We have 17’ high ceilings in our two-story family room. Way up there is one recessed can light designed to light the mantle. I am almost embarrassed to admit the light bulb has been burnt out for over a year. Finally, we purchased a Light Bulb Changer Kit
During nap one afternoon, my hubby thought he would take on the quick task of changing the light bulb. Even with the extension pole, he still had to stand on a bench to reach the light bulb. He tried the suction cup, but could not get it to stick on the bulb. He switched to the other attachment designed to grab around the light bulb. I glanced up a few minutes later to see the extension pole dangling from the ceiling. The grabber attachment got stuck in the housing around the light.
My hubby tried to pull the pole down, but the attachment was stuck. As he pulled, the entire recessed housing for the light started coming out of the ceiling. It was starting to look like we were going to need a really tall ladder. Then my husband got the extension pole we use for painting. He used it to push the recessed light back in place and hold it there, while I pulled the light changer pole down. It worked, but we still had a burnt out light bulb.
I decided to give the suction cup attachment another go. Before raising the pole to the light bulb, I huffed a bit to breath moist warm air onto the suction cup. I raised the pole up to the light bulb and pushed firmly. I held the pole pushing against the bulb for a minute. It stuck! While still pushing firmly, I began to slowly untwist the light bulb. We cleared everyone from the area below in case the bulb fell. I was able to lower the bulb all the way down still attached to the suction cup.
Now, time to get a new light bulb up there. I again huffed on the suction cup and then stuck the new light bulb on. I raised it up and easily twisted it in place. When I went to pull the pole down I could not get the suction cup to release from the light bulb. Again we were stuck with the pole hanging from the ceiling. I tried pulling harder, but the whole light started coming out of the ceiling again. My hubby had to push it back and hold it in place with his extension pole, while I twisted my pole trying to release the suction. Finally it came free.
Whew! When it was all done my husband said “Thankfully the new bulb is a CFL, so we won’t have to change it again for 9 years!”
Despite the trial and error, the light bulb changing kit ultimately worked. It was the only way to get this job done. It was worth it to have some extra light in the family room again!!
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wow! what a task! I feel your pain! my house has high ceilings as well. I don’t know how we are going to change the foyer light bulbs in a fixture taht looks a lot like this http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Flora-3-light-Rust-Patina-Hall-Foyer-Light-Fixture/4457376/product.html
It has candelabra torpedo bulbs which cannot be changed while below them… who invents these things and what builder thinks it is a great idea to put them up in such hard to reach areas.
Dare I say we may need to rent a scaffolding just to change a few bulbs. :-|
Oh no Jessie. Good luck. If your neighbors have the same lights, maybe you could all go in on the scaffolding rental together and have a light bulb changing party from house to house.
I like that idea, Jackie!!! Thanks
Perfect timing for this post! My house has two recessed lights installed in my 20′ foyer and I’ve been debating on whether or not to buy a kit like this. I’ll have to reference your post on how to get the suction cup on and off when it’s time to change the bulbs :)
Your post made me laugh. I thought you were going to say that the lightbulb shattered. Thank goodness that didn’t happen. Have a great weekend.
Yes, thank goodness Lisa. Trust my visions of shattered light bulb all ove the living room was running through my head the whole time. I hope you have a good weekend too!