How To Remove Broken Microwave Light Bulb From Difficult to Reach Spot

[@mikecappannari2680]

I have never in my life commented on a KZbin post, but this was so very, very helpful. I was actually at the pliers stage, then decided to search and came upon this trick. Worked perfectly. Thank you, so helpful!

[@FishinOC]

That is awesome!!

[@Kat-vp4km]

Same :)

[@debmcconnell3495]

Same here! About to use the pliers then found this video. 😊

[@DangerB0ne]

Save the rubber bands that you get on some produce. Didn't have the painter's tape but this method extracted the lightbulb base without issue. Thanks for this tip!

[@everviewproperties8527]

Success!!! I sent this to a friend who was frustrated with the same problem, she’d even called 2 appliance repair services who refused to come out and help. She tried your method and in less than 5 minutes it worked!

[@FishinOC]

So cool!

[@lmlnc]

1:17 Thank you so much. Your technique worked perfectly. I think it is ingenious and thank you for sharing it!!!!

[@johnstrycharske3116]

Dude! You are a genius! I have been pulling my hair out on how to get that broken piece out, and had just about decided I needed to take the microwave down to get good access. Then one last interweb search found your video and I'm now a much happier person. It still wasn't a slam dunk for me as the bulb shattered earlier today on it's way out so I didn't have that to use. So I cut an old Sharpie down to about an inch and a half long piece (the butt end not the business end!), wrapped it with a couple rubber bands as instructed, and voila! Out like a champ! I wish I could buy you a beer. Many, many thanks to you fine sir.

[@FishinOC]

You are welcome!

[@jaybaze8990]

Thanks for the advice. I actually didn’t have any rubber bands in my house so I used a rubber glove and it worked!

[@shenalachoy6993]

Worked!! Thank You

[@KevinIsaac13]

Underrated comment! I just inserted the light into the thumb part of a rubber glove and it gripped into the light casing no problem! Thanks for this!

[@DavidBaker-j1k]

I was going to take the whole bottom plate of the microwave off then my conscience told me to check youtube for advise and I watched your video. Followed the advice and it worked like a charm. Thank you!

[@FishinOC]

Glad I could help!

[@legendere6620]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! This seems like such a simple trick, but it works marvelously. I just removed the broken socket from my Ikea microwave with your suggested approach. Fortunately, I was also able to slide out the stove which was under the microwave. That allowed me much easier access and I didn't have to contort too much. Kudos. This was a great service! The appliance manufacturers do advise that even with the power shut off or plug pulled, there is still a high-voltage capacitor inside the unit. This approach did not require any need to discharge the capacitor to replace the broken bulb and socket.

[@ginabuchanan4120]

I also have never commented on a KZbin post but your idea with the lightbulb and rubber bands saved the day! Ingenious!

[@FishinOC]

Glad I could help!

[@bmsortiz]

My mind is blown how this works. Took me a few attempts to get the rubber bands to stay on and allow the bulb base to unscrew but it did indeed work and the new bulb is installed. Thank you for the helpful video.

[@FishinOC]

Glad it helped

[@annas3546]

Thank you!! You just saved me an embarrassing call to my apartment maintenance because I got ambitious and thought I could change the lightbulb myself and it did the same thing. Super helpful!!

[@FishinOC]

Glad I could help!

[@karengodbey8517]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! At 59, I"m not afraid to try these fixes. The folks who would have come to my rescue would certainly done the same thing. It worked exactly as you said. The only twist is that I had to unscrew the metal base(s) out by hand. Your video and method gave me the understanding to get the job done. Thanks for saving me a minimum of $100 service call. GE's website wouldn't even accept my REQUEST for a service call. I have a picture of my results, but couldn't figure out how to upload it. That's another video for you, lol! Thanks!!!

[@FishinOC]

You’re welcome!

[@longroadset]

I just did this tonight on the exact same microwave, this video was immensely helpful and the problem was solved! Thanks for taking away my panic this evening 😅

[@FishinOC]

Glad it helped!

[@colinking9441]

Your truck just saved another household today. Thank you sir!!!!

[@FishinOC]

Great to hear!

[@catmom50]

You're a lifesaver...thanks so much for the video. My grandson had all the pliers etc out then my daughter found this. Grandson is so impressed.

[@FishinOC]

Glad I could help

[@DeniseWilliams-u7t]

You are a superstar!!! It took a while but we finally got the socket out with your awesome method. I’m finally be able to see what I’m cooking again. Thank you so much!

[@FishinOC]

Glad I could help!

