On Tuesday, January 21, 2003 at 2:23:12 PM UTC-6, wrote:

Believe it or not, there is a right way and wrong way to screw in a light bulb. Most people screw them in snuggly. This causes a hot spot on the soldered center contact that can get hot enough to melt the solder which spoils the vacuum and thus burns out the light. The correct way is to first ensure that the power is removed from the socket, use a tool to gently pry up on the center contact so it is not flattened against the base of the socket. Be careful, it will break off if it is bent to far. Before inserting a new bulb be sure that the switch is in the 'ON' position. Insert the light bulb and screw it in until the light bulb just lights, then give it an additional 1/8 turn. You should be all set.