Anti seize in light sockets

[BrotherRob]

On one of my ceiling fans, the light sockets have always been tight making the bulbs difficult to install and replace. It's bad enough that I have three globes that have broken off and the bases will need to be dug out of the socket.

My thought was to smear a dab of anti seize on the threads but I'm concerned that it may be a fire hazard. I did smear a bit on a screwdriver and tried to light it. It did burn briefly but doesn't seem to be terribly volatile. Has anyone done this? Any thoughts on the subject?

 

[Frankencruiser]

Just use dielectric grease. It is designed to be used in electrical connections.

 

[splitshot]

Just use dielectric grease. It is designed to be used in electrical connections.

^This^ Works great as an o-ring lube as well.

 

[Dan_J-spec_fj62]

Why is splitshot talking about lubing his O-ring? <--- just couldn't help it...

In all seriousness a dab of Vaseline will work too...

Dan

 

[PAToyota]

My thought was to smear a dab of anti seize on the threads but I'm concerned that it may be a fire hazard.

The issue isn't as much that it will burn as that most anti-seize formulas are metalic - and thus conductive. It also has a habit of "creeping" and ending up places you didn't initially place it. So you could end up with a short because of it - and then have something else burn.

As Frankencruiser said, dielectric grease is the proper product.

 

[splitshot]

It also has a habit of "creeping" and ending up places you didn't initially place it.

Yep, and who wants a drippy bulb? LOL!

 

[inthewall]

How many mud members does it take to lube a lightbulb?

 

[BrotherRob]

How many mud members does it take to lube a lightbulb?

So far, six.

Screwing it in could get frightening.

 

[BrotherRob]

^This^ Works great as an o-ring lube as well.

Another thing that works well for assembly is KY Jelly. It's water based so it won't degrade plastic and rubber. It's the s*** for assembling drip irrigation systems. I've also used it for installing radiator and heater hoses. It dries out quickly, so it doesn't make a good anti seize.

 

[PAToyota]

Another thing that works well for assembly is...

But the drugstore clerk looks at you a bit funny when you walk up to the counter with the economy size containers of KY, Vaseline, bandaids, burn cream, and aspirin; box of latex gloves; and a jug of Gatorade for your weekend wrenching session...

 

[splitshot]

But the drugstore clerk looks at you a bit funny when you walk up to the counter with the economy size containers of KY, Vaseline, bandaids, burn cream, and aspirin; box of latex gloves; and a jug of Gatorade for your weekend wrenching session...

Don't forget the bag ice ice.

 

[BrotherRob]

If you guys are squeamish about buying KY, go to the hardware store and buy the gel used to pull electrical cable, it's pretty much the same stuff.

Otherwise, just ask the clerk if she wants to help you.

 

[BrotherRob]

Well, snap ring pliers made quick work of the old bulb bases. A little dielectric and the new ones slid in smoothly. Thanks for the input guys.

Don't buy Sunbeam ceiling fan bulbs, total garbage. All four that I installed broke off in the socket. I threw the last two away. Saving a buck isn't worth the grief.

 

[JohnVee]

You can use a potato to unscrew the broken bulb if there's any glass left attached to the threaded metal part. Just jam it on the glass and unscrew. I'll add the snap ring pliers trick to my bag, too.

 

[BrotherRob]

You can use a potato to unscrew the broken bulb if there's any glass left attached to the threaded metal part. Just jam it on the glass and unscrew. I'll add the snap ring pliers trick to my bag, too.

Filament came out with the globe, so the potato trick wouldn't work. I'm glad I thought of the snap ring pliers, it worked really well. I was prepared to bend the base until I could grab it with a needle nose. That could have been a PITA.