Ceiling lights

OldHiker · 07-10-2009, 03:57 PM

I have several bulbs that are not on but I cannot take off the lenses. I tried turning them, but they are impossible to grab.

Is there a tool or trick to this?

**"007"** · 07-10-2009, 06:12 PM

I haven't seen one, you need a good grip with your fingers, push lens up towards ceiling and turn. You could use one of those rubber grips used for jars so your fingers will not slip.

Max Hubrich · 07-10-2009, 06:43 PM

Oldhiker---

I concur with "007".

I'm not sure yours are the same as mine--- Here goes anyway --- Push up slightly and turn a wee bit to the left, counter clockwise. Use a rubber jar cloth or try a piece of the rubber drawer/shelfing material we all have somewhere in our rigs. Then pull the halogen bulb straight out (horizontally). It has just two straight wires on it. You can buy new ones at lowes. Try not to touch the new bulb while re-inserting. Use a piece of tissue paper to hold--

Good luck,

imgoin4it · 07-11-2009, 04:23 PM

I was told that when replacing the lights in the ceiling the lense will come off easier if you run a putty knife (or butter knife) around the fixture between the glass lense and the vinyl ceiling material. The heat from the light causes them to stick together. Even then proceed with care. Have a friend that twisted the tabs that are on the fixture to hold it firm in the ceiling. End result was the fixture would just turn and could not get the lense off. He had to replace two fixtures.

**"007"** · 07-11-2009, 05:19 PM

Good point imgoin4it for a vinyl ceiling light, maybe before replacing the lens cover place some talc on paper and blot the lens so it will not stick in future.

OldHiker · 07-11-2009, 08:01 PM

You started me thinking about what rubber I had around when I spied my wife's dishwashing gloves on the sink. In a quick twist, I took 2 off immediately!

Rubber dish washing gloves are fantastic for this.

Now the question is - what is this bulb and where to buy?

**"007"** · 07-11-2009, 09:14 PM

They are 12v and Max mentioned you can buy them at Lowe's and I have found them a West Marine and Burt's Marine.
Keep your fingers off new bulb use a tissue to hold, two pins go straight in horizontally.

OldHiker · 07-12-2009, 08:43 AM

Aside from them being 12v, I have found them in 5, 10, 20 30 and 50 watts. I cannot read the markings on them. I have also found prices all over the place.

http://www.thefind.com/homefurnishin...page=2&local=0

Can I use the 50watt for better brighter lighting?

**"007"** · 07-12-2009, 01:11 PM

The heat generated by the blub in place now is hot a higher wattage may melt the lens and holder for it let alone what higher watts may do to your ceiling if its vinyl.
I use 10w plenty bright for me cost $7.59 for two.