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Handyman Tip to Remove Bulb Base

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Here is a simple handyman tip when you have broken a light bulb and need to remove the base of the bulb which is still in the fixture’s socket.

Make sure the power is off before you start anything. Ideally, if there is any space between the base of the bulb and the fixture’s socket, you could get needle-nose pliers in there to physically grab the base of the bulb. Now just by grabbing it, you may not be able to unscrew it. So if you can use another set of pliers to grab the other side of the base you are in business. You want the pliers to be on opposite sides of the bulb’s base and then move them counter-clockwise in unison.

You can also try using a single pair of pliers or wire cutters (even scissors might work) to create enough friction on the inside of the base to unscrew it. Close the pliers, place them inside the base of the bulb and then open them until they contact the interior of the base. You will want to keep pressure on them which in turn places pressure on the base. Now turn the pliers counter-clockwise. With any luck you will be able to get the base turning, and finally be able to unscrew it from the socket.