How to disassemble a light bulb

After an incandescent bulb burns out, most people immediately throw it away. But do not rush to do this: some details may come in handy. First you need to learn how to disassemble the light bulb. You will need a few tools - tweezers, a screwdriver, pliers and platypuses.

You also need thick rubber gloves, as when working with glass there is always a risk of cutting your hands. A burnt out light bulb after disassembly can be used to create decorations, such as garlands, panels or lampshades.

How to open an incandescent lamp

From a burnt out incandescent lamp, you can make an original container for seasonings, a miniature aquarium or florarium. If you still do not have experience in disassembling such devices, it is recommended to start with a standard light bulb. Since there are no harmful substances inside it, as in an energy-saving one, the master does not risk his health.

Fig. 1 - it is desirable to prepare the tool in advance.

Device device

Before opening the light bulb, you need to study all the elements of the assembly:

• flask;
• plinth;
• shtengel;
• electrodes;
• holder for tungsten filaments;
• insulating material;
• filament;
• base contacts.

Fig. 2 - incandescent light bulb device.

The flask is made of ordinary glass. It serves to protect the tungsten filaments from environmental influences. A shaft with electrodes and thread holders is installed inside. In order for the device to work, a vacuum is created in the flask and a special gas is pumped in. Often it is argon, which is explained by its properties that do not allow the lamp to overheat.

From the electrode output side, the flask is glued to the base. In addition, it is additionally soldered using glass. An aluminum base is needed for a lamp to be installed in a cartridge. Incandescent filament emits a glow, it is almost always made of tungsten.

Video: A good example of disassembly

Disassembly process

Working with glass requires attention. At the level of the leg, the material is fragile, while at the insulator it is rough. So that in case of damage to the flask, the fragments do not scatter around, the workplace should be properly prepared. For this you need a cardboard box. The bottom should be covered with soft material.

Then you can proceed to disassembly, adhering to the following algorithm of actions:

1. The first stage of disassembly is the removal of the contact part, which is sealed at the neck of the flask. To do this, you will need thin-nosed pliers. To remove, you need to loosen this part of the structure until the wiring connected to the base of the lamp breaks. After the contact part can be removed.
2. Next, you need to open the insulation of the base with the same tool. The lamp leg should be swung and removed with the rest of the assembly.
3. When access to the inside of the light bulb opens, it must be wiped. A lamp without entrails is used to create a mini-greenhouse in which miniature flowers can be grown.
4. If you need to remove the base, first you should place the device in a mixture of hydrochloric acid for a day, since the connection is very strong. The substance will dissolve the glue, after which the base is easily detached from the flask. You will need rubber gloves for this job. Also, the lamp must be washed well. If this method is not suitable, the elements can be disconnected using a glass cutter.

Fig. 3 - removal of the contact part.

Fig. 4 - removal of the insides.

How to properly disassemble a lamp with a cartridge

The procedure for replacing a light bulb is not always without problems. Sometimes it accidentally separates from the base. In this case, you will have to disassemble the cartridge. For work, rubber gloves and goggles should be prepared. Next, you need to turn off the electricity and check the absence of voltage using the indicator.

Now the master will need narrow-nose pliers. They need to rotate the base counterclockwise to unscrew it from the cartridge. If you cannot grab the base, you should bend its edges inward. Sometimes this method does not work, for example, if the light bulb was screwed too tightly into the socket.

Fig. 5 - removing the base with pliers.

In this case, you can use the folk method. To do this, you need a plastic bottle. Its neck must be heated until softened and screwed into the base. After 30 seconds, the plastic will harden and stick. If this option does not fit, you can find a suitable tool, firmly rest it against the walls of the base inside and try to turn it.

Fig. 6 - removing the base with a plastic bottle.

Can you open a light bulb without breaking it?

Since the base is securely attached to the glass, it is very difficult to open the light bulb without breaking it. If the lamp is old, the glue is already dry and will crumble when exposed to thin-nosed pliers.

Another safe way: use a screwdriver or a knife to bend a part of the base at the junction with the glass and carefully tear off one strip. The next step will be easier. You need to crumble the remaining glue and get rid of the remnants of the base.

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Safety

In addition to tools for work, it is necessary to prepare personal protective equipment. First of all, these are rubber gloves, preferably tight ones. Disassembly is best done on a cardboard box, otherwise the fragments may scatter.

Read the instructions carefully before disassembly. In order not to damage the flask, you should not make sudden movements, as you will have to work with rough tools.

Also read: Top 5 causes of light bulb burnout.

What can lamp elements be used for?

Most often, they make such crafts as:

• florarium for mini-plants;
• miniature aquarium;
• flower vase;
• kerosene lamp;
• container for storing paper clips or other small items.

Miniature florarium

To make a florarium for plants out of a light bulb, you need to pull out everything superfluous from it and leave only the base and the flask. At the very bottom you can put beautiful stones. Next, the filler is laid, it can be forest moss. Sometimes earth and pieces of tree bark are added. If there are stones at the bottom, sand can be poured on top of them.

Fig. 7 - florarium from an incandescent lamp.

Next, you need to take the plant with tweezers and gently insert it into the soil or sand.You can close the flask not only with the help of the base. For this, a cork carved from wood or an acorn cap is suitable. It is better to use a large incandescent lamp.

Inside the hermetically sealed flask, oxygen is produced, carbon dioxide is consumed, and water is cycled. Watering a closed florarium is not required. It looks like a miniature planet with its own climate.

The open version requires moderate watering as the soil dries. If you pour water, mold will appear. Mosses can be sprayed occasionally. Just like on earth, plants in a light bulb will gradually grow and develop.

It will be useful to know: Why do light bulbs explode.

Conclusion

In order to successfully disassemble the light bulb and not damage the bulb, it is advisable to use old devices in which the glue connecting the base to the glass has already dried up. You need to work with gloves, and put on goggles over your eyes to protect yourself from damage if the lamp accidentally bursts.