What can I use to keep light bulbs from binding in the sockets? I don’t suppose cooking spray would work.
I’m sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.
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Cooking spray will work, or petroleum jelly. Better is silicone grease, such as GC Type 25, sold by auto parts stores.
A little dab'll do ya -- just a match-head-sized dab on the threads before screwing in.
Do these lubricants have any smell to them once they are heated by the bulb?Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
Unless applied heavily. And if may be different with high wattage or halogen bulbs that run hotter the lamps don't get hot enough to cause any noticeable smell.I have never known the graphite, even when used fairly heavily and in lamps that get hot, to produce any smell.
I use Ox-Gard (the anti-oxident used on aluminum wire in service panels), but in a thread some time back on this subject, several folks chimed in about there being a product for the purpose available at big box stores, elect, supply houses, etc.
A common lead pencil can be applied liberally to the aluminum threads on the bulb. Softer leads go on quickly but a #2 works well if you use the side of the lead and firm pressure. Work it across the threads in a tight up-down motion. No need to cover every millimeter. Just scribble until it is darkened a bit.
Graphite from a pencil has advantages in that pencils are commonly available and unlikely to cause a mess. Once you treat a few bulbs the socket is good to go for some time.
Anti-oxidant compound, petroleum jelly, silicone spray, moly powder. All can be used. The greases should be used in very small amounts, a tiny smear. I keep going back to graphite from a pencil because I usually have a pencil handy and, unlike the greases, it doesn't get on the hands and spread everywhere.
I use silicone grease or anti-ox, either one.
You can get the silicone grease at an auto parts shop or at ace hardware.
I put a small bead from the glass, across the threads, toward the button on the bottom. Then put a smear on the button. This should get pretty much all the threads coated. Especially after the second or third bulb.
I have noticed bulbs last longer when you do this, too.
Are we there yet ?
Ok, someone has got to have the home spun version of this and I guess I get to be the one. I rub the thread end of the bulb on my forhead or hair. The body oil is just enough to lubricate the bulb slightly and keep the bulb from seizing. Learned it from a burglar electrician when I worked at the prison. Really works and I don't have to carry any extra stuff with me. I guess if I were installing 100 bulbs it might be an issue. DanT
Actually body oil, taken from the side (OUTside) of the nose also works great at reducing foam, like on beer or pop.
I would think that WD, being a lighter oil, might be more prone to odor when heated in the fixture.
Aner/Anti-seize is a great substance for long term lubrication - but it's hell to get out of clothing! I'd wonder if some of the liquid components of it might not smell with heat as well?
Edited 6/15/2005 1:36 pm ET by xxPaulCPxx
WD-40 works best, every time.
never thought of WD-40
wouldn't the stuff just gum up after a while, I'm just asking ... what do I know?
I will just "stick" with my pencil
I've been using a pencil since reading 4lorn1's tip and it works fine.
Especially on those little spot lights that you can barely get your fingers in the can.
A potential problem with WD-40 is if it gets on plastic (particularly nylon) parts of the lamp. It can cause nylon and some other plastics to disintegrate rather dramatically.
Went to the elect dept at HD and found a can of CRC brand "2-26 electrical grade plastic safe multi-purpose precision lubricant improves electrical properties". Spray can of 5 oz for under $2.
I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.
Permatex Anti-seize.
One application is 'good for the life' of the fixture.
Ed,
I use copper anti sieze, one application on a new fixture and there never is a prolelm removing bulbs afterwards.
A light coating is all that's needed
What can I use to keep light bulbs from binding in the sockets?
Copper sockets, LOL!
(I don't even remember when I last saw a new fixture with a copper socket it's been so long....)
Seriously, I use silicone grease. I keep a little can of it in my plumbing box for lubing washerless cartridges, and it works great on light-bulb sockets, too....
Use a Q-tip to apply it; get that stuff on your fingers you'll be dropping things for the rest of the day....
Dinosaur
A day may come when the courage of men fails,when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship...
But it is not this day.