A question about utility lights from the home depot?

Question

So I bought one of those utility lights from the home depot to use for lighting in videos that i shoot. They have the black metal griils in front of the 2 lights probably to protect you from burning your hands. unfortunately they cast a chadow of the grill when they are on (they sit on a tripod) i am wondering if i can remove these well im sure i can but is it unsafe to use these lights without their protective grill on either light? i would love to take them off. also these are halogen light bulbs. can you also tell me the best way to change these bulbs. ive heard the oil on your hands can cause on of these bulbs to explode once they heat up. any and all advice iam grateful for thank you

Answer 1

yes it's safe/yes you can remove the grill/the grill is to protect the bulb from getting broken, AND to keep you from touching the light

1. it gets REALLY hot

2. if you get finger prints on the bulb it will cause it to fail very quickly (instead of 2000 hours it will last maybe 40 or 50 hours

if you get finger prints on the bulb just wipe the bulb off with a clean cloth (make sure the bulb is cool and not hot)

Answer 2

Ok you know the lights get very warm so remove the grills and keep that in mind. and yes it is true you should not touch the bulbs them selves with bare hands if you do not have gloves readily available I often just use the package it self to protect the bulb.