How to Remove Light Bulbs That Are Too Large for a Socket

by Jeffrey Jenkins

Overview

Nearly everyone has done it at one time or another--inserted the wrong size bulb into a socket. If the bulb is too small, it will usually fall right back into your hand. If the bulb is too large for the socket, however, but you attempt to jam it in anyway, you will find yourself with a stuck bulb. You can't screw it in, and you can't get it out. Here's a trick to remove a bulb that's too large for a socket that can help you avoid injuries from shattered glass.

Step 1

Turn off the light fixture.
Step 2

Put on leather work gloves and a pair of safety goggles.
Step 3

Set up a ladder or step ladder under the fixture, depending on the height of the light.
Step 4

Use a rag to grasp the light bulb, and gently turn the bulb counterclockwise in an attempt to loosen it. Continue to carefully twist the bulb until it loosens and pulls out or shatters.
Step 5

Push a raw potato into the glass if the bulb shattered and the base of the bulb is still in the fixture. Twist it to remove the remainder of the bulb. Repeat until the base comes out.
Step 6

Sweep up any broken glass with a broom and dustpan.

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Leather work gloves Safety goggles Ladder or step ladder Rag Potato Broom Dustpan
Leather work gloves
Safety goggles
Ladder or step ladder
Rag
Potato
Broom
Dustpan
If you don't have a potato, use a bar of soap to remove the the base from the light fixture.
If you don't have a potato, use a bar of soap to remove the the base from the light fixture.
Remember to turn the light fixture off when removing a stuck bulb to avoid being electrocuted.
Remember to turn the light fixture off when removing a stuck bulb to avoid being electrocuted.