- #1
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I need to replace a light bulb. There is no side screw and it doesn't seem to easily rotate. Any ideas on how to remove it?
How to remove flush mount ceiling fixture?
- Thread starter Greg Bernhardt
- Start date
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the challenges of removing a flush mount ceiling fixture to replace a light bulb. Participants share various methods and experiences related to this task, exploring both practical solutions and frustrations encountered during the process.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
- Meta-discussion
Main Points Raised
- One participant suggests using a hammer to break the fixture, humorously implying that it will reveal the method to remove it.
- Another participant proposes pushing up and tilting the fixture as a potential method for removal.
- Some participants discuss the inner glass part of the fixture, confirming that it is snug and does not budge easily.
- A participant identifies the fixture as having a bayonet type fitting, noting that it can become tight and suggesting tapping it counterclockwise with a rubber mallet as a solution.
- Links to external resources are provided, indicating that this issue is common and that there are various suggested solutions available online.
- One participant expresses suspicion about the design of light fixtures, suggesting that manufacturers may intentionally make them difficult to open to encourage replacement rather than repair.
- A participant shares their experience with a spring-type fixture, highlighting the difficulty and frustration involved in replacing bulbs, even with prior knowledge of the fixture's design.
- Another participant mentions that they ultimately replaced their fixture with a different type that simplifies bulb replacement.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express a range of methods and experiences, with no clear consensus on the best approach to removing the fixture. Some methods are repeated, while others are challenged or elaborated upon, indicating ongoing exploration of the topic.
Contextual Notes
Participants mention various types of fixtures and their specific challenges, indicating that the discussion may be limited by the specific designs of the fixtures in question. There is also a sense of frustration with the design of these fixtures, but no definitive solutions are agreed upon.
- #2
Evo
Staff Emeritus
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A hammer. I guarantee you that the instant you smash it, you will find the way to remove it that wasn't obvious at first. 
- #3
Evo
Staff Emeritus
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Did you try pushing up on it and then tilting it?
- #4
- 19,907
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You mean the inner glass part?Evo said:
- #5
zoobyshoe
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Some suggested solutions:
http://diy.stackexchange.com/questi...ve-a-flush-mounted-ceiling-light-fixture-dome
http://diy.stackexchange.com/questi...ve-a-flush-mounted-ceiling-light-fixture-dome
- #6
Evo
Staff Emeritus
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Yes.Greg Bernhardt said:
- #7
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It's pretty snug, doesn't budge at allEvo said:
- #8
Evo
Staff Emeritus
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Zooby posted some interesting solutions.Greg Bernhardt said:
- #9
russ_watters
Mentor
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The glass spins: it is a bayonet type fitting. Unfortunately, yes, they get tight. While Evo's solution will certainly work, in seriousness, if you tap it counterclockwise on the edge with a rubber mallet, that should knock it free. The glass is pretty thick.
- #10
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Off to the hardware store tomorrowruss_watters said:
- #11
zoobyshoe
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Here's another site which demonstrates that this is a widespread problem:
http://technical.sabhlokcity.com/20...ittings-fixture-to-replace-change-light-bulb/
Light fixture companies are up to something weird when the average person can't see how to open the fixture to change the bulb. It's as if they're hoping the attempt to change the bulb will result in breaking the fixture so that you have to buy a new one.
http://technical.sabhlokcity.com/20...ittings-fixture-to-replace-change-light-bulb/
Light fixture companies are up to something weird when the average person can't see how to open the fixture to change the bulb. It's as if they're hoping the attempt to change the bulb will result in breaking the fixture so that you have to buy a new one.
- #12
Borek
Mentor
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I had the spring kind (like these described in the second Zooby's post). Springs were surprisingly strong, so I was always afraid of destroying whole thing. Luckily I mounted the fixture by myself, so I have seen it in the box and I knew what is inside and what to do. Even with that knowledge... every time the bulb went off it required some heavy cursing to replace it.
In the end we replaced it with a completely different kind, now replacing the bulbs is a breeze.
In the end we replaced it with a completely different kind, now replacing the bulbs is a breeze.
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