How To: Remove a Broken Light Bulb from the Socket

Use this safe and easy technique next time you need to replace a shattered light bulb.

You Will Need

• Needle-nose pliers
• Work gloves
• Safety glasses
• Electrical tape (optional)

WARNING

Working with electricity is dangerous. Be extremely careful and, if you have any doubts, contact a professional.

Step 1: Turn Off Electricity

Unplug a lamp from the wall plug. For a permanent fixture, shut off the circuit breaker.

Step 2: Insert Pliers into Fixture

Wearing your gloves and safety glasses, insert your needle-nose pliers into the rim of the light bulb.

For added friction, wrap electrical tape around the ends of your pliers.

Step 3: Unscrew Bulb

Spread the pliers' handles apart so that the ends push out against the inner wall of the light bulb. Turn the pliers counter-clockwise to unscrew the bulb.

If you're having trouble extracting the bulb using the needle-nose pliers, try using a raw potato to unscrew the bulb.

Step 4: Discard Bulb

Discard the broken bulb and screw in the new bulb firmly, but not forcefully.

Step 5: Turn on Power

Turn the power back on or plug the fixture back into the wall, and let there be light!

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) use approximately 75% less energy than conventional incandescent bulbs.