How to Remove a Broken Light Bulb from the Socket

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Use this safe and easy technique next time you need to replace a shattered light bulb.

Warning
Working with electricity is dangerous. Be extremely careful and, if you have any doubts, contact a professional.

Step 1: Turn off electricity
Unplug a lamp from the wall plug. For a permanent fixture, shut off the circuit breaker.

Step 2: Insert pliers into fixture
Wearing your gloves and safety glasses, insert your needle-nose pliers into the rim of the light bulb.

Tip
For added friction, wrap electrical tape around the ends of your pliers.

Step 3: Unscrew bulb
Spread the pliers’ handles apart so that the ends push out against the inner wall of the light bulb. Turn the pliers counter-clockwise to unscrew the bulb.

Tip
If you’re having trouble extracting the bulb using the needle-nose pliers, try using a raw potato to unscrew the bulb.

Step 4: Discard bulb
Discard the broken bulb and screw in the new bulb firmly, but not forcefully.

Step 5: Turn on power
Turn the power back on or plug the fixture back into the wall, and let there be light!

Did You Know?
Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) use approximately 75% less energy than conventional incandescent bulbs.