Light Bulb Base Repair
Introduction: Light Bulb Base Repair
Introduction
Have you had a light bulb base oxidize and stop working? Furthermore, when you remove the bulb, the bulb comes out and the base remains in the socket? The reason for this instructable is to replace the base of an LED or CFL light bulb.
The Story:
One night the LED flood light stopped working. When I went to replace the bulb, it came out and the base stay behind. What a pain. Of course, it was supposed to be a simple twist out, twist in job. Not a repair to be done at night, so the next day I removed the base from the socket and inserted a new flood light.
I started to think just because the base separated from the light, could the bulb still work? I attached the bulb to a power cord and Yes, it did work. Wow. Now I started to think could I replace the base? Yes, I think I could… Where do I find a base? It is not an item on Amazon. I removed the base from a burnt out CFL. 854
With a “replacement” base, I can solder it to the baseless LED Flood Light.
A bulb without a base and means to repair.
Became another item trashed in despair.
Now with solder and glue,
this bulb is made anew.
Next Tools and Supplies
Step 1: Tools and Supplies
Tools:
Soldering Iron (More than 35 watts)
Supplies:
Replacement Light Bulb Base,
Solder,
JB Weld,
100, 240 and 400 Grit Papers.
Let’s go replace the Base.
Next Replacement Base
Step 2: Replacement Base
Align the replacement Base with the bulb wires.
The Hot wire to be aligned with the hole. The Ground wire is bent over the edge of the bulb and squeezed between the threads of the replacement Base and the threads of the bulb. See image with description.
Next Solder
Step 3: Solder
Bend the “Hot” wire and solder to the replacement Base.
Use the Solder Iron and Solder to secure the replacement Base and Hot wire.
The highest Solder Iron I had, was 35 watts. It can be done, but will be easier with a higher wattage Solder Iron.
Next Clean Solder
Step 4: Clean Solder
Here is where you will clean and smooth the soldered Base.
I used 100, 240 and 400 Grit Papers.
Next Secure Base
Step 5: Secure Base
Here is where you use the JB Weld to secure the replacement Base to the bulb.
1) Mix enough JB Weld,
2) Apply it where the replacement Base and bulb meet,
3) Let dry,
4) Insert bulb and test.
Next Observations and Summary
Step 6: Observations & Summary
Observations
I have found little information regarding how to prevent base oxidation, everyone knows it happens but there is not a consensus or easy solution on how to prevent this issue. This occurs because of heat and moisture.
My preventive intervention will be to loosen and tighten the bulb, monthly, at a minimum. In addition, after windy rains; take the bulb out and wipe the base and inside dry. The idea is to keep the bulb base and bulb socket dry, preventing the oxidation from building. Furthermore, removing the bulb should prevent any bonding from occurring. I will be exploring other options to replace my constant interaction.
The benefits of this design are:
1) Removing repairable items from the waste stream,
2) Reusing items saves money,
3) Knowledge is a powerful tool.
Summary
I am satisfied with the results. 819