I have never in my life commented on a RU-vid 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!
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!!!
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.
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!!!
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!
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!!
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!!!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!!
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!!!
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!
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
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!
😂 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
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.
