I have a bulb that is constantly loose on my garage door opener. I tighten it continually, but it always loosens right up. I have tried different bulbs, but to no avail.

Any suggestions?

LED bulb and a bit of locktite unless it’s flammable. Maybe some plumbers or a tiny piece of electrical tape would work also. You could also screw the bulb in and then wrap the base with HVAC tape. Just some thoughts.

Try wrapping a small bare copper wire around the bulb in the thread grooves before you install it. Might have to experiment with the wire size to get it where it’s neither too loose nor too tight and don’t forget it’s there when it’s time to replace the bulb.

quote:

Originally posted by tsmccull:
Try wrapping a small bare copper wire around the bulb in the thread grooves before you install it. Might have to experiment with the wire size to get it where it’s neither too loose nor too tight and don’t forget it’s there when it’s time to replace the bulb.

The red neck heli-coil!

That's exactly what I'd do.

If the socket (female threads) is aluminum maybe deform it a bit with a flathead/needle nose pliers to better grip the bulb base.

ENSURE THE BREAKER FEEDING THIS CIRCUIT IS OFF before sticking foreign objects in there.

quote:

Originally posted by tsmccull:
Try wrapping a small bare copper wire around the bulb in the thread grooves before you install it. Might have to experiment with the wire size to get it where it’s neither too loose nor too tight and don’t forget it’s there when it’s time to replace the bulb.

I have the same problem so I'll start with 24ga telephone wire that's been skuned of its insulation and work my way up in size as needed.

I’d wrap a layer of aluminum foil around the bulb threads- don’t overlap the end of the bulb that bottoms out in the socket. Don’t use loctite or any adhesive.

quote:

Originally posted by gearhounds:Don’t use loctite or any adhesive.

Ding ding ding. We have a winner.

Install a new socket. Period.

Maybe replace the socket?

Wow, sockets are so expensive. Doesn't even need to be a new one. All light bulbs are the same, so its got to be a problem with the socket.

Finally! The age old question will be answered!

"How many Sigforumites does it take to fix a loose lightbulb?"

quote:

Originally posted by shiftyvtec:
If the socket (female threads) is aluminum maybe deform it a bit with a flathead/needle nose pliers to better grip the bulb base.

ENSURE THE BREAKER FEEDING THIS CIRCUIT IS OFF before sticking foreign objects in there.

This is probably the easiest solution. Id probably take a needle nose to the rim and give it a little inwards kink.

Get a European manufactured light bulb that works with 120 volts, their threads are a hair thicker or change the socket. I’d change the socket.

quote:

Originally posted by tsmccull:
Try wrapping a small bare copper wire around the bulb in the thread grooves before you install it. Might have to experiment with the wire size to get it where it’s neither too loose nor too tight and don’t forget it’s there when it’s time to replace the bulb.

I certainly wouldn’t put any bare copper wire in a light bulb socket. I think a small amount of purple (the weakest version of it) Loctite would work.

Check the mounts to the opener, are they snug, it's getting vibration from the unit/door, if the mounts are snug, run it and see if it's getting strain opening the door.

Replace the steel wheels if you have them with the poly wheels, reduces noise considerably and smooths out the door operation, also have the door panels checked and adjusted, they can shift and then bind or cause stress on the system.

Other than what has already been said, I can offer this:

Using LED or CF bulbs will reduce the thermal expansion taking place. A 'real' bulb can get to 300+ degrees in a small enclosure quickly.

If the GDO doesn't use a specialized socket, it should be fairly easy to get a new one and replace it.

The center contact of a bulb socket serves two purposes.

Provide a point of contact for the energized wire to supply power to the bulb.

Provide spring tension against the threads of the bulb to keep the bulb in place during the heat cycle of said bulb.

One other thing to do would be to see if the center contact has been flattened due to overtightening and/or general use.

Make sure that the breaker is turned off and then check to see if the tab/button is flat. You may be able to pull it out slightly (about 2mm or so should be adequate) using a plastic spudger or pick to allow it to hold the bulb in place once again.

Please do not put foil in your electrical socket. Could a loose copper wire in a light socket be a bad idea also? You don't need the potential of a fire hazard or a need to explain to your insurance company that you thought this was a good idea.

I once built up some solder on the center contact on the base. Took about a minute. Just a glob of solder maybe a 16th of an inch. Sorry, I don't do millimeters. Can't really be too thick because that center contact is what limits the amount it can be screwed in. Don't remember what socket I did that on, or why. It solved the problem that day, long ago. Doesn't take much solder or heat, just enough to melt the stuff.