How to remove a broken lamp base from the bulb socket?

When changing a light bulb (for example, replacing a screw based bulb), some people may have difficulty in removing the old lamp if the base is twisted and stuck. So this guideline is to instruct you how to solve this problem. (this actually may post a risk of injury, and you'd better consult an electrician).

Note: Safety glasses and protective gloves should be worn to prevent the risk of electrical shock and laceration from metal or broken glass. Also, don’t forget to check if the switch is off in the first place! This is important, keeping you away from being electrocuted.

Removing a broken lamp base from a cord connected household lamp.

• Unplug the fixture from the wall receptacle.
• Remove the lampshade.
• Utilizing a pair of needle nose pliers approved for electrical use, put the nose of the pliers in the center of the lamp socket base.
• Pull the pliers handles away from each other causing the tip of the needle nose to spread open and press up against the broken screw shell wall. (To get a better grip, electrical tape can be wrapped around each tip of the pliers.)
• Apply only enough pressure to the pliers handles to ensure the tip of the pliers firmly presses up against the screw shell wall. Do not apply too much pressure.
• Rotate the pliers counter clockwise unscrewing the lamp base out from the fixture socket.

Removing a broken lamp base from a hardwired connected household fixture.

• Check to be sure the light switch is off that operates the fixture.
• Shut off the breaker in the circuit breaker panel, or if it is a fuse box, remove the fuse.
• Tag the electrical panel as shut off so no one can accidentally turn the power back on.
• Remove the fixture lens/globe of the fixture.
• With a pair of voltage testers test the socket to be absolutely sure the power has been disconnected.
• Utilizing a pair of needle nose pliers approved for electrical use, put the nose of the pliers in the center of the lamp socket base.
• Pull the pliers handles away from each other causing the tip of the needle nose to spread open and press up against the broken screw shell wall. (To get a better grip, electrical tape can be wrapped around each tip of the pliers.)
• Apply only enough pressure to the pliers handles to ensure the tip of the pliers firmly presses up against the screw shell wall. Do not apply too much pressure.
• Rotate the pliers counter clockwise unscrewing the lamp base out from the fixture socket.