Best pole for changing vaulted ceiling bulbs

[kwschumm]

We have a 24 foot vaulted ceiling with 16 recessed lights in our great room. Changing those things is a pain in the ****, especially because they are not close to the walls so I can't just lean an extension ladder against the wall and reach them.

I bought an "Ungar Pro" aluminum extendable pole with the suction cup end to change bulbs. It sort of works with a 20% breakage rate because bulbs slip off and crash to the floor (I've taken to putting a thick layer of blankets underneath to hopefully catch them). When tightening the suction cups slide all over the surface of the bulb making it difficult to tighten.

At one point I switched all the lights to LED, but the color rendering of them at a reasonable color temperature (tried 2700k to 3500k) is horrible. Don't want to use the high color temperature bulbs because they are too blue and it's hard to beat halogens for bright, crisp colors.

Is there a REALLY GOOD pole that is useful for doing this job? Wish I could afford to buy and store a man lift!

 

[mishkaya]

The pole is probably not the issue here, but the suction device on the end of it. Which one do you have specifically?
I have had pretty good luck with this kit, which should work well with your pole.
https://www.amazon.com/STAUBER-Best-Bulb-Changer-Kit/dp/B017J3F7GM/ref=pd_sim_60_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=K8EFH9ZTMVJRC6VB9X1H

 

[rsanter]

The one my dad has grips around the edge of the bulb

Bob

 

[kwschumm]

The Ungar pole I have seems to be very good quality. Actually, the whole assembly seems to be great quality, it's just that the design isn't the best with a bunch of tiny suction cops on the head. Also, there is no suction release so sometimes I have to slide it around off the edge of the bulb to get it off. The Stauber kit looks good, I may give that a try. Thanks.

 

[capww8]

Convert to LED and never do it again.

** Least helpful suggestion ever. Sorry.

 

[tfi racing]

Those look like nice toys for the kids to play around with,these are hard to find but are the real deal.

http://www.millerlightingproducts.com/pd_E12.cfm

 

[kwschumm]

I bought the Stauber best bulb changer kit.

It doesn't work so well on bulb removal, 2 out of 5 bulbs crashed to the floor on removal. Yes, I used the included cloth to wipe any dust from the bulbs being removed and from the suction cup. The problem is that the suction cups walks off the edge of the bulb being removed as the pole is being twisted. It was a little difficult to know how hard I could push on the 15 foot pole when trying to stick the suction cup to a bulb in the ceiling, but it was certainly stuck on before attempting to spin the bulb out.

That said, for installing the new bulb it works great. I was able to really get a good suction going on the bulb when attached by hand, when working at the end of a long pole I was reluctant to push too hard.

At least that job is done for now.

 

[sands35]

Try putting a bit of dielectric grease on the screw base of the bulb. it will come out easier and you will have less walk on the suction cup.

 

[Marctrees]

Consider, if you want to stay w "conventional" bulbs, "Long life" lamps.

Ones rated for 130V, often used like for traffic signal lamps.

A bit less lumens due to your lower voltage, but MUCH longer life.

Just an idea.

Otherwise, for a pole lamp changer, look at McGill.

McGill makes some of the most proven by history (time, aging) electrical cords, connectors, electrical stuff in the World.

Real live American engineering, probably employing a few old Germans.

Don't get no better.

I worked a few years in a Taconite plant partially owned by Ford in MN.

We had one man in my Electric shop, work full time replacing lamps of ALL kinds.

His arsenal of tools was totally McGill.

Specific changers for various lamps.

Plain "A"'s, differing "R"'s, and others.



AND, smear a film of Vaseline on your new lamp threads and male tip when installing.

Most lamp holders now are cheap Al, no longer brass, and inferior in varied ways. Marc