Removing Old Recessed Lighting from a Soffit

Turn off the breaker powering the recessed light. Set a stepladder beneath the soffit, directly below the light.

Twist the light bulb counterclockwise until it releases from the light socket.

Look inside the opening left by the light bulb to find the retention springs holding the trim ring in place. Grab one spring with a pair of needle-nose pliers. Push the end of the spring up to release it from the recessed light housing. Remove the remaining springs. Lower the trim ring and set it aside.

Turn the screws located inside the wall of the recessed light housing counterclockwise, using a flat-head screwdriver. Set the screws aside. Slide the blade of a razor knife between the outside edge of the housing and the drywall. Continue around the entire housing.

Pull the housing out slowly until it slips from the soffit. Push the housing aside. Follow the wire from the top or side of the housing until you locate the junction box mounted in the soffit. Turn the screws holding the cover to the box counterclockwise with a Phillips screwdriver until the cover is loose. Slide the cover off the box.

Remove the wire nuts connecting the recessed light housing to the electrical box by turning them counterclockwise until loose. Pull the wires apart. Set the recessed light aside. Twist one wire nut clockwise onto the end of each junction box wire.