How to Get a Busted Light Bulb Out

Stuck bulbs are a potentially harmful problem. Not only is there broken glass and exposed electrical filament, but the danger of electrocution while extracting the bulb is ever present. Removing the bulb with your hands should be avoided at all costs. Effectively removing a broken bulb from its socket requires some basic tools and an attention to safety.

Pliers
Broom

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off the circuit in the fuse box supplying power to the socket containing the broken bulb. If you don't know which switch is the correct one, turn them all off.
- 2
  Place the pliers into the base of the bulb, then open the end inside the bulb. Place as much pressure as you can with the pliers onto the inside walls of the base.
- 3
  Rotate the pliers counterclockwise to loosen the base from the socket. If the pliers slip, reposition them and apply more force to the base walls.
- 4
  Turn the base until it is loosened enough to fall out.
- 5
  Throw the broken bulb away and clean up any glass that has fallen from the socket, using a broom.

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