Handyman question-stuck lightbulb

[RoyalTenenbaum]

My dad is not much of handyman, so I am turning to you guys. I have one of those recessed can lights with a stuck bulb. The can is mere millimeters larger than the flood light. Anyone got any suggestions short of busting the sucker out. If busting the bulb is the only options, suggestions there would be good too. Thanks in advance.

 

[42769vette]

you can always bust the bulb then stick a potato in there to twist out the remander of the bulb

 

[rockhopper46038]

Try a small plunger first

 

[mrjarrell]

You can try to use a suction cup of some sort. That's a pretty normal way of getting them out. Busting it should be your last choice. If you do go that route make sure the power's off at the box, not just the switch.

 

[slimplmbr]

Try getting a good suction cup stuck to the bulb and twisting it out. Thats what worked when it happened here. Sometimes trying to tighten the bulb a little will break it free and it will loosen easier.

 

[Suprtek]

I just cut the power (at the box like mrjarrell said) then go ahead and break it so I can grab the edge of the base with needle-nose pliers.

 

[RoyalTenenbaum]

I just cut the power (at the box like mrjarrell said) then go ahead and break it so I can grab the edge of the base with needle-nose pliers.

I figured that is what it would come to... It is a shame the plunger didn't work. Thanks for the suggestions guys.

 

[Woodsman]

Is the bulb incandescent or compact fluorescent? You don't want to break the compact fluorescent due to the mercury content.

 

[renegade]

Try the little rubber pads that people use to open stuck jars.

 

[RoyalTenenbaum]

Is the bulb incandescent or compact fluorescent? You don't want to break the compact fluorescent due to the mercury content.

Incandescent

 

[radar8756]

Wrap your fingers with duct tape to get a good grip on it.

or you can put the Duct Tape on the bulb itself (going around the edge)

If you have a can close in size ... duct tape it to the bulb (around the edge) ... then turn the Can


Power off for either choice

 

[bigus_D]

I've used the potato and needle nose pliers tricks both with equal success.

Note: don't eat the potato after using it for this purpose... for that matter, don't eat the pliers either.

 

[indyjoe]

If you do have to break it, I've used a length of pvc or any tube slightly larger diameter for recessed lighting and breaking with a broomstick, if controlling all the glass is a problem. (This was in a location where it would be hard to pick up pieces if they wandered.)

 

[Mike H]

Well, how did it go...get it out yet?