How to remove a rusted light bulb?

Question

I have a broken light bulb. I tried to unscrew the buld when it burned out but the glass bulb separated from the metal base. Now I have just the metal base of the bulb screwed into the socket. I tried the potato trick but it didn't work.

The metal base of the light bulb is rusted in place so tightly I cannot unscrew it. It won't budge.

How can I weaken the hold of the rust so I can remove the base of the bulb?

Answer 1

the FIRST thing you HAVE to do is turn off the electric to that fixture

Answer 2

make sure the power is off then  get a pair needle nose pliers  just bend in toward center little by little do not use any kind of spray on it will cause a fire

Answer 3

go to a parts store for auto mobiles they sell rust remover it comes in a spray can spray it on to remove the rust and then unscrew the rest of the bulb it will work.

Answer 4

turn off the breaker to the circiut then get a old type clothes pin put in hole and open clothes pin wooden type and un s***w

Answer 5

The metal that the bulb base is made of is usually pretty soft. If you use a pair of long nose pliers (with the power OFF at your main switch) you should be able to bend the bulb base s***w threads away from the fitting, which will enable you to remove the base. If the rust has it really jammed tightly, you may have no option but to replace the entire fitting. Rust does not allow a good electrical contact between the bulb and fitting!