Dry Screw

[Bender]

I have a really hard time getting my bulbs in and out of the sockets. it's to the point that it feels like the bulbs may break. is there any type of lube that is safe to use in the sockets? Thanks

[kuri]

do you have and hps bulb? what you can do is put a VERY little bit of vaseline around the screw part of the bulb. so then it scres in easily and will screw out easy whenever the bulb goes out months down the line. if you have an hps bulb do NOT touch the glass part of the bulb with your hands as the oils of your hands will shorten the bulbs life span. but yes, vaseline will work and yes it is okay to do that.

[Bender]

I run MH and HPS. the MH seems to give me the most trouble. but I will try what you said the next time I have to take them out.

[kuri]

yeah i'm not sure about MH bulbs, but i know not to touch the hps with bare hands. take care

[Bender]

ok thanks ;)

[BobBong]

it's not good to touch any light bulb directly.. the oils come off your fingers and stick to the film of any bulb (fluro,MH,HPS..whatever) best to use either cloth gloves or a towel

[Bender]

Is there a good way to clean them? I've touched mine a few times :o

[kuri]

no good way to clean them, it already has human oil on them and trying to wipe it off with a cloth would further shorten it's life. just make sure the next time you get a bulb, to not touch it. also a good idea to have a backup bulb ready as you never know when the light will burn out and he plants waiting for a replacement

[lordsoth666]

Dielectric grease is what you want, however be sure to NOT get any between the screw surface and the end connector on the bulb, as this stuff conducts electricity pretty damn well. You can get it at an auto parts store, it is used for the connection of spark plugs to the wires. Use very little, and I wouldn't use the vaseline if I was you, because the HPS is VERY hot, and vaseline burns fairly easily..

L0rdsOth :D