Specialized Gripper Tool: Safely Remove Stuck Bulbs from Narrow Fixtures.
When you're struggling to remove a bulb from a tight socket, it's clear you need a specialized tool. A 'Flexible Bulb Extractor' with a long, thin, flexible shaft and a secure, non-damaging grip could be the answer. This tool would tackle a common household frustration, prevent broken glass, and protect your fixtures.
Expected Benefits/Revenue: This niche tool could be sold online (think Amazon or a dedicated e-commerce site) and in hardware stores. With a retail price of $10-$20 and reasonable manufacturing costs, even moderate sales to DIY enthusiasts, homeowners, and electricians could make this a profitable venture. It offers a practical solution to a specific, recurring problem.
Origin Reddit Post
r/fixit
Can't remove dead bulb from very narrow socket - possibly wrong bulb used?
Posted by u/Alaric_OSRS•06/01/2025
Recently moved into a new place, and after a few months one of the bulbs in the bathroom died. Pulled off the face to have a look, and I can't seem to get this standard coil bulb out, there's
Top Comments
u/Ok_Ambition9134
The amount of mercury in a single bulb is negligible. At industrial scales, it’s a problem, but a single bulb will not cause issue. If you can’t get the housing off, just cover it with a shit
u/Glacial_Plains
Also wear eye protection! I hate getting drywall dust in my eyes
u/Randy_at_a2hts
Exactly what I was going to say.additionally, wear glasses and a mask in case the bulb breaks while you’re doing this. These CFLs are incredibly fragile, especially once they’re burned out. I
u/KindlyContribution54
When you remove the small one, what does the base look like?
u/Plus-Suit-5977
Take a string and wrap it around the lightbulb a few times. Then pull.
u/jmanis2
I’m fully extended thinking about this bulb
u/Mission-Carry-887
The hole from the can light fixture to the socket is not factory or professional work.
They must have done:
1. Install the light bulb socket in ceiling offset from hole of the ceiling
2. P
u/Alaric_OSRS
https://preview.redd.it/45n4o2mhf94f1.png?width=748&format=png&auto=webp&s=2012f037a0efac9f0bd20eacecf214850c111dc2
Bulb looks like this
u/plmbguy
Wrong use of the word "finagle".
[finagle](http://finagle meaning https://g.co/kgs/kqf2QZh)
u/hamburgergerald
You may be able to just pop the cover off and finagle the bulb out, if the socket gives a little bit of movement.
If not just tape a paper bag around the bulb and break it. Then use a pair
u/KindlyContribution54
I guess if you exhaust other options, you could turn off the power, hold up a 5 gallon bucket lined with a garbage bag under it and break the bulb. It will make white dust that contains merc
u/Pelican25
The dead lightbulb doesn't have to come out in one piece cuz it's dead. If you can break it and then use something to unscrew it like pliers you might be able to get it out.
Goes without say
u/Circuit_Guy
Can you get to the other side easily? I.e. from the attic? I would disassemble the fixture rather than break the bulb. Besides the obvious glass, CFLs have mercury vapor inside them.
Edit:
u/Floss_a_fee101
This was my first thought, minus the bag and vacuum but it would be smart to use those as well
I’d personally use a Homer bucket to catch all debris, wear some goggles just in case, and don’
u/Alaric_OSRS
https://preview.redd.it/fs0d07cff94f1.png?width=748&format=png&auto=webp&s=e6cdbc194853204caa904db63b511802552c876b
Socket looks like this
u/mfitzy8
Unscrew it all the way and then break the bulb??
u/littlebirdgone
DEFINITELY wear eye protection- if the bulb breaks in your hand while you’re looking up at it you’re gonna have a bad time 🫣
u/Automatic_Goat_243
Not just the 5 Gal bucket, slide a sandwich bag over the bulb to contain the debris
u/PoliteGhostFb
Those springs are tricky. Please watch a youtube video showing how to remove such fixtures.
[Video example ](https://youtube.com/shorts/ouUitQADeZY)
u/InsectaProtecta
This is very much a "it's our problem now, it's yours later" solution to not having the right bulb
u/CasualDisastering
Maybe wear some cooking disposable gloves or something... Or wash your hands thoroughly before or you'll get little finger print marks on your flat ceiling paint. Good recommendation though
u/TerryTerranceTerrace
I'd break the bulb and use a small potato to twist it out
u/Mitridate101
Turn off breaker to circuit.
Ziplock freezer bag over the bulb.
Have helper place nozzle of vacuum near bulb.
Get a pair of pliers. Through the bag, crush the bulb. It should shatter comp
u/Depress-Mode
Usually these kinds of fittings are just held in to the ceiling with springs, try and remove the whole fitting, hold the springs so they don’t ping and damage the ceiling, once the fitting is
u/Ucitymetal
Is it possible to bend it down cause I can't imagine any other way to get it in than going in straight then turning it into the socket.