Extension poles with bulb changers are the best way to change or clean the bulb fixtures without the use of ladder or scaffoldings. However, finding the right bulb changers that work perfectly is not that easy. After thorough research and consulting experts from the lighting industry, we were able to find the seven bulb changers. The STAUBER Quick-Locktopped the list of seven. And the next best was Bayco LBC-600SDLB .
Top Pick
Best Bulb Changers
1. Stauber Quick-Lock With Extension Pole – Best For Flood Lights
Stauber is the biggest brand when it comes to bulb changers. They also offer extension poles, but they are majorly known for high-quality bulb changers. The Stauber Quick-Lock comes with an extension pole. But for our research, we only tested the bulb changer. This unit is suction bulb changer which candle both LED and non LED bulbs.
Does it work with extension poles with universal threading? Yes, we attached it on different extension poles and with the help of press fit steel pin and the embedded steel nut it fits tightly on any tip. The package came with free microfiber cleaner if you want to clean the bulbs. Don’t rely on the cleaner that much, you can clean the bulbs much better by removing them out of the socket.
- Large Suction Cup.
- Suitable for big lights like Flood lights.
- Works both for LED as well as Incandescent.
- Made of high quality material.
- Works well with large size bulbs.
Bottom Line
Stauber has specifically designed this bulb changer for heavy LED bulbs. So if your house or office or store uses heavy LED bulbs, it would be a good idea to keep this bulb changer for emergencies. The stauber bulb changer with pole of right size make it one of the best option for heavy duty bulbs.
2. Bayco LBC-600SDLB Kit – Best For Large Bulbs
Most of the bulb-changers are designed to all types of bulb, and it seems practical. But they are not always effective for all types of bulbs. For instance, a bulb changer may be effective against large bulbs, but when the same changer is used for small bulbs, it may not have the same grip. This is were bulb changers designed for specific bulbs have advantages. The Bayco light bulb changer is special. It is a kit that has four types of bulb changers. Each deals with different shapes of bulbs.
All the bulb-changers are made of high-quality plastic, and they are tested for durability by the manufacturer. They fit any other extension pole with universal threading. The bulb changers also have a bolt to secure it on the extension pole.
- The package included four types of bulb changers.
- All the changers fit on extension poles with universal threading.
- Dedicated changer for broken bulbs.
- Inexpensive.
- Comes with 11 ft — extension pole.
- Thought they are durable, few of the changer can break easily.
Bottom Line
If you have to deal with different types of bulbs, then a bulb changer kit like Bayco LBC-600SDLB could be your lifesaver. It does come with a pole, but the changers fit on any other extension pole.
3. Ettore 48450 Kit with Pole – Best For Budget Conscious Users
If you want a bulb changer kit for your home or small office but do not want to spend much. Our recommendation is to get Ettore 48450 Bulb Changer Kit with Pole. The package includes five types of bulb changers including an extension pole and bulb changer for the broken bulb. This kit is useful during emergencies. It is easy to attach and easy to replace the bulb.
Most of the changers are made of plastic. The quality of the material seems fine but could have been better. The changer that uses suction cup worried us. The suction cup was made of low-quality material. It didn’t work as well as it must — there some suction cup bulb changers that beat it in terms of performance and quality.
- The kit includes five bulb changers.
- It also includes bulb changer for broken bulbs.
- Fit on any extension pole with universal threading.
- Inexpensive compared to other bulb changer kits.
- Bulb changers are made of low quality plastic.
Bottom Line
In can you want keep a bulb changer kit, just for emergencies, you can go for the Ettore 48450 Bulb Changer Kit with Pole.
4. STAUBER Kit – Best Kit For Home
Stauber is the king among the companies offering bulb changers. We have already discussed the Stauber Quick-Lock Light Bulb Changer With Extension Pole. But that was only one bulb changer that was designed for large size bulbs. With the STAUBER Light Bulb Changer Kit, you get three different bulb changers. All are suction based bulb changers. Earlier in this post, we talked about the Stauber having the patent for the suction cup. The same patent applies to these cups.
With the brand of Stauber, you won’t have an issue with the quality of the material used; you will have to see if it works well with bulbs you use. The suction uses universal threading so you won’t have an issue using it with other extension poles.
- High-quality suction cups.
- Works with most type of bulbs.
- Sticky pads for bulbs that do not engage with suction.
- The bulb cleaning device is also included in the package.
- Suction cups are not always suitable to hold the bulbs like CFL.
Bottom Line
If you want a bulb changer from a brand that has made reputed offering bulb changer, the Stauber light bulb changer kit is the one.
5. Unger Professional CFL – Best For CFL Bulbs
CFL has the trickiest shapes and size. Bulb changers that use suction cups are not that effective against CFLs. So for only CFLs, bulb changers like Unger Professional CFL Bulb Changer are the best. It uses spring steel and fingers with rubber coating. We used it for most of the CFLs of different shapes. We liked the hold it creates on the bulb. Bulbs are well secured when you are in the process of changing the bulbs.
It does not come with extension pole, but if you want you can buy the Unger extension poles. However, the bulb changers can be used with any extension poles that use the universal threading. One thing you have to take care, it is not useful for all bulbs. It is only suitable for CFL. So for other bulbs, you will have to buy different bulb changers.
- Works best against oddly shaped CFLs.
- It is made of high-quality material.
- Works with any extension pole with universal threading.
- Inexpensive.
- Works only with CFLs.
Bottom Line
If you specifically have issues with changing CFLs, then go for the Unger Professional CFL Bulb Changer. It doesn’t matter which extension pole you use; the changer works with all kinds of CFL bulb.
