Remove a stuck or broken light bulb

Turn off the power, let the bulb cool, then remove a stuck or broken bulb safely and fit a new one.

EB-01Turn off the power and let the bulb coolSwitch off at the wall switch first. If the bulb is broken, cracked, or the fitting feels loose, damp, or scorched, go further and isolate the lighting circuit at the consumer unit, then prove it dead with a voltage tester before you touch anything. Let the bulb cool for 10-15 minutes if it has been on — a hot bulb can burn skin even through gloves.

1 each · Voltage tester

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EB-02Check the fitting type and how it's stuckLook at the bulb base: a bayonet fitting has two small metal pins on the side, a screw (Edison) fitting has a threaded metal cap. This changes how you remove it. Also check whether the glass is intact but stiff, or actually broken with the metal base still in the socket — the method differs.

EB-03Remove a stuck bayonet bulbWearing a dry work glove for grip, push the bulb gently upward into the socket, then turn anticlockwise about a quarter turn until the pins line up with the slots. Pull it straight down and out. Don't force a sideways twist — bayonet pins bend easily and then jam properly.

1 pair · Work gloves

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EB-04Remove a stuck screw (Edison) bulbWrap a dry cloth around the glass for grip and turn steadily anticlockwise. If it still won't move, grip the metal base (not the glass) with insulated pliers and turn gently — too much force can snap the glass away from the base. Stop and try the broken-bulb method below if that happens.

1 each · Cloth or rag

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1 each · Insulated needle-nose pliers

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EB-05Remove a broken bulbConfirm the power is off at the consumer unit before doing this — a broken bulb can leave live metal exposed inside the socket. Put on safety glasses and gloves, then press a raw potato half firmly onto the broken glass and turn anticlockwise, or grip the metal base directly with insulated pliers and turn. Catch loose glass on newspaper laid underneath first.

1 each · Safety glasses

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1 pair · Work gloves

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1 each · Potato

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1 each · Newspaper or dust sheet

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EB-06Check and clean the fittingWith the power still off, look inside the socket for a bent or blackened contact — this is often why bulbs get stuck or fail early. Wipe out any dust or glass fragments with a dry cloth. Don't use anything wet or metal inside the fitting.

1 each · Cloth or rag

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EB-07Fit the new bulb and testCheck the new bulb matches the fitting type and wattage of the old one. Fit it the reverse of how you removed the old one — push and twist for bayonet, turn clockwise for screw. Restore power at the consumer unit if you isolated it, then switch on at the wall to test.

1 each · Replacement bulb

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EB-08Dispose of the old bulb safelyWrap a broken bulb in newspaper or seal it in a bag before binning, to stop loose glass cutting anyone. Standard bulbs go in general waste; some LED and all fluorescent or energy-saving bulbs must go to a recycling point, not the bin. Wipe down the work area for any last glass fragments.

1 each · Sealable bag

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