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Your Guide to The Best Light Bulb Changers

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By Old House Journal Review Team
Last updated: 30 May 2023

Changing a light bulb is no easy job, especially the ones attached to fans or tall ceilings. Sure, you can call an electrician, but that will set you back a couple of bucks and seems like a lot of work for a simple task. Using a ladder can be quite risky and no one wants to touch a scalding hot bulb either. Thankfully, you can easily tackle this problem using a light bulb changer. 

Whether you’re dealing with this problem for the first time or looking for a reliable upgrade to your current bulb changer, you’ve come to the right place. This useful guide will reveal the top light bulb changers of 2023, along with some information to help you make a smart choice. Let’s take a look!

Best Overall
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DocaPole Light Bulb Changer
Buy on Amazon
Runner Up
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Bayco LBC-100 Light Bulb Changer
Buy on Amazon Check Price On Walmart
Contender
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Stauber Light Bulb Changer
Buy on Amazon
Honorable Mention
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Ettore Bulb Changer Kit
Buy on Amazon
Also Consider
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Eversprout Twist on Light Bulb Changer
Buy on Amazon

Buying Guide for the Best Light Bulb Changer

Having handy tools at home can make it easier to make quick fixes around your house. Many are so easy to use that even an inexperienced person can use them, and light bulb changers are a great example of that. So, if you’re looking for more information on light bulb changers before you make a final purchase, keep on reading.

Step-By-Step Instructions for Using a Light Bulb Changer

Pick the right attachment

First, you need to pick a top attachment that matches your light bulb. For example, a suction cup light bulb changer usually works better for recessed lights. If you want to replace a field light, you can try using a light bulb changer with a screw to make it tighter or looser so that you can firmly place your bulb inside.

For circular bulbs, a light changer with prongs is the ideal pick since they can grip round bulbs better around. Once you’ve picked the correct attachment, then it’s on to the next step.

Attach it to the pole

Most light bulb changing kits will come with a pole, which can easily be screwed into the top attachment. But if your light bulb changer didn’t come with a pole, you can use any standard one and even use something like a broomstick. After you’ve placed the end into the attachment, you can use the thumb screw provided to tighten it.

If you’re using a suction cup-style bulb changer, make sure to attach the release string so it’s easy to remove. Most poles also have a telescoping option to make them longer.

Change the bulb

Once your bulb has been attached, all you have to do is guide the pole to the light bulb holder and gently turn it around until it’s been fixed. Make sure to give it a wiggle to ensure whether it’s tightly attached. When you’re done attaching the light bulb, gently pull onto the release string to release the suction.

Fixing a Broken Bulb and How to Do It

It’s really important not to change broken bulbs with your hands since the glass can be dangerous. Instead, you should use a lightbulb changer since it can reduce the risk of injury. Make sure the pole and changer are made of non-conductive materials like plastic.

Use a screw-style light bulb changer since it will easily grip onto the remains of your light bulb. Once removed, make sure to discard the broken bulb.

Best Light Bulb Changer Worth Considering for 2023

1

DocaPole Light Bulb Changer

– Best Overall
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Buy on Amazon

The DocaPole Light Bulb Changer is an innovative and convenient tool for changing light bulbs in hard-to-reach places. With its telescopic extension pole, reaching up to 24-foot-high ceilings and recessed lights is a breeze. Its premium silicone suction cup has been optimally designed for flat, smooth light bulbs like those used in recessed lighting and canned lighting. The changer also features a secure design with a thumb screw and push pin that tightly secures the suction cup to prevent spinning, meaning users can manipulate the suction cup with confidence. 

Since this changer is designed for standard, medium and large surface area LED lights, it is versatile enough to be used for both indoor and outdoor applications. This makes it an ideal tool for those who need to access hard-to-reach places for lighting installation. It is also compatible with all DocaPole attachments, giving users the freedom to accomplish a wide variety of tasks from the same pole. Easy to use and featuring a durable design, the DocaPole Light Bulb Changer is an essential tool and the best overall changer for anyone looking to get the job done quickly and efficiently. 

