when removing a light bulb it broke off and all the glass come off in my hand leaving the base in the socket. How do I get it out?

-- Anonymous, August 07, 1999

Answers

1> Make sure there's no power running to the socket; depending on where it is, unplug it or unscrew the fuse.

2> Get a set of pliers or similar handle-opening tool.

3> Place the closed end inside the base. Open the tool until the jaws are firmly against the bulb base. You'll likely have to use both hands to keep them in place.

4> Turn the tool in which ever direction is used to unscrew the bulb while maintaining the jaws of the tool firm against the bulb base. The base should turn along with the tool. Voila!

This has worked for me on a number of occasions.

Good luck!

Ron Collings

Radishes And Gooseberries

http://www.northco.net/~cd

-- Anonymous, August 09, 1999

That sounds good. I've also heard of people using half a potato, but his way sounds better.

-- Anonymous, August 09, 1999

Unplug lamp then (dont just turn it off) . . I've always used a paper towel wadded up and jammed into the socket. Make sure all the glass edges are covered and twist off. Rightie tightie, leftie loosie. An old piece of cloth would work but some of the shards will lodge in the cloth and come back to bite you. Throw the paper towel away after use. Incidentally a damp paper towel is also great to pick up those itty bitty glass shards that fall all over the place. bg

-- Anonymous, August 15, 1999