Removing Broken Light Bulbs

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Just tried bjshu2's suggestion about the duct tape on the broom handle and it worked immediately! Had tried everything else and about ready to give up when came across this post. Thank you so much.
Fastsaint

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bjshu2

I just removed the broken off light bulb in a light socket in my kitchen. I tried the potato hint first and that didn't work. Then I tried the pliers method and that didn't work too well since I had to turn off the power to be safe and it was too dark to see what I was doing. Then I found a neat hint about using tape on the end of a broom handle and this worked great. Just wrap some duct tape, sticky side out, around the end of the broom handle, stick it up into the socket and turn counterclockwise. The broken part came right out. Hope this helps you, too.

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grammyjoan

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.

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Monique63

I was going to recommend the potato method too. Tried and tested here too. Glad someone beat me to it :)
Monique

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jadrey

Just had to say "thank you" for the tip of using a new light bulb to remove the old broken one. It worked perfectly!

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quiltmum

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.

Use a cut potato to grab and pull a broken light bulb out of its socket to avoid cutting oneself.