How the hell do I change this lightbulb? Feeling v v stupid

[Twitterqueen]

It's a Homebase Baya wave spotlight

I've only had it around 2 months and all the bulbs have gone. I believe I need to push the bulb in and twist it to the left, but I can't do it. I'm worried I'm going to push too hard.

Do I just push harder?

Derail away
I've got LEDs in the undercupboard light spots so any info is useful! Electrician said these won't go for at least a year.
Builder said ring him when/if they do go & he'll pop round.

I said thanks, but it's not doing my cred as a single, capable, lone parent any good if I have to get a builder round to change a lightbulb!

i understand now that because spots are enclosed, the bulbs get too hot, which is why they go.

Do you mean the momentarily flicker on when they should be off? Or the reverse?

They flicker when they're on, which was the major issue for us. They also sometimes flickered a little bit when switched off, but that only happens once so is less of an issue.

Having said that, I've just noticed there is one LED in each of the fittings, and they seem to be ok like that. I think it's just if we put more LEDs in that it starts to go wrong.

loose connection somewhere. If all the lamps do it at the same time, it is the wiring, possibly at the ceiling rose or at the switch. If it is just one lamp, it is probably the contacts in the lamp and its holder. Might be the wires to that lamp socket.

If they are low voltage via a transformer, you have the extra complication of the transformer connections.

Thanks PigletJohn.

Know this is probably not relevant now but found a way to get halogen bulbs out of fittings.use some industrial strength tape (b&q ) tear off approx two inches .stick well onto bulb and whilst using both thumbs push and turn at same time firmly anti clockwise the bulb should come out still attached to tape.instead of putting back halogens buy led bulbs. more expensive but brighter and last much longer.

These GU10's are a disaster but.......

To remove them use a Mr Muscle Oven Cleaner cap which is orange (at least mine is) off the 300ml can of cleaner.

It's just a little bit larger than the GU10 and its flexible.

Try it with a removed bulb and you'll be able to grip the bulb by squeezing the cap once it's over the bulb.

With the bulb in its holder, and after you've screamed at it a couple of times, push the orange cap over the bulb and squeeze - not too hard. Turn the cap anti-clockwise while squeezing and the bulb will come out.

To put in a new one, although still not easy, look into the bulb holder and you'll see two strange semi-circular slots. At each end is a slightly larger bulge and remember the orientation of these bulges. Holding the bulb with the two 'tits' aligned with the bulges push the bulb into the holder until these locate. Now, while holding the bulb, place the Mr Muscle cap over the bulb, squeeze and turn clockwise. The bulb should lock.

Don't squeeze our push too hard. If you damage the bulb you will have to remove the complete assembly which is messy.

Not fond of these things, but now that LED lamps have become cheaper, you might have less trouble. As well as using much less electricity, they run a lot cooler. Old light fittings, especially spots and downs, are often brittle, sometimes charred, due to the heat, but this should now be a thing of the past.

Wilko and Wickes are very cheap for lamps, especially their own-brands. They both allow you to order online, for collection from your nearest store, or delivered.

www.wickes.co.uk/Products/c/1000000?q=%3AtopSellers%3Acategory%3A1000073

www.wilko.com/search?q=gu10&=Search

How many Mumsnetters does it take to change a lightbulb...?

(Sorry - taxi for Fetch!)

sucky thing listed on the Wilko link

I know this is an old thread, but any tips for aligning the pins with the holes when fitting? Because of the shade I can't see anything once the bulb is inserted and there is sufficient movement that I just can't get the pins lined up.

change the fitting
GU10s are awful.

have one in bedroom cant get dead bulb out neither could electrician.

Thanks. It may well come to that.

I would love to get rid of GU10s, even replacing the bulb does not seem to work, still no light. Also hate fiddly metal ring to hold them in place.

To replace with LEDs does one need an electrician to change the socket/fitting? Presumably I could put in LED bulbs now but would have to put up with socket and fitting.