How to Remove a Stuck Light Bulb Recessed In 9 Steps

Light bulbs have come a long way. From the traditional, round light bulb to the modern, sleek LED light bulb, they are now available in various shapes and sizes. And while many people may think that changing a light bulb is a simple task, it can be tricky – significantly if the lightbulb is recessed.

This article will show you how to remove a stuck light bulb recessed socket without causing any damage. So whether you are trying to change your lightbulb or fix a broken one, follow these simple steps, and you’ll be good to go!

Summary: If you have a light bulb that is stuck in the recessed housing, there are a few ways to remove it. One way is to use a screwdriver to pry it out from the inside. Another way is to use a plunger to push and pull on the bulb until it comes out.

Tools and Materials

A step ladder
Gloves-light gloves are best because they allow you to feel the bulb work itself loose.
The proper light bulb
Light Bulb Remover Tool

A Detailed Guide on How to Remove a Stuck Light Bulb Recessed

Step 1: Determine How Badly the Bulb Is Stuck

This is a relatively straightforward job. How badly stuck your light bulb is will determine what tools you need to remove it.

How badly stuck can be determined by feeling around for cold spots or warm spots on the glass surrounding the bulb’s base. If there are very few cold/warm spots, your bulb isn’t tough to remove.

If your light bulb is fused with its socket and there are many cold or warm spots around it, you may have an extreme case that is difficult to remove without breaking something else in your recessed lighting housing.

Step 2: Turn Off the Power to Your Recessed Lighting Housing

Regardless of whether or not you have determined that your bulb is easy to remove or complex, the first thing you need to do when removing a stuck light bulb recessed is turn off the power. You can turn off the breaker that powers your recessed lighting.

If you are unsure of how to do this, contact your local electrician to come out and turn off the power for you. After turning off the power, climb up your step ladder. This will give you a perfect view of your recessed lighting housing to see what tools you’ll need to remove your light bulb stuck in its socket.

Step 3: Remove the Recessed Lighting Housing’s Glass Lens and Metal Frame

The most efficient way to remove your light bulb is to break through the glass and metal housing. How exactly you choose to break through is up to you, but it usually requires using both hands and throwing all of your body weight in one direction to either break through or snap apart the edges where they won’t budge.

Then, continue breaking through with such force until the entire glass lens comes off or parts of it come off, revealing what is inside.

You will now have access to the metal frame and the screws/bolts that will allow you to remove your light bulb.

Step 4: Remove Bulb by Unscrewing Screws or Bolts with a Socket Wrench

Again, removing it will depend on how your light fixture is constructed. If there are no visible screws holding the recessed lighting housing, you may not be able to take off the whole top part. This type of fixture is usually assembled with clips and springs that hold everything together inside the housing (the base).

To loosen these fixtures up so they can be removed, you’ll need a socket wrench or an adjustable wrench (depending on how big/small your screws are). First, put on gloves so you won’t cut yourself in loosening the fixture. Then, carefully turn the screws or bolts counter-clockwise until they loosen up enough to unscrew them completely.

How much torque needs to be applied depends on each bolt’s tightness, but remember that if at any point during this removal you feel an extreme amount of resistance, then stop what you’re doing and go back to Step 3, where you break through your recessed lighting housing.

Step 5: Remove Bulb by Unscrewing Screws with a Socket Wrench

Once you remove all of the screws holding down your recessed lighting housing, your light fixture should come apart. Unscrew each screw with a socket wrench or an adjustable wrench until they are loose enough to remove yourself without any help.

How much torque needs to be applied is dependent upon the tightness of each bolt, but remember that if at any point during this removal you feel an extreme amount of resistance, then stop what you’re doing and go back to Step 3, where you break through your recessed lighting housing.

Step 6: Take Out Bulb by Unscrewing Metal Frame’s Bolts

Now that the metal frame has been removed from its holder in step 4 or step 5, depending on whether or not visible screws are holding down your recessed lighting, you will have access to the bolts in your stuck light bulb.