6. Bayco LBC-100 Standard – Best For Incandescent Bulbs
Traditional incandescent bulbs have their charm, but when it comes it changing them, you require effective changer that not only offers enough turning power but also keeps the bulb secure. The Bayco LBC-100 Standard is specifically designed for the standard incandescent bulbs. We have tested suction cup changers and spring finger changers. The suction cups don’t secure the bulb as spring finger changers do.
We used the same changer for the other type of bulbs just to see if it will work. It worked with a few of the small LED bulbs. However, we would suggest you get a different bulb changer for another type of bulbs. One thing that we observed, removing bulbs is easy but installing is difficult. The main reason is we had to change the bulb so that the candelabra bases fit perfectly into the socket.
- Works great for incandescent bulbs.
- The changer is made of good quality material.
- Easy to fix on any extension poles.
- Works well with other bulbs too.
- Doesn’t hold the bulb tightly.
Bottom Line
If you want a bulb changer that allows you to quickly change the bulb from high ceilings, the Bayco LBC-100 Standard is a great option.
7. Mr. LongArm 3030 Kit – Best Suction Kit
Mr. LongArm is one of the most popular brands of extension pole and attachments. They are known to offer high-quality attachments. So we also found a bulb changer kit from the Mr. LongArm. The package consists of three bulb changer kit. All the changers are suction cup made out of high-quality plastic. But there is one thing that is necessary before you buy the kit and that it is to buy a Mr. LongArm extension pole.
As far as the built quality is concerned, the Mr. LongArm brand is written all over it. It is made of good quality plastic. And also fits well into any extension using the universal threading. We tested the connection between extension and the changer; it doesn’t wobble when you use it with Mr. LongArm extension pole.
- Works with most types of bulbs.
- Easy to use when combined with Mr. LongArm extension pole.
- The bulb changers are made of high-quality plastic.
- Might wobble when used with different extension poles.
- Not all cups provide similar suction power.
Bottom Line
If the extension pole you are Mr. LongArm then, we recommend you to get these bulb changers as they work much better with it. And when combined with extension pole it is the best for high ceilings.
Buyer’s Guide – What to Consider?
For simple attachment like bulb changers, you may think there is nothing tolook at much. But you need to make sure that the bulb changer to hold the bulb, as otherwise you might end up wasting money. Precaution is always better than cure. For bulb changers, there are several factors. By knowing them, you will be able to find the best for your need.
1. Type
There are many manufacturers that offer bulb changers but most of them are the same. But you can divide them based on two designs—steel finger and suction cup.
Structurally, Spring finger bulb changers look like a hand holding bulb. The fingers are made of steel, and they are thin to offer a spring effect. They have the best hold compared to suction cups. With this kind of bulb changer, it is hard to drop any bulb. But there is a big disadvantage of using spring fingers; they do not create enough turning power. For turning power, they rely on the friction created by the rubber coating on the fingers.
During our test, we found the suction cup bulb changers are much better at screwing and unscrewing the bulb out of or into the socket. If the suction cups are of high quality, it will hold the bulb as well as steel fingers. But unlike fingers, you require suction cups of different sizes to handle different sizes of bulbs. Most of the bulb changer kits include two to three suction cups with different size.
Beyond these two there are few more bulb changers. Like there are few bulb changers for broken bulbs. Not all bulb changer kits includes the changer for broken bulb but you can go for Bayco LBC-600SDLB orEttore 48450.
2. Size
Size has an important role to play while you are choosing bulb changer. Depending on the size of bulbs you want to deal with, you have to choose the bulb changers that can handle the bulbs of that size. When buying a kit, there are always bulb changers designer certain size of bulbs. So makes sure whichever kit you buy can hold the bulbs you own.
3. Compatibility With Extension Poles
The bulb changer is an attachment that is used with the extension pole. Most of the extension poles use universal threading so that it can be used with all kinds of attachments. So, when you are buying a bulb changer, check if it is compatible with extension pole you own. To be safe always get the attachment made by the brand of your extension pole. With big brands like Mr. LongArm, Bayco, etc you won’t have any issue. So, prefer sticking with bigger brands.
4. Material
Most of the bulb-changers are made of plastic. The base of the bulb changer can be of plastic, but beyond that, you have to be particular. With suction cup, you have to make sure it is made of high-quality rubber that can create enough turning power. And in case you are going with finger bulb changers, fingers should be made of steel, and the coating it uses must use the material that creates enough friction to handle the bulbs.
How Did We Test The Products?
With the help of experts and seller, we shortlisted 23 bulb changer with a good reputation and sales number. We acquired each unit, and our team studied all the basic information to find the parameters for testing. We have hired six experts including two from sales, two manufacturing, and two electricians.
After we determined the test parameters, we designed tests according to each unit. For parameter like versatility, we used several types of bulbs. All the bulbs had different shapes and sizes. We observed how the bulb changer performed for each bulb. In addition to tests, we contacted existing users to know how the bulb changers perform after months or years of purchase. This gave us an idea on the durability of the bulb changer.
Next, we asked each of our team members to go through the test results, expert views, and expert views. We asked each member to score the bulb changers based on the three most important factors—usage, versatility, and durability. After we had all the scores, we calculated the overall score and based on the score we selected the seven bulb changers. Here is the scorecard:
Bulb Changer tests
Final Thought
We have offered you the list of seven bulb changers that are selected after thorough testing and research. But you have to keep in mind each user has their requirement. We also advise you to look at your requirement and budget and then choose the one fitting you from the list. And if you have any doubts, the buyer’s guide will shed some light on the way you choose bulb changers.
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