Given the combination of broken glass and electricity, if If a light bulb breaks while it is still screwed into the socket of a lamp or other lighting device, it is not a situation to be taken lightly.
Fortunately, there are a few different ways to safely remove the broken bulb from the socket without hurting yourself or damaging the lamp. here are some consider.
Security First
before doing anythingit is very important that you unplug the lamp or lamp from your power source. If the broken bulb is stuck in a lamp, all you need to do is unplug the lamp. For hardwired fixtures, flip the switch to off, then turn off the power to that room at the circuit breaker or fuse box.
Consider placing a sheet or tarp under the lamp or fixture to catch any broken glass that may come off during the process. And, for the same reason, wear gloves and eye protection.
How to remove a broken light bulb from a socket
Once you’ve taken the above safety precautions, it’s time to get started. Here are three methods to consider (besides using a broken bulb extractor):
Use a raw potato
Double check to make sure the power is off. Wearing gloves and safety glasses, use pliers to break off what’s left of the bulb’s glass. After, cut a potato in half (short ways), and press one of the halves in/into the socket so that it covers the base of the broken bulb. Turn the potato counterclockwise (you can use a towel to get a better grip, if necessary) until the bulb comes out.
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Pliers and patience
Sometimes you can get the job done using pliers only. If the filament is intact and accessible, hold it by the glass base and turn it counterclockwise until the bulb twists.
In situations where that doesn’t work, or if the filament is broken, place the tweezers inside the base and open them as far as they will go, so they are pressed against opposite sides. Twist the tweezers counterclockwise while holding them open, and that should do the trick.
fast setting epoxy
In situations where none of the above methods work or is even a possibility, some fast-setting epoxy and a screwdriver may be the solution you need. First, fill the base of the broken bulb with epoxy and stick a screwdriver in the middle (as if you were making a popsicle). Once the epoxy has dried and hardened, turn the screwdriver counterclockwise to remove the base from the bulb.
