What's the trick

Justasking117 · Oct 29, 2019

Hi all,

Really dumb question!

Is there a trick to removing these downlights, this feels like it's built into the plaster board, normally I just twist, wiggle and pull down and the springs go back and down drops the light. This one just pulls the plaster down. What am I missing?

Thanks,

Martin

Dustydazzler · Oct 29, 2019

My guess would be that the hole is on the small side and the light was simply rammed up into the hole.

ruston · Oct 29, 2019

As above , super strong spring in a 69mm hole instead of a 72mm for example. Try and pull it down evenly and compress one side of the spring with a fine wood chisel or the like whilst tipping it over as you compress it to slide it down. It is hard to get it out without damage though.

Gavin John Hyde · Oct 29, 2019

as long as you can get some of the spring exposed you can always use a mutli tool to cut the arms free and then put some new ones on.
I have also used a multi tool blade to cut in under the outer rim freeing all the plaster, paint etc, you can then usually get a bit of play on them and twist a bit.

littlespark · Oct 29, 2019

Count your fingers when you finish. There should 10. (Unless you were short of a few already!)
Those springs are lethal

buzzlightyear · Oct 29, 2019

the only way to get those springs out is either a crow bar or gently pull down and till you see a mouse sat on top of it eating cheese ,lol.

Baddegg · Oct 29, 2019

Man....there’s no pain like one of them springs on the end of ya finger!!

JBW175 · Oct 29, 2019

Like a mouse trap on the fingers?

fairlight · Oct 29, 2019

It may not be the spring type, a few have two blades and are secured into the ceiling by twisting clockwise. To remove simply twist it anticlockwise, (I think it's that way round!) if it is that type you'll know because it'll pop out really easily whereas no amount of pulling will drop it.