How do I get the fluorescent bulb out of this fixture?

Question

The bulb blew last night. I've been trying to get it out to change the bulb but it's not budging. I got the outer case off but the end covers aren't budging so the bulb won't pull or twist out.

How do I remove the bulb from this fixture?

Answer 1

I've seen some units where the bulb wasn't designed to be replaced. Based on your photo, that may be the case here. Units with replaceable fluorescent bulbs have a "twist-in" connector on either end that's visible after you remove the cover. You may need to buy a new unit and replace the fixture. I would buy a double bulb unit, since those are almost always replaceable.

Answer 2

It had clips on the inside of the cover. Managed to get a screwdriver underneath which freed the clips and then would slide off.

Answer 3

Both tubes were really stuck in a fixture with minimal space to grab the bulbs, I tried a strip of Duck Tape on both ends, but still would not budge. I then sprayed the pins at each end with WD-40 and pulled slightly on the Duck Tape again. They Moved! then they easily popped right out. ShaZamm! Duck Tape and WD-40 come through again!

Of course, I was also standing on an upended Drywall Bucket.

Answer 4

Not all fixtures twist some are spring loaded where you apply a light force to one end of the lamp. The spring collapses and the other end will drop out. This kind of fixture is mostly used on single pin tubes but I have seen them on standard lamps also.

Answer 5

Put on safety glasses when you try to remove it. I just broke a circular bulb trying to remove it. It was held by very stiff clips.

Answer 6

My fluorescent tube just would not turn to get it out. I took 2 strips of duct tape and layed them over the bulb near both ends. Couldn't get it around the tube all the way. I then pulled on the duct tape which had a pretty good hold and the tube twisted allowing me to change the fixture.