How do I remove a broken light bulb?

[JohnHuff]

My light bulb broke off at the base while I was trying to remove it. The glass didn't break, the whole bulb came off the metal screw part. I tried using pliers to remove the metal part but that didn't work. Now thinking about gluing the bulb back on and unscrewing it. Any other ideas? TIA.

 

[minnowman]

You could try whittling a piece of wood to fit inside and use it like a screwdriver.

 

[mrsclem]

Maybe try WD-40 sprayed around it. Be sure power is off!

 

[RobAmy]

Try cutting a potato in half and pressed down hard and turn at the same time.

 

[Mmathis]

I've always heard about the potato method, too, but have never tried it.

What I've done is use a pair of pliers, but instead of grabbing the base with the pliers, I open them up inside the base where the plier pieces are pressing against the inside -- then apply some pressure and turn. Has worked every time.

Yeah, be sure the power is OFF!

 

[Lisak1]

The pliers trick worked for me, too! Just make sure there's no electricity flowing!

 

[JBtheExplorer]

This immediately reminded me of a scene from my favorite sitcom. The scene is at 4:48

 

[HARO]

Doctor Sir John, sir... Don't let all these people tell you that you HAVE to turn the power off! If you want to, just feel free to leave it on!
John
(Make sure you have someone nearby to catch the moment on film, or whatever. And POST IT!!!)

 

[JohnHuff]

More suggestions please.

 

[HARO]

Funny... I thought you'd have RED hair!
John

 

[dieselplower]

Bend the metal in with something so you can get a needle nose pliers on it

 

[JohnHuff]

Funny... I thought you'd have RED hair!
John

It got browned!

 

[addy1]

I have wrapped real sticky tape, sticky out, around my finger then stuck it to the metal and worked it loose. Electricity flowing of course.....................j/k turn it off turn it off

 

[JohnHuff]

I have wrapped real sticky tape, sticky out, around my finger then stuck it to the metal and worked it loose. Electricity flowing of course.....................j/k turn it off turn it off

Excellent idea. I'm going to try double sided tape on the bulb. Stick it in and twist. Like HARO said, I'll try it with it turned on first to make sure it's working. Thanks to all.