I agree with the cut potato. Just cut the potato in half and press the cut side up into what is left of the bulb (the metal part). Slowly turn to unscrew it.
I haven't done this in a while, but here is a way to do it. First disconnect the power to your light, i.e. fuse, breaker etc. That is very important! Do not attempt to do anything before doing this. Take a peeled potato and jam it up into the socket. The potato grabs the piece of light bulb left in there and you should be able to turn it all the way out. Clean the socket well before turning the electricity on again and insert a new light bulb.
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Request: Removing Broken Light Bulbs (09/19/2009)
Use a cut potato to grab and pull a broken light bulb out of its socket to avoid cutting oneself.
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Request: Removing Broken Light Bulbs
Archived on 09/19/2009
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.
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RE: 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?
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)
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.
RE: 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)
