Rusty? Light Bulb

[willyd]

I am trying to to remove the burned out bulb near my steps - can't get the bulb out - looks rusty - any hints?

[richinny]

break the bulb (carefully) and collapse the bulb base sides slightly into the center. a small screwdriver it useful. try not to deform the socket. it should break free of the socket.

[tdeLorme]

Start by giving the area between the bulb base and the receptacle a shot of WD-40 or Liquid Wrench. I have found that 9 times out of ten the glass is going to break, so a pair of leather gloves will prevent injury while you twist the bulb around and up and down trying to loosen it up. If it's still stuck, go ahead and break the glass and clean it out as best you can. Then use a pair of needle nose pliers and start folding the bulb base in on itself. Bending the base away from the receptacle in little pieces until the bulb base comes free. Go slow and try to prevent damaging the receptacle. About half the time, I have to replace the receptacle anyway because the spring is rusted beyond use, but it's worth trying to save it if possible. Good luck with the project.

[ScottW]

Needle nose pliers are good for this. FWIW, I always put a light coat of vaseline on the base of light bulbs before installing them, even at home. It prevents metal-metal corrosion that makes bulbs hard to remove.

[silverleeper]

Please turn the power off before you go sticking anything metal in the socket. You have probably already have done this. I use white lithium grease in connectors and sockets to help prevent corrosion.