ball is rolled out of it so that the sticky side is at the top, and then placed in the center and pressed tightly. When the light bulb sticks well, you need to try to pull it out.

    An easy way to get a light bulb:

    • Cut the potato in half.
    • Press half of the potato onto the light bulb.
    • When the edges of the broken light bulb cut into the root vegetable, the light bulb can be unscrewed.

    If a light bulb breaks, you first need to take care of your own safety. Do not unscrew the light bulb until all broken insides have been removed. There are many ways to unscrew a broken light bulb; if one doesn’t work, you can always try another.

    If a light bulb suddenly bursts, don't panic. It can be easily replaced if you know in what order to act and what tools to use. A light bulb can burst for many reasons. Its shelf life may have expired, perhaps there was a voltage drop or the light bulb was of poor quality.


    Before attempting to unscrew the light bulb, you must completely cut off the power to the lighting line.

    A simple solution for unscrewing the cartridge is to use pliers. In this case, you need to grab the base as carefully as possible, otherwise there is a risk of damage. It is important to note that the entire operation will take place with the lights off, so you need to take care of a flashlight in advance.

    How to unscrew a light bulb:

    • Take a plastic bottle.
    • Melt the neck of the bottle.
    • Insert the melted part into the base and leave for a quarter of an hour.
    • The bottle should be turned counterclockwise.

    This technique will keep the cartridge safe and sound. A broken lamp can be pulled out easily with a wad of newspaper or duct tape. When unscrewing, you should not make sudden movements - everything should happen smoothly and accurately. Interestingly, most often the light bulb breaks due to the fact that the base is stuck. You can prevent the base from boiling - this will greatly simplify the task of unscrewing the lamp if necessary. To do this, before installing the light bulb, you need to outline the base with graphite. Graphite will not allow the base to boil.

    How to properly unscrew a light bulb (video)

    Many have not encountered the problem when all attempts to unscrew a light bulb end in failure. But many also panic when they cannot remove the lamp from the base. How the light bulb is screwed in largely determines how it can be removed. You can unscrew a stuck or burst light bulb in many ways yourself. Before choosing the appropriate method, it is important to ask the question: “Why did the light bulb burst or get stuck?” At all stages of work, it is important to remember safety precautions.

    During the operation of lighting devices, situations often arise when the light bulb fails. If they simply burn out, then there are no difficulties - just unscrew them and replace them with new ones. Although it is advisable to understand the reasons for what happened. The situation is more complicated when the product explodes or is simply damaged. We will tell you what to do if a light bulb breaks in this article.

    Causes of damage

    Any electrical appliance must be operated with the utmost caution. But not in every case this is ensured 100%. So why do light bulbs burst? There may be several reasons:

    • Manufacturing defect. Violations can be made both on the flask itself and in the design of the base.
    • Increased voltage in the network. Incandescent lamps can operate above the standard voltage, for example up to 230 V. But large surges can cause damage. This is especially true if deviations are regular.
    • Problems in the contact part of the cartridge or in the switch. Often accompanied by extraneous sounds and flickering.
    • Violation of the integrity of wire connections, violations made during wiring installation.
    • Network overload with electrical appliances consuming a lot of electricity.
    • Increased vibrations and mechanical damage.
    • Operation in conditions of high humidity or temperature changes.

    The result of such phenomena can be the situation shown in the photo, when a light bulb bursts.


    There is a problem: where to start?

    Any problem with the electrical wiring system in the house is dangerous and fraught with consequences. After all, the matter may not end with damage to one lighting fixture.

    Therefore, if light bulbs burn out and explode regularly, then it is advisable to seek help from specialists or test the wiring yourself. Provided you have the appropriate skills and experience.

    If a light bulb breaks, you must follow safety rules. The most important thing is to turn off the power automatically, take your time and don’t panic. After all, even with a broken bulb, you can remove the base from the cartridge. There are many ways to do this. But personal safety must be ensured.


    The question often arises of how to unscrew the socket if a light bulb bursts. Solving the problem is not fraught with any particular difficulties - all the necessary actions are carried out independently. The only thing is that all your actions must be careful. After all, in the process of manipulation you can easily damage the cartridge.

    Well, be sure to take care of the source of emergency lighting. After all, working in the dark is not very convenient, and even dangerous. Therefore, a bright flashlight will greatly help you when replacing a light bulb.

    How to unscrew a lamp with minimal effort

    If a light bulb burns out or explodes, what is the first thing to do? If the lamp is intact, it is necessary to turn off the power to the chandelier and allow the lamp to cool. For greater safety and to avoid damage, wrap the flask with a soft, non-slip cloth and carefully begin to unscrew it. Do not use excessive force, as the flask can easily burst.

    Let's look at the best ways to unscrew a socket and a broken light bulb. At the very beginning, you need to use pliers to break off the fragments of the flask to eliminate the possibility of injury. Then, using pliers with narrow and elongated jaws, clamp the edge of the base and slowly begin to unscrew.

    There is no need to rush, as there is a high risk of damaging the cartridge. If you do not make sudden movements, the manipulation will be successful and the burst lamp will be removed.

    You can do it differently. The pliers should be inserted into the base and opened, pressing the jaws against the inner surface. After this, with a little effort, begin to twist it in the desired direction.

    There are several other ways to properly unscrew the base with your own hands. You can take a regular plastic bottle with a small neck. The neck must be heated so that it begins to melt. After this, it should be placed in the cartridge and allowed to cool, secured to the base. Gently rotating the bottle, we begin to unscrew the base.

    There is another simple method that does not require special equipment. After all, it’s enough to find a medium or large-sized potato. It is cut into two parts. Take one half and carefully insert it into the base. Firmly held fragments of the bulb or the edge of the base penetrate inside the potato. After the lamp body is fixed, you can begin to unscrew it.

    Instead of potatoes, you can use a bar of soap. To begin with, the block should be slightly softened at the surface so that the body penetrates into it more easily. Well, then carry out the manipulations similarly to the previous method.

    Without forgetting the safety rules, you can use other available means. For example, insulating tape collected in a lump with the adhesive layer facing out or ordinary newspaper will do. They are carefully inserted into the damaged base and gradually rotated counterclockwise.

    A burst lamp is not a big problem if the situation is handled competently, in compliance with safety rules and our recommendations. You can choose any method that will avoid injuries and damage. But do not forget to turn off the power to the lamp in advance.

    Photo instructions on how to unscrew a broken light bulb

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