Light Bulb Changers- These magic little tools seem like a really smart invention.  They allow homeowners to reach & replace light bulbs in high places.  With this changer tool, supposedly, you can unscrew the old bulb and then replace it with a new one.  You’d think they would work like a charm.

 Want to know a little secret from a master electrician? They don’t work.  They break the light bulb at its base leaving the bottom portion of the bulb still screwed into the fixture.  When the bulb breaks it shoots glass all over the area.  At this point it becomes impossible to use the light bulb changer tool to remove what is remaining of the bulb. 

 Now if you have the tools and the know-how a home owner can usually fix this problem himself. 

You will need:

• A-frame ladder tall enough to reach the light comfortably and safely
• pair of needle nose pliers
• pair of gloves
• pair of safety glasses
• trash pail
• replacement bulbs

 The first order of business is to turn the power off to the lighting circuit at the breaker. Extreme caution needs to be used when opening the panel and touching the breakers. If you feel uncomfortable opening the breaker panel, then stop and call an electrician.

The next step is to turn the light switch to the off position as well.  Position the ladder so it is in position to reach the fixture.  Put on your gloves and safety glasses.  Then take your needle nose pliers and gently grab the metal edge of the bulb that is remaining in the fixture. Turn it slowly to unscrew the bulb. Dispose of the broken piece in your trash pail.  From here you can install the replacement bulb. 

The biggest obstacle to the whole process is usually the ladder.  Most homeowners just don’t have a ladder tall enough to reach the fixture. 

So what is a homeowner to do? 

 Well, you could rent a ladder or you could purchase a ladder.  But the easiest solution would be to call a local electrician.  Electricians usually have the extra tall ladders needed to reach these light bulbs and they keep a complete stock of bulbs on their truck.

 An electrician can get the job done quickly and safely for a reasonable fee.

 These tips are provided by Master Electrician Jimmy Bankston, owner of ProLectric in Hitchcock, Texas.  Free technical advice is always available. Call 1-866-388-5028 and speak with a master electrician for free.