How to Change a Recessed Light Bulb

I know the How to Change a Recessed Light Bulb is very basic DIY home maintenance, but we wanted to include this video because Jason, the least DIYer on the team, had to find out how to do this himself, and figured, if he was asking Pops, and researching how to do it, then there were probably others out there that needed something like this too.

(Many viewers have asked that we provide the Amazon affiliate links to help them find the products that we review and as a way of supporting the channel. If you purchase a product or service with the links provided, there is no additional charge to you. We always recommend shopping around for the best price. Be sure to also check out our “Additional Resources” section at the bottom. Thank you for watching and supporting the Tools 4 Guys Channel.)

Items Needed:

Flat Head Screwdriver

Putty Knife

Light Bulbs (our preference the Enhanced 5000k Daylight Pack)

Important:
Regardless of whether you use a flat head screwdriver or a putty knife, when loosening the recessed light, the main thing to consider is to take your time so that you don’t nick the paint on the ceiling.

Thanks for watching. Now let’s go out there and get the job done.

Tools 4 Guys

Additional Resources:

The Family Handyman: 100 Things Every Homeowner Must Know
How to Save Money, Solve Problems, and Improve Your Home

Ultimate Guide to Home Repair and Improvement, Updated Edition: Proven Money-Saving Projects; 3,400 Photos & Illustrations (Creative Homeowner) 600 Page Resource with 325 Step-by-Step DIY Projects

Black & Decker The Complete Photo Guide to Home Repair, 4th Edition (Black & Decker Complete Guide)

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[zschudrowitz]

Thank you for this basic “change the bulb” vid. Not the dozens of “retrofit” vids. You re making me look like a genius to my wife. Thanks for the win gents.

[deeoakley]

This video still helping in 2024. Thanks so much!

[JackieVasquez-pp]

Thanks for this video! Couldn't see what I was doing, but knowing (now) how the metal clips worked was a game changer. Appreciate it.

[leeb.]

I bought my house 4 years ago, and the living room has two rows of recessed lights, one on each side of the room. They went out on one side, and I thought maybe there was an electrical short and was going to call an electrician when I could afford it. I never thought about light bulbs being inside of them! 🙄 Thank you for helping me fix this myself and save money! 💰

[listbuilderacademy]

This is basic yet stuff every homeowner needs to know. Thanks for sharing and keep them coming.

[anitaclark]

Thank you. Straightforward and plain talk.

[udxwoxg]

Thanks dude! I didn't want to break them trying to figure them out. Much appreciated.

[kidsjustwannahavefun]

I love that y’all keep the so called “outtakes” in and let us see the “real” Tools 4 Guys...I learn and get a great laugh every time.

[perception]

Jason! Pleasant surprise seeing you here but you're a big help!

[VHS-fr]

Thank you!!! You made it easy for a 68 year old woman!! ❤

[WatchingPup]

It's not what I thought it would be inside. Thanks for the video. I have that same work lamp; it's really good

[vincenthill]

Thanks so much for this video. I wasn’t familiar with the design of recessed lighting. This was super helpful.

[meikmeik]

Thanks for making this video! It was super helpful to change the light bulb in my shower stall. I was wondering how I was going to get that cover off. Your instructions were spot on. Luckily I didn't have to pull the latches out as there was a small spiral bulb in mines that I was able to remove by leaning the cover to the side. I replaced the bulb in less than 3 mins!

[shessojazzy]

Apparently I’m late to “the party” but Omg thank you so much for making and posting this video. My hubby died 😢 and with the help of YouTube university I’ve been teaching myself to do all the tasks he would normally handle. I’m definitely adding this one to my “useful info” playlist. It LITERALLY took me 5 mins to do this. Thanks again. #newsubby

[bridgettstephens]

My check list to perform this great ( for me) feat.
1. Watch video.
2. Convince self I can do this.
3. Put towel down in tub ( light is directly under the bath tub).
4. Pray hard.
5. Watch video again.
Put step ladder in tub on top of towel and begin the climb.
6. Remove the cover as instructed in this video.
7. Stretch arm as long as possible while succumbing to the fact the lightbulb is stuck and only way to get it out is to go to the top step of the ladder.
8. Climb down ladder. Take deep breath and pray again.
9. Look straight up at the lightbulb and proclaim "I will triumph!!"
10. Climb up ladder to top stop whilst praying I don't fall.
11. Unscrew stuck lightbulb; replace with new lightbulb.
12. Turn on switch to make certain new bulb is working.
13. Scratch head whilst attempting to figure out how to get the clip back into place.
14. Watch video again.
15. Grab flashlight and announce " Oh little clippy holder thingy where are you?"
16. Squeeze clip and place back into clippy holder thingy.
17. Place cover back on
18. Climb down from ladder ; feel a degree of pride.
19. Thank God for protecting me.
20. Turn on light switch and proclaim "Success!! I have triumphed!!!
21. Post to this video with a great deal of gratitude; excellent instructions. ❤

[huynhnhathuy]

Thanks a lot! This really really helps me improve my household skills 😊

[janiceg]

I think I can I think I can I don't need no handyman...that's my inner peptalk...my guy died suddenly and I have to learn. Thank you for your video.

[marypile]

Basic or not - it was very helpful! I've had to change mine before and wind up calling a handyman for something I could so easily do. So this time I went to do it myself and the cover wouldn't go back on! Ugh! Anyway, I got it now. Thanks!

[devanfields]

This video here finally got my ol lady off my back thanks bro

[a_solo_yolo]

The part that the piece on yours goes into the silver metal clip, mines freaking plastic and has broken off on both sides. Idk how the hell to find only that piece and if I could change the plastic out for metal. I’m so pissed with the builders of this house. My grandparents got robbed. Everything these people did was cheap cheap cheap. Finding it all out now 8 years later