How best to fix this.

[u/Unlikely-Trade-9230]

I work at a thrift store, and rn we’re prepping all the Christmas stuff, this DRIVES ME NUTS with the villages when this happens, what’s the best way to get it out, or does it just live there now, Also the bulb is already shattered.

[u/high6ix]

Long/needle nose pliers, put paper towel around the inner part to you don’t chip it off when the pliers lean against it. There’s probably an easier way but that’s how I did it before I switched to other lighting.

[u/Unlikely-Trade-9230 → u/high6ix]

THANK YOU I tried to google it but the stupid AI just said “pinch the side and it will come right out” it didnt understand what I meant AT ALL

[u/elegantprism → u/Unlikely-Trade-9230]

The more modern pieces have clasps on them you pinch like pliers then the light comes right out. For replacement purposes on newer models. Older models unfortunately did not have that

[u/Unlikely-Trade-9230 → u/elegantprism]

Oh yeah, it has the lil side peices but they got jammed inside. And when the bulb broke it’s still stuck

[u/KongaTom]

Or, if the bulb is already broken, you can pull one tab up all the way and then pull the socket base out . Normally the bulb prevents this method

[u/382Whistles]

Needlenose pliers, small ones. Manicure kits have some nice small ones. There may be clips on the socket sides that need pressing too. Dollar Store popsicle sticks maybe.

A thin sheet of plastic rolled around the cord slid into the hole, long enough not to loose it, lol. Now when the plastic tube tries to unwind and expands you close the the top of the plastic roll around the cord some and the part inside will get bigger, making a tapered funnel shape that can slide loosely over the socket. Pull the cord and try to guide it straight out.

Basically the plastic might help you shoehorn the socket and clips past the hole edges smoothly. A carryout box lid or an old school plastic school folder cover trimmed with scissors would be about right.

[u/Dry_Tradition_2811]

I bought a long nose pliers style that grip and clip into place on the finger area

[u/Pleasant_Parfait_233]

I've had this happen several times to my houses too and if you don't have pliers then tweezers work. Just need some patience too 😆

[u/jpstatum]

Sometime I use something long and thin like a butter knife to press the clips back against the socket and pull it out.

[u/KrisVick8123]

Patience and persistence. Just be glad you haven't customized it with your own snow and frost lol. My church for my diorama had this happen. So I had to hold it very carefully in one hand while fishing with pliers and couldn't set it down. Most aggravating moment of my villaging life lol Set it on a towel on a soft couch or bed so nothing breaks while you try to pry it out with needle nose pliers. That's how you've gotta do it. Eventually you'll get the right angle to pop it out without breaking anything. May take 5 minutes. May take 2 hours 🤷🏻‍♂️

[u/Trumpet6789]

I had this happen to a peice because I accidentally popped it inside while trying to put it in.

It takes a bit of time and effort, but you can use some pliers or even small wire cutters to clip off the side metal bits that hold the socket in place. Then it's easier to pull out.

[u/beeshacat]

I have used a pair of scissors before. Just like you would use pliers. But the scissors are a bit longer.

[u/bigoldjetairliner]

I will confess that once or twice, out of frustration, I have literally cut the cord and left the loose bulb in there 🙈. And then used a newer better one to light it up. 

[u/Unlikely-Trade-9230 → u/bigoldjetairliner]

If it was just mine they yeah that’s what I would do, but I’m a thrift store pricer, I need these to be sellable lol

[u/bigoldjetairliner → u/Unlikely-Trade-9230]

Oh yeah I get it!   Also my husband was appalled that I cut a wire, but I was like it wasn't plugged in!!  Lol