Is there a secret to installing hqi bulb?

[kn240]

For the 250w hqi bulb it is tough to get it in socket. Just recieved my brand new $70 bucks bulb and I barely put any pressure on it and it cracked the outer glass. Went and fire it up anyways, was fustrated. But it worked nontheless.
Anyone knows how long it will last? This is the second time it happened. First was a cracked ceramic.

 

[SeaEscapes]

Depending on the brand there should be two screws on each end of the socket, simply loosen them and it will give you the flexibility to slightly widen the socket. Hope that helps,

Don

 

[catalano]

I've done that in the past also. What I did was loosened the socket a little and with the power OFF put a flathead in to pry the prongs apart a little and they snapped right in