"Joseph Meehan" wrote in message
...
Frank Thompson wrote:
Will appreciate any clues on how to remove a light bulb that seems to
be frozen
in socket. Bulb is 60W and is in one of five sockets on ceiling fan.
Has ceramic "lampshade" which cannot be removed without removing bulb
first. Last time this happened in similar situation the bulb ended
being broken which made a big mess.

Well the suggestion made should help you get the lamp out. Once you
get it out, take the rest of them out as well. Now go to the hardware
store and buy new 60W lamps that have real brass threds not aluminum or
brass colored aluminum threads. Those cheaply made (but some times over
priced) lamps are the cause of your problem.

Great advice. Yes brass based bulbs are less likely to seize. However, try
to find a brass based bulb, it seems there are only a couple of
manufacturers these days and they have all switched to aluminium bases for
most of their bulbs. Sometimes a little silicon grease (not caulk) or other
lubricant will prevent seizing in difficult sockets. The worst combination
is aluminium based bulbs in aluminium sockets, especially in outdoor
fixtures.