Facing Lathe

Can someone tell me how to unscrew my lightbulb without breaking the metal cup that is spinning with it?

I just bought a house and my outside light fixture isn't working. I went to change the light bulb and the metal can that the bulb sits inside is just spinning. I can't fit my hand inside to hold the metal so that I can take out the bulb. Do I have to replace the whole fixture or can it be fixed?

Public Comments

1. Make sure there is no power running through the socket. THEN and ONLY then, get some pliers, pinch the outside if possible and unscrew.
2. cut a potato in half and press the flat end up into the broken socket and very gently twist the potato to unscrew the broken bulb.
3. Oh Yes just as the TV Commerical made by OSH: Take a glance to first yes turn off the power to the lite and get either a potatoe,carrot stick it into the lite socket and screw it out. If you do not have a pair of needle nose pliers or similar tools. The potatoes work in bind.
4. Unless you can get the bulb out and the socket is secured by a screw that you can tighten (unless this is a very old fixture this is extremely unlikely) you'll have to replace the fixture. Most likely the fixture is broken and the reason why it spins is the same reason why it doesn't work. I would just buy a new fixture and replace it. You should be able to find a nice replacement for around $10 or possibly even less at a hardware store. (you can also get them at Walmart or K-Mart) -you ever notice how few people actually read the questions?