[@edjaworski9160]

Great tip! I’ve removed broken bases with needle nose pliers but they always had easy access. But my situation was exactly what you show here with a microwave and it worked great! There’s some wacky tips out there and I’m so glad I found your method before I grabbed a potato or epoxy paddy. Thank you for taking the time to post this.

[@FishinOC]

Glad it helped!

[@MMM40727]

My problem is the way the bulb is inserted goes the opposite of “lefty loosely, righty tighty” because typically you’re in front of the item not “behind” it like you are in this case. Once I tried your trick with the painters tape and rubber bands the old socket came right out! I was without a light for a week! Thank you for making this video!!!

[@N35OZ]

🧠 🧠 🧠 looooool thank you

[@donnabonarrigo1363]

That was my issue, too. I wasn't sure which way to turn it. I didn't want to screw it in tighter. The video helped me to see which direction I had to turn it.

[@eileengallagher9805]

This is perfect. I couldn’t think of any tool I had that I could use because you can’t reach the bulb straight on. Thank you so much. I can finally see the stove again.

[@FishinOC]

That is awesome!

[@jimbowling8528]

This morning the bulb blew on my over the stove microwave and yep - when I tried to take out the bulb it broke away from the base in the socket. I tried to figure out a way the remove the base from the socket, and came close to taking the bottom cover of the microwave to access it when I decided to google the problem. The first hit was this video. I tried your method and it worked like a charm. Brilliant! I'm a pretty good dyi guy, but I dont think I would have ever figured this out on my own. Thanks a lot for sharing! Maybe you could do a video about how you figured out this method and maybe make me feel a bit less humbled. Unless, of course, it was sheer genius on your part. In that case, I stand in awe.

[@FishinOC]

Just a little ingenuity. Thank you!

[@PatWilson]

Thank you so much! This works so well and we never ever in a million years would have come up with such an elegantly simple solution. 🎉

[@FishinOC]

Glad it helped!

[@lizallen6239]

You. Are. My. Hero!! I had pliers in hand when I got the brilliant idea to look online for help. Found this and you and it worked like a charm!! Thank you so much!!!

[@FishinOC]

Glad I could help

[@zaraheart]

This just happened to me too!! Previous owners also put a dab of caulk? I think it is on the bulb and the base for whatever reason. So I had that to deal with too. Thank you for posting!! You’re a good human

[@FishinOC]

I'm glad the video helped.

[@lovingme6064]

I can not believe how easy this was!! Didnt have painter tape so I used packing tape!! Thank youuuu!!

[@carolschippers130]

Finally a solution that fits a tight spot!!! My micro is a frigidaire and I didn't have room for needle nose pliers or the other solutions on here--so glad I saw your idea as it worked! THANKS!

[@FishinOC]

You’re welcome!

[@RonAdkins-m2q]

Watched your video, have the same microwave, went to look for rubber bands, didn't have any but I did have a tapered CORK about that size. Worked like a dream. So your idea gave me my idea. Thanks

[@FishinOC]

Rock on!

[@matthewwangler483]

Dude you're a genius, saved me a big head ache. Thank you so much.

[@FishinOC]

Awesome

[@amydittmer6754]

Thank you so much!!! I thought when this happened it was a lost cause and I would just have to live without light on my cooktop. This worked great and I am very thankful!

[@FishinOC]

You are so welcome

[@SDPrestonPhD]

Thanks sooooo much. I was at my wits end trying to figure out how I was going to do this. I started with the needle nose pliers, but realize they didn’t fit and was at a loss. This worked. Thank you.

[@FishinOC]

Glad I could help!

[@stormmary1]

Took a couple minutes, but this actually works! Didn't have painter's tape so substituted masking tape. Thank you!

[@FishinOC]

Glad it helped!

[@UR_Right24]

I got mine out using a wine bottle cork that I shaved/tapered one end down slightly at an angle with a utility razor blade knife to allow the male end to fit into the female end of the receptacle. Worked like a charm. It was a counter clockwise turn for mine.

[@doctheshade6953]

Absolutely amazing hack. Got the bulb out within seconds of doing this. Thank you so much for your video.

[@jneill1969]

Thank you for the idea! I did not have rubber bands or painters tape, but I was able to simply put electrical tape over the end of the bulb for the same effect.

[@FishinOC]

Glad I could help!

[@Cap513]

Awesome Trick, Gonna Try It Myself Tonight. Got a call from home this afternoon that Someone tried to change such bulb & Bamm like you said Broken Bulb!!!

[@FishinOC]

Let us know how it goes!

