Over the last 10 years, 99% of our lighting has come from thrift stores, garage sales, auctions and the like. They've all been vintage finds and as much as we love them, sometimes getting a light bulb in (or out of) an old socket is done only after saying a small prayer that the bulb won't stick and break in our hand — but not any more!
To remedy old and sticking sockets simply use a small bit of lip balm on the inside of the threads and the light bulb won't have any problem screwing in! You can also apply it to the bulb instead of the sockets — it's a great preventative measure, especially with new lamps. Just be weary of the very bottom of the bulb or socket being coated. If you're worried things will get messy, just use a cotton swab to apply.
Your new and old lamps and light bulbs will thank you and hopefully you'll never need to remove a broken bulb, even if the technique is safe!
Editor's Note: It takes hardly any product to accomplish this. The lip balm shouldn't be slathered on thick in the slightest. It only requires the smallest amount of product to make this trick work and to keep everyone safe along the way.
(Image: Wikimedia, CDTOO, Burt'sBees)
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wary, not weary. gah. otherwise, awesome tip!
You probably want warn people to disconnect the electricity before attempting the socket lube job. Lubing the bulb threads is a much less dangerous maneuver.
I have a bulb stuck in a lamp, but I'm having problems visualising how you use the lip balm. Is it a matter of just putting between the bulb and socket????/
mmm, lipbalm=wax and oil=lipid=flammable. I have definitely seen the wax of a candle lit on fire when not handled properly, wouldn't this run the same risk?
I wonder how long it would take people to find my body....cuz I know I would electrocute myself.
Marid is right. You want to lube the bulb threads. It's easier and you don't have to worry about whether the switch is on or not.
Also make sure not to put any of the substance (whether you're using your $12 burt's lip balm or the cheaper and just as effective vaseline) on the bottom of the light bulb where the contact is located. Only on the threads. Otherwise it can interfere with the electricity conducting evenly or completely.
Maybe it would be best to just replace the old socket with a new one.
This is kind of scary...if a connection forms between the threads and bottom contact (which is likely to happen in a lamp, where the balm can potentially melt and ooze down), the socket will short out. I would really not recommend doing this. As a general rule, any kind of electrical fitting should be kept as clean as possible to avoid fire.
don't do this!
After flipping the breaker OFF or unplugging if it's a lamp, use a little steel wool on the socket.
If the bulb still sticks, you can try the tiniest amount of graphite powder.
Still sticking?
Replace the socket.
Graphite pencil on bulb threads. Srsly, do not put any oil, grease, or wax inside an electrical fitting.
I can't believe you didn't research this "tip" a bit more before posting it. One word - FIRE!
People please!
You don't glop it on, you use a tiny wipe, just like the post says.
Also wax is non-conductive: it is used in transformers, coils, and in radio transmitters. There is no fire hazard as only a thin film exists ... not enough for anything.
To remove a stuck bulb, first cut the power. If there is space, try to stick a piece of transparent tape to help join the glass to the base. Then use patience: turn the globe slightly back and forth to release the grabbing between the socket and the base.
If you are worried about the globe breaking in your hand you can wrap it with tape or use a damp cloth. Patience and a light touch. If the globe separates from the base then twist it right off and use pliers in the base.
PS, if anything conducts, it is graphite, which is carbon.
For years I have used a dielectric silicone grease (also called tune-up grease when used around sparkplugs.) A very thin wipe is all that is needed. The lip balm idea is perfect.
They sell bulb grease at hardware stores, usually by the light bulbs - that would probably be the best stuff to use.
Go to your local auto parts store and ask for a dielectric grease like you use on spark plug wires/sockets. It's actually made for applications like this! Daub a little on a lightbulb thread and you'll never have a sticky socket. One tube should last you a lifetime.
-EJ
I haven't personally tested this tip but it seems like it would work:
Unplug first! Then for broken bulbs stuck in sockets find a raw potato or carrot of approximately the right size and stick it in broken bulb, twist, and lift out broken bulb.
(BTW, Has anyone ever tried this?)
This is the first time i'm hearing about lip balm used on bulbs but i guess it's a handy replacement for lubricating oil. I hope it doesn't make the bulb rust even more though. Nice tip too mbg1968!
Gigi @ Wholesale