How to Remove a Shattered Bulb from the Socket
Safety first
Before removing the broken base of the light bulb, which incidentally is called the “screw thread contact”, you must first turn off the power at the source.
For free standing lamps, unplugging the unit will work. If the bulb is in a fixed ceiling fixture, you must turn off the power to the light fixtures in your home. This is done by locating the electrical box to your house, and then searching for a switch that is marked “household lights” or “lights and outlets.” Turn this switch to the off position. This should turn off all power to the electrical circuit that controls the switches and outlets. When you’ve returned inside the house, double check some of the other switches to determine that the power is really off.
Supplies needed
Removing the bulb takes a few basic supplies. This includes a pair of safety goggles, a potato cut in half widthwise, a small garbage sack, and a set of pliers with a sharp tip, called a “needle nose.” For ceiling bulbs, you will also need a sturdy step ladder.
How to remove the broken bulb
The first step is to put on the safety glasses to protect your eyes from broken glass, metal filings, and bits of debris as they drop from the ceiling.
Next, if the broken bulb has a few shards of glass attached to the screw thread contact, simply press the halved potato directly over the remaining pieces of the bulb. Twist carefully to the left, and the bulb should back right out of the socket.
If the glass has completely shattered, leaving nothing but the metal screw thread, you will have to try to remove it with the needle nose pliers instead. This is done by gently grabbing the edge of the metal base, and rotating it in a steady counter clockwise movement. Bulbs that were quite old might be hard to twist which is usually due to a buildup of dust particles and other airborne grime. If the metal thread just won’t budge, use a can of compressed air to blow the dust particles out of the socket, and then try again.
