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.

A LOT of suggestions about breaking the bulb and using pliers to remove
the base. But if you try this, you'll never use pliers again. When a
bulb breaks and leaves the base in the socket, use another bulb. Push
the bulb base into the broken base and keep pressure on it while
unscrewing. The new bulb base exerts pressure over the whole surface
of the old base, giving enough friction to break the old base loose.
Especially good for deep recessed lamps like floodlights where you
don't have room to manipulate pliers. And it keeps your hands off the
metal portion of the socket.

Bob