Key Features
  • Premium design
  • Great for canned lighting light bulbs
  • Secure and sturdy
2

Bayco LBC-100 Light Bulb Changer

– Runner Up
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Buy on AmazonCheck Price On Walmart

Most light bulb changers can be hard to put together, but this design by Bayco has an easy mechanism and can be used right away. All you have to do is attach it to any threaded pole and put your light bulb into the provided attachment. It has a little screw mechanism so you can tightly attach it to your pole, ensuring it doesn’t move around. 

It’s such a versatile product that you can attach it to a broomstick or any pole that will allow you to reach your bulb holder. This light bulb changer also has a good grip, ensuring that your bulb won’t come loose or move around while you’re attaching it. And, best of all, it’s made of durable materials, so you can use it for years without needing a replacement.

Key Features
  • Dimensions: ‎5.75 x 2.75 x 8.5-inches
  • Doesn’t require batteries
  • No pole included
  • Suitable for standard incandescent light bulbs
3

Stauber Light Bulb Changer

– Contender
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Buy on Amazon

The Stauber light bulb changer is another great suction cup light changer that makes a fairly difficult task much easier. Most bulb changers can only fit LED bulbs, but this one works with almost every style of bulb. The top mechanism has an embedded steel nut that can tighten it onto the pole, which makes it very sturdy, and ensures that your light bulb won’t move around while you change it. Even better, it’s made with high-quality plastic that gives it that extra support, ensuring that your bulb-changing process is safe.

For some added convenience, you can also buy this changer with a pole at a very affordable price or fit the top onto any other standard pole you have at home. The best part is that this light bulb changer comes with a microfiber cover, so you can also clean dusty bulbs. Overall, it’s a great product to have in your electrical tool kit.

Key Features
  • Available in different sizes, styles, and colors
  • Can be used with almost any floodlight
  • Doesn’t require batteries
  • Steel pin stops suction cup from rotating
4

Ettore Bulb Changer Kit

– Honorable Mention
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Buy on Amazon

If you’re looking for a complete light bulb changing kit, look no further. This kit from Ettore has several attachments for all kinds of lightbulbs, including regular bulbs and field lights. You get four top attachments to make changing light bulbs an easier experience, and there’s also one to help you change broken bulbs, which can be unsafe to do on your own. 

This option is lightweight and easy to transport thanks to the convenient carrying case included. The kit also comes equipped with a variety of tools, specifically designed to assist with difficult bulb changing tasks. Not only are each of these products sturdy, but they are also made of high-quality plastic. Gone are the days of ladders and struggling to unscrew hot light bulbs.

Key Features
  • Doesn’t require batteries
  • Some of the changers have screw tighteners
5

Eversprout Twist on Light Bulb Changer

– Also Consider
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Buy on Amazon

This light bulb changer not only has a unique design but can help cut down any risk of injury while you change a lightbulb. Most light bulb changers are only good for recessed lighting, but this one is specifically made for the rounded light bulbs that most of us have. Because of the simple design which allows you to push the bulb inside its prongs, you also won’t have to struggle with this changer. Once the bulb is securely inside, you can attach this light bulb changer to any pole and efficiently replace it. You can even bend the prongs to tighten or loosen around the bulb! 

But, perhaps the best part about this product is how it’s super affordable and comes with a one-year warranty. Not to mention that every time you purchase this company, they plant a tree, making this an eco-friendly product.

Key Features
  • Dimensions: ‎8.7 x 2.17 x 2.05-inches
  • Doesn’t require batteries
  • No pole included
  • Works with any universal pole

People Also Asked

Q: Why should I switch my light bulb off before changing it?

A: If you don’t switch your light bulb off before changing it, there’s a chance that it may burst. This can be quite dangerous, so make sure to switch it off.

Q: How do I attach the release string?

A: The light bulb changer will have little holes through which you can thread the string. You can pull this string to remove the suction cup from your bulb.

Q: What is a recessed light bulb?

A: Recessed light bulbs are usually flat on the top. LED, halogen, and CFL bulbs fall under this category.

Garage Lighting
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By Old House Journal Review Team
The Old House Journal Review Team’s product reviews and in-depth guides are here to help you restore, repair, update, and decorate your home. The content is created by The Old House Journal Review Team. The Old House Journal editorial staff is not involved. Old House Journal is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. All questions regarding articles or product testing can be sent to aimperiapt@gmail.com
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