[@brittani_boo]

Super helpful thanks a bunch! I wasn’t sure how I’d ever get that out of such a narrow space.

[@zurnvs]

Well this has happened to me a few times in our old house. Happened today in our RV after 6 years of full time living. I used gorilla tape as in the way you use the rubber bands. Got it out. Thanks.

[@savannahrummel]

I came to say thank you also! I got tired of waiting for my husband to replace the light and turns out it was busted out like this and your trick was the simplest without tools and it worked!! Thank you so very much 🫶🏻

[@FishinOC]

Glad I could help!

[@tucccci]

Brother thank you for the idea, you saved me so much hassle. I didn't have rubber bands or tape but I did have a nitrile/rubber glove which I just wrapped around the bulb and voila!!

[@FishinOC]

Excellent!

[@aliaromelle]

I just did this a few minutes ago! Thank you do much for this! Saved me a lot of frustration 😊

[@mmstiles]

Thank you---saved us an expensive repairman visit!!!

[@MuckoMan]

Thanks great idea. Now I have to chase the garbage truck for the broken bulb ☹️

[@MuckoMan]

I used the cap from a permanent marker. It fit in perfect and the pen holder had just enough flex that it pushed on the side to twist right out.

[@susanbudak2123]

I wish I had seen this yesterday. I got it out, but your way looks a lot easier!!

[@kninemusic]

THANK YOU FOR THIS. FYI I used double sided gorilla tape and it worked like a charm, no rubber band needed.

[@FishinOC]

You got it!!

[@EmmaEvans-o1m]

Well that was a very satisfying solution! Worked perfectly (as soon as I figured out which way to twist it.) Thank you!

[@clarak2958]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO! you are amazing!!!! I said a quick prayer and it worked!

[@FishinOC]

Glad it helped!

[@debmcconnell3495]

I love this! Instead of blue tape and thin rubber bands, I used a wide band from a boiled lobster claw! I always save them because they come in so handy! Like for this!

[@FishinOC]

Sounds great!

[@EP-hm5ue]

Thank you! I had this problem tonight, watched your video and it worked!

[@FishinOC]

Glad it helped!

[@kwebster62]

A nice fix to an unnecessary problem. They need to make these much easier to access and replace.

[@FishinOC]

Yes I agree

[@bengeorge2]

I was skeptical of this but still gave it a go, it worked like a charm :) thank you sir!!

[@FishinOC]

You're welcome!

[@michaelhadcock1293]

I don’t comment ever but you saved the day for me 😊 thank you so much

[@FishinOC]

Glad I could help!

[@wendyrocchietti7580]

My problem exactly 😢. Thank you for this video

[@badsushimama5]

This just saved our bacon big time. Thank you for posting this!

[@FishinOC]

I'm glad it helped!

[@BevHerndon-rp7dk]

Thank you for making a difficult task easier. I appreciate it.

[@FishinOC]

For sure!

[@LindaHobbs-w1i]

Thank you.....thank you....thank you!!!! It worked wonderfully. I so much appreciate you sharing this trick.

[@allison0202]

Thanks so much! I didn't have any painters tape but a used sheet of my lint roller stick did the job 😂

[@FishinOC]

Glad it helped!

[@leslielamont8032]

What a Rockstar! 🎸 thank you! Hope your Wife understands just how amazing you are🙂

[@linkmasters535]

I have had the same problem but it was hot glued to the outside bottom base and I figured it would be easier to remove instead of unplugging the microwave and it made a loud pop sound and it broke the glass off the bottom metal base then I went and unplugged it from the wall and used a razor blade from a box cutter and it came out fine but I hope that I didn’t mess up the microwave because of that popped

[@andrehuie]

It worked! Wasn’t sure how I was going to get that out. Thx!!

[@FishinOC]

Awesome!

[@julielee1651]

You are brilliant!! Thank you so much for this. So helpful! It worked like a charm

[@FishinOC]

You're welcome!

[@BrynnCarrollARTIST]

Couldnt get it out. Maybe the way im turning it? Any advice?

[@FishinOC]

Sometimes opposite of normal. Make sure you press in there firmly. Good luck!

[@annemccarthy9200]

Thank you so very much for your brilliant advice! It worked perfectly!

[@FishinOC]

You're welcome!

[@DianeAnderson-u5g]

Brilliant! Thank you so much. Your trick worked like a charm.

[@FishinOC]

Glad it helped!

[@elizabethtwombly3266]

Thank you so much for your clever idea! But i just couldn’t get it to work for me but you know what did an eighth of a potato!!

[@LindaDeSimone-e5s]

You are a genius!! And thank God for the internet!

