What's the trick

[Justasking117]

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]

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

 

[ruston]

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]

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]

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

 

[buzzlightyear]

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]

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

 

[JBW175]

Like a mouse trap on the fingers?

 

[fairlight]

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.

 

[NEB Electrical]

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

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