How many [x] does it take to change a lightbulb?

July 14, 2008 10:54 AM

How can I change this lightbulb?

I've got track lighting in my kitchen with three of these lamps:

http://humancargo.net/IMG_4913.jpg

Two have now burnt out, and it's time to take action! But I can't for the life of me figure out how to change these out. And I'm normally pretty handy. I know that metal ring can be pinched and removed, thus removing the glass disc it holds in place, but that's as far as I can get. The metal casing looks like it's in two halves, but they won't separate, even if I remove those nuts holding the thing into the bracket. What the deal with that? Any tips would be appreciated!

If it helps, I think that's known as a 'SoLux' bulb? But no guarantees. Thanks!

posted by BorgLove to home & garden (10 comments total)

Looks like the procedure would be this:

1. Remove the wire clip and glass disc (as you have).

2. Just pull the bulb out - it looks to be a standard (MR16) bulb format, so it's a case of pulling, not twisting. The bulb is a sealed unit with a glass front and built-in reflector. If there's no space for your fingers to gain purchase on either side of the bulb, try inserting something non-metallic either side of the bulb and lever it out gently (a couple of plastic spoons or something).

Of course, that's just based on experience with the dozens of other light fittings, not the one you have. I doubt that you'll need to disassemble the unit in any other way, otherwise they wouldn't have made it so easy to gain access via the front.
posted by le morte de bea arthur at 11:07 AM on July 14, 2008

It looks like an MR16 halogen. You should just be able to pull the bulb in the center of the reflector and the whole reflector/bulb assembly should come right out. Sometimes a little jiggling is necessary. This is the MR16:
http://www.lampsplus.com/products/45198/?sourceid=DFFROO45198&cm_mmc=FROO-SH-_-Light%20Bulbs-_-Light%20Bulbs-_-45198
posted by Thrillhouse at 11:07 AM on July 14, 2008

Done deal, a little jiggling and some leverage and it's all under control. And you were right, according to a sticker underneath, they're MR16s. Thanks, le morte and Thrillhouse!
posted by BorgLove at 11:14 AM on July 14, 2008

Use care when replacing the bulb - you shouldn't touch halogen bulbs with your bare fingers as the oil from your skin can harm the glass and shorten the life of the bulb...
posted by wfrgms at 11:20 AM on July 14, 2008

Righto, thanks for the tip, wfrgms.
posted by BorgLove at 11:24 AM on July 14, 2008

FYI, the warning about not touching halogen bulbs doesn't apply here. On these, the bulb you shouldn't touch is a tiny capsule inside the conical outer glass; you can't touch it without breaking the bulb.
posted by jon1270 at 11:33 AM on July 14, 2008

Oh, I just remembered - often when I've bought MR16 bulbs, they've been supplied with a little suction-cup gadget for just such a situation as this...
posted by le morte de bea arthur at 12:14 PM on July 14, 2008

jon1270, thanks. I accidentally touched one of those when it was still hot, and I still regret it. Will not touch again.

le morte, thanks. I'll keep an eye out for that too.

Cheers!
posted by BorgLove at 2:13 PM on July 14, 2008

Man...y'all are so effecient, I was all prepared with the "how many mefites does it take to change a lightbulb" joke...and there y'all go, being all helpful.

Although, as of this moment, it apparently takes 4.
posted by dejah420 at 2:32 PM on July 14, 2008

Well, it takes one, and four consultants.
posted by BorgLove at 4:15 PM on July 14, 2008