[@FishinOC]

You’re welcome!

[@christinarodriguez8761]

Amazing 👏 Worked on my very first try! Thank you.

[@jdw4883]

Amazing! Worked even though I'd already bent the base!

[@mirandaschuh2636]

You are a genius, it came out so easily!!

[@b.oliver7781]

Worked great in what looked like a hopeless situation

[@cherylk6752]

Unfortunately, the lightbulb completely shattered when I tried to remove it so I don’t have a bulb to wrap with painter’s tape and elastic bands…any remedy for my problem? TY!

[@FishinOC]

Yup…you can use the new bulb just be careful

[@deanngould-lancaster6272]

Thank you!!! This video saved the day. It worked like a charm.

[@FishinOC]

Glad it helped!

[@redgatorswamp]

OMG.. You are truly a the MVP!!! it worked instantly for me!! Thank u so much!

[@marywalton-w5b]

Thank you very much for the tip, worked perfectly!! Is your middle name MacGyver?

[@FishinOC]

Only sometimes! Thanks

[@williamhnelsonjr]

You just saved my day !!!! Worked like a champ

[@OkieStinner]

What do you recommend if upon replacing a microwave light bulb, after a minute or so something pops and both light bulbs go out? Is this a socket or wire connection problem? Or should I just try again with two new light bulbs? Only 15W bulbs so I am at a loss what to do now. The brand new light bulb had a burn mark at the base when I unscrewed it.

[@FishinOC]

Sounds like you blew a fuse or popped your breaker.

[@OkieStinner]

@@FishinOC oh. i guess replacing the socket is pointless then? I just ordered one. but i probably needed to replace both? $20 down the drain.😒 thanks

[@darrellknoop9202]

Great time-saving advice! Thank you

[@Ammondude]

Um ok i didn't expect it to work out so well lol. Thanks for saving my microwave 🎉

[@FishinOC]

You’re welcome 😊

[@bitsyhilleren2606]

You are like MacGyver! It worked perfectly--Thank you so much!

[@FishinOC]

You're welcome!

[@lyndsayanderson5505]

You sir are a lifesaver. Thank you for the advice

[@chucksmusic]

You are brilliant! Thanks for the great fix!

[@FishinOC]

Happy to help!

[@lindafabbro9477]

Thank you so much!! Have been very frustrated about this problem. Your solution was so helpful!!! Will be using it shortly.. thanks again!!!!

[@FishinOC]

You're welcome!

[@rubysoho443]

thank you so much. this worked like a charm! problem solved in a minute!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@FishinOC]

Glad it helped!

[@EnjoyingTheFreeContent]

How did you know this just happened to me 😂 Thank you for the video

[@kermit30045]

Thank you for the advice. Worked like a charm.

[@TheCynt10]

Your video was very helpful, thank you!

[@FishinOC]

You're welcome!

[@robmoore1656]

WOW!!! Very helpful and easy..thank you

[@FishinOC]

You're welcome!

[@ArnieIgnacio]

Thanks Brother, appreciate the tutorial, worked like a charm!! Tried gorilla glue at first, not a good idea!!

[@FishinOC]

Yeah man!

[@sandtveit74]

Worked like a charm! Thank You!

[@FishinOC]

You're welcome!

[@chzbacon9657]

Dude, I owe you a beer. Thanks so much!

[@FishinOC]

Glad I could help!

[@davidstuart361]

YOU Sir, are a genius!!! Many thanks.

[@FishinOC]

Glad to help

[@kyledevore871]

Rubber glove worked! Thx for the video!!

[@RyanWeltonMusic]

Worked like a charm!! Thank you!!

[@FishinOC]

You're welcome!

[@bruhanna]

Worked like a charm! Thanks man!

[@JeniStone-r3n]

Genius! It worked. Thank you so much!!

[@byam03]

Love the rubber band trick!

[@SuzyQ89]

This worked great!! Thank you very much!!!

[@benjaminbarillon118]

You are a genius!! Thank you for the tip!!

[@bettyannmims4843]

Thank you!!! Many blessings to you 😊

[@BlackGauntlets]

Thanks so much this worked very easily! :)

[@Nicolio-m3z]

this video saved me thank you so much!! such a good idea

[@FishinOC]

You're so welcome!

[@paulregula2679]

You are a life saver! Thank you!!

[@DonaldTaylor2]

😂 I unplugged the microwave and stuck my finger it there, definitely going to remember your way next time! Also, anyone have an idea why the light stays on now? Button goes thru the motions, full, half, off, but the light stays on