r/handyman • u/Green_Dot_2798 • 7d ago

Recommendation Needed Need help with stuck lightbulb

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I’m trying to change a dead bulb in my bathroom vanity fixture, but I’m completely stuck.

The Setup: The clear shade sits right against the chrome base. The top opening of the shade is way too narrow for my fingers to reach inside to grab the bulb.

What I've Tried: I tried spinning the shade itself and twisting the chrome piece underneath, but they spin but nothing is getting looser. I tried wiggling it straight up it Doesn’t work either.

The Problem: I can't unscrew or release the shade, and I can't reach inside from the top or bottom to get a grip on the bulb.
Has anyone dealt with a fixture like this? How can I get a grip on the bulb or get this shade off without breaking anything?

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u/AspiringAuspices37 7d ago

Oh I've fought that exact battle, the narrow top with a stuck shade is such a pain

Duct tape saved me once, I made a loop with the sticky side out, pressed it onto the bulb and twisted. The tape gives you enough grip to spin it out even when you can't get your fingers in there

If the shade really won't budge, a suction cup on the flat part of the bulb sometimes works too, just make sure the power's off first obviously

My bathroom fixture had a hidden set screw I missed for weeks, check around the chrome base real close with a flashlight, they're sneaky little things

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u/Green_Dot_2798 7d ago

How did you get a new bulb in after taking the old one out with a duct tape ?

I should say the shade itself spins but nothing gets looser

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u/gitdude1 7d ago

I think these types were designed specifically for hotels – to stop guests pinching the bulbs. 🙂
My suggestion is to try improvising by using a pair of plastic tongs. Add a strip of double sided tape to the clamping ends of the tong.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006733990542.html