Remember that the amount of torque you need to apply depends on how tight each bolt is. If you feel a lot of resistance at any point during the removal process, go back to Step 3 and break through your recessed lighting housing.

Step 7: Take Out Bulb by Prying Off Metal Frame with a Flathead Screwdriver

If the bolts holding the metal frame in place are too difficult to remove (due to corrosion), try using a flathead screwdriver to pry up one edge of the frame’s holder. Slowly pry it up until it comes off. The amount of torque needed to remove the bolts will depend on how tight they are, but if you feel a lot of resistance at any point, stop and go back to Step 3, where you break through the recessed lighting housing.

Step 8: Take Out Bulb by Unscrewing Metal Frame’s Bolts with Desoldering Pump

If you don’t have Torx bits (You need to buy them. They are not included with the desoldering pump kit) or your recessed lighting’s lens is very corroded, it will prove helpful if you used a desoldering pump kit to take out the stuck light bulb.

Step 9: If All Else Fails, You Will Need to Use a Hammer

Don’t fret if your light bulb doesn’t budge due to corrosion or hardened putty/glue from sealant, don’t fret. Just take a hammer and carefully tap the edge of the metal frame where it meets with the base.

Precautions

If the lamp uses a halogen bulb, shut it off and leave the room for 15 minutes to let it cool. If it is extremely hot, do not even try to remove it with your bare hands.
Use latex gloves when handling light bulbs.
Do not use a power screwdriver or an electric wrench on metal sockets. It might be too strong for the socket and cause damage.
Do not tighten the bulb in its socket more than necessary to avoid contact with lampshade material such as paper or cloth that can burn quickly when in touch with hot metal parts of the fixture.

You Can Check It Out To Remove Light Bulb From Recessed Socket

What Tools Do I Need to Remove a Stuck Light Bulb Recessed

You’ll need adjustable pliers, wire cutters, and safety glasses. To remove a stuck light bulb, Make sure to turn off the power in your home. If the fixture has a working switch, turn it to “off.” Next, remove the glass globe from above the recessed lighting by either rotating it counter-clockwise or pulling it straight down. Then remove any decorative cover from around or below the recessed light kit.

Expose the metal wire-guard cage surrounding each of the bulbs. The cover is often held on with screws so that you can unscrew them with a screwdriver. Use a pair of adjustable pliers to grasp a bulb within its metal cage, then rotate counter-clockwise until it comes free of its base. Before replacing a new bulb, check for any leftover dust or debris inside the recessed light fixture.

You Can Check It Out to: Change Pendant Light Cover

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Use Wd40 on Stuck Light Bulbs?

Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer to this question. Many people believe that WD40 can be used to free stuck light bulbs, but there is no real evidence to support this claim.

Some people say that WD40 will break down the adhesive that holds the bulb in place, while others suggest spraying the liquid directly onto the light bulb and turning it on with a switch. However, there is no surefire way to free a stuck light bulb without damaging it. If you are still unsure how to proceed, you may want to call a professional.

Can You Leave a Broken Light Bulb in the Socket?

This is a common question that people ask because they’re worried about electrocution.

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as leaving a broken light bulb in the socket! Broken glass and other pieces of metal can conduct electricity and create an unsafe situation, so it’s important to get rid of any broken bulbs immediately.

If you do happen to leave one in the socket, be sure to unplug the appliance before touching it or go outside for safety reasons. And if you feel like you are experiencing symptoms such as tingling or shocks after being close to a broken light bulb, then contact your local utility company right away. They may be able to help fix the problem quickly and without any dangerous consequences.

Is There a Tool to Remove Broken Light Bulbs?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the conditions required for success will vary depending on the stuck light bulb. However, some tips that may help include using a plunger or sucking action to dislodge the object, using a vacuum cleaner with the hose attachment, If none of these methods work, you may need to call a professional.

Conclusion

Some recessed light bulbs are meant to be replaced when they burn out, while others can be unscrewed and changed for a new bulb. How to remove a stuck light bulb recessed light will depend on the model of your recessed lighting. If you have sealed lights that you cannot access, then call an electrician or find an alternative method to change the bulb.