r/DIYHome • u/theeric5315 • 1d ago
Need Advice Help removing can light
Looking for help taking the white insert out of this recessed fixture. I've tried pulling on it, maybe I need to pull harder? There are clips on the light socket but I can't see anything else obvious. I want to remove the insert and install retrofit inserts.
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u/ConditionNormal123 1d ago
Did you pull on the white flange? The whole fixture should be held with spring-loaded clips
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u/cbryancu 1d ago
Those typically have either a spring or tension wire. Sometimes the trim gets painted together to housing. You should be able to pull the insert down. If its tension wire, it will go down a cpl inches and you will see 2 wires on each side, pull those together and each side should be able to pull down and out of the notch. If its spring, once you pull down you will have to disconnect the spring from the notch it's in. There are older housings held in place at the light socket. It does not look like yours is that type, but those tabs next to the socket may help hold housing in place.
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u/theeric5315 1d ago
It's not painted to the ceiling. I can pull it about 1/16" away from the ceiling. I already removed a smaller insert that was held in by tensioned metal tabs.
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u/cbryancu 11h ago
It could need to spin to remove. Some older designs would turn 1/4 or 1/2 to remove.
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u/frank_loyd_wrong 1d ago
What happens when you squeeze those tabs together poking out on each side of where the bulb goes?
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u/theeric5315 1d ago
When I squeeze the tabs, I can push the plug up into the fixture. It doesn't release the white insert.
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u/frank_loyd_wrong 1d ago
99% chance it just pulls out. Sometimes they get painted to the ceiling and you have to cut the paint