Changing A Light Bulb!!

[Maggoty]

OK - how many blondes does it take to change a light bulb in my house!! None - cos I can't flipping well do it. Arrrggghhhhhh

I have one of those halgen spot light clusters in the kitchen and one of the lights has blown. I have changed them before but to be honest I just fiddle about with it until it comes loose, so have no idea the actual process needed. But this one is remaining obstinate.

The bulb is a GU10 and when in the fixture it lies flush with the fitting. How do I remove it? I have tried to twist it by placing my palm on it and hoping to get a purchase that way. I have pushed it - hoping it will then pop out. I then resorted to trying to lever it out with the handle of a spoon - only for the bulb to come away but leave the end bit still in place. Which, although now easier to manipulate, still won't budge.

I can't believe that it can be that hard - surely no-one would design it so.

So guys/gals - what is the process of removing said bulb please?

Thank you

x

[BlueToffee]

Try a small suction pad, works for me.

[BlueToffee]

Stick it to the bulb and twist.

[RATTER15]

Im afraid it is just a case of turning it, it only needs to turn a tiny bit, I know they can be bloody difficult, my suggestion would be that now you have lost the actual glass section, ensure the light is turned of, maybe even turn it off at the mains and grab the bit that is left with pliers to turn it. try removing one of the other in the cluster to familiarize the technique to remove the one that is stuck.

Good luck.

[RATTER15]

BlueToffee, The bulb section is no longer there to stick it on.

[Old_Geezer]

Those that are flush are a pain. You just have to try and get a grip on it. Maybe using a rubber pad of some sort ?

Whilst it may be a bayonet fitting I suspect it'll probably be a screw fitting and so may need you to turn it anticlockwise a number of times.

[RATTER15]

OG, it isn't the normal bayonet fitting like normal bulbs, it has the two toggles on the end, definitely not a screw in.

Here it is http://www.thelightbulb.co.uk/product/Halogen-Light-Bulbs/GU10-PAR16-GZ10/PAR16-GU10-2pin-Twist-Lock-Cap/35watt-GU10-2pin-Twist-Lock-Flood-40-Degree/i-17306

[Old_Geezer]

Ah did not read as far as the bit about the beakage and end bit being still in place. Turn off the mains, use a pair of thin pliers to grip & twist to unscrew it. That's what I do with cheap bulbs that break off.

[Old_Geezer]

Ah I see Ratter. Same technique though surely ?

[Maggoty]

Right.

Thank you

a) I am not as thick as I thought I was - its obviously not as easy as I thought it would be

b) I will have to get someone in to do it. Especially if the mains has to be switched off!! DOH!!

c) As its the light that covers the main area of the kitchen I will swivel one of the remaining bulbs that way.

Thank you guys - you have probably saved me from being electrocuted!!

[RATTER15]

methyl, those instructions wont work on mine, the only way is to turn the light bulb, I think it depends on the age and model of the light fitting.

[RATTER15]

OG, yes pretty much the same, just no bulb to hold on to, they can be a real pain!

[bert_h]

We have a similar fitting in our kitchen, and the packaging for it included a soft black rubber disc just smaller than the face of the bulbs. We didn't know what it was for, and we threw it away . . . AAAGH!

But a decent-sized blob of Blu-Tack makes an excellent substitute.

[stylend]

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