light bulb is "frozen" (no jokes please)

How does one attempt to unscrew a stuck or frozen bulb (in the fridge)? I am scared bulb is going to break. Or do bulbs withstand a lot of tork? Any ideas? Thanks. Gordon in B.C.

 

I've been scared of doing that too. Seems they always get stuck in there. Maybe due to moisture or the sticky stuff that makes its way into the weirdest places in the fridge.

Try using one of those plastic circle gripper deals that you open jars with. They seems to help grap a hold of it better so you don't have to grab so tight to it. Even if it were to break, the pieces will doubtfully go through the plastic, unless you are gripping very tightly. If it does break, then unplug the fridge and cut a potato in half. Press one half over the broken bulb and twist the base of the bulb on out.

Good luck.

Kay

 

Unplug your refrigerator. Get a strong hair dryer and heat up both the bulb and the light socket.

If the bulb is cold frozen this will thaw it out.

If the bulb is sticky stuck the heat will make the sticky gooye and allow the bulb to turn.

Unplugging the refrig will enhance safety.

Sorry sounded like baby talk but gets the point across well.

Wg

 

I like that idea. I never can find the jar opener anyway. Usually go buy another to do this type deal with and then lose it too.

Should you still wear something on your hands or grasp it with a towel?

Kay

 

Thanks for the quick response! Got it out eventually (only to find that 60W bulb only works) with plastic bottle opener. I replaced the 40W bulb with another 40W (that I think was in there) and nothing! tried another new 40W and still nothing. Put a 60W in and pesto! So why does a 60W bulb work and not 40W? Are these sent to test us or what!! Anyone know what wattage to use for fridges and if there is a different size bulb? Thanks again!

 

You are not supposed to use a regular light bulb. YOu are supposed to use an appliance bulb. Most often it will be 40 watt rated appliance bulb. The have a different neck on them and more tolorant of temp changes.

Yes I would were leather gloves or use a towel for added safety, wouldn't hurt.

Wg

 

Just replaced my refrigerator bulb yesterday. GE 40-watt appliance bulb for $1.39 at Target.

 

Thanks again! I am a first time user and find this forum to be invaluable. Are there any other similar forums for hopeless homeowners? Gordon in B.C.

 

As a tip, if you should break a lightbulb in trying to extract it, take a potato, cut off half of it, and use it as a grip on the shards of glass and metal left stuck in the bulb.

For other forums -- well, I think you'll find the most of doityourself.com's forums to be as professional and informative as this one is!