Help me replace a T5 bulb . . . it can't be this difficult.

[shaka]

I'm having a really hard time trying to replace one of my T5 bulbs.

It's a CurrentUSA 36" 78 watt fixture ( 2ea. 39 watt bulbs). I managed to replace one bulb but the other one is giving me a hard time. The endcaps ( where the pins of the bulb go ) aren't spinning once I put the bulb in place. I don't want to force the bulb to spin and possibly break it or damage the fixture. Incidentally, it was very difficult to remove the original bulb as well.

Anybody have any tips to make the endcaps "spin" easier?

Thanks

 

[WillM]

I have the dual T5 48" model and had the same problem. I find if you grip the bulb by the metal end cap and use that to twist it works better than trying to twist by the glass part. Try both directions too. I also had to (unplug first!) put a dime into the slot of the light (the part that is supposed to twist) and use that to twist it to get it to rotate. I'm not sure if salt creep got into it or if it's a manufacturer defect, but I've had the same issue. Give the dime trick a shot and remember to grip the light by the metal end caps. Good luck!

 

[shaka]

Thanks WillM, we must think alike because that's what I've been doing except instead of a dime I was using a screwdriver ( with the light unplugged of course). I like your idea better with a dime. I've also been gripping the metal caps at either end instead of the glass bulb, but it won't budge.

 

[bennr]

I used to own a current USA fixture and it became corroded over time.....I found I had to use a small terminal screwdriver to push the tombstone end of the fixture along as I spun the tube.....otherwise the tombstone ends would not turn and instead the prongs on the tube would which would then ruin the tube......

 

[shaka]

Got it finally! It sure wasn't easy.

I should give CurrentUSA a call and see what they say.

Thanks again.