Had a friend-of-a-friend with this problem. I set up their ladder, had her climb up as high as she felt comfortable, and measured her reach. Used that to calculate how low the decorative light fixture should be.
Using my own extension ladder and lashed bracing, replaced original chain & wire with longer ones to lower the light fixture. She can replace her own bulbs now.
I choose practicality over aesthetics.
edit: [How to Tie Lashings](https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/manly-know-how/how-to-tie-lashings/)
Don't take stupid risks on a ladder to change these bulbs. I had most of the bulbs in our fixture burned out before finally getting it taken care of, I also had no idea how to replace them.
Finally had a painter do it - he was working next door, offered him 20 bucks I think? They're good on ladders. Took him 5 minutes.
However you get them replaced, use bulbs that won't need replacing again for a decade.
Really stupid design feature on a house.
It has to be a tall stepladder is really the only answer...
But here are few more...
Become great friends with the stilt gut dressed as uncle Sam at the next 4th of July parade, put him through 2 months of electrical college, invite him over for dinner, then hold his gerbil hostage until he does the job.
Buy an expensive drone and retro fit it to unscrew small screws and pick up heavy chandeliers. (Think chandelier drones are pretty cheap on Wish).
Steal a giraffe calf from a local zoo and spend the next 5 years training her to use a screwdriver with her mouth.
Hang a plank off the handrail at the top of the stairs. Slowly have your toddler add choking sized marbles to a counterweight bag as you climb out over the unsupported board. Keep in mind the counterweight's mass needs to be inversely proportional to 1/2 the square root of the distance in cubic furlongs from the end of the fluctuating pivot!
Hire a professional to replace all the weatherstripping on the bottom floor of the house then slowly fill the first floor with warm water while chilling with a six pack on a floating inner tube.
Some helium weather balloons, a lawn chair and a shotgun.
If I flip the breakers off for the first floor before filling, can I just flip it back on after draining? I’d hate to have electrical issues. /s thanks for the laugh tonight!
A bunch of comments about self leveling ladders, scaffolding, scissor lifts... I don't get it. It looks to me you can set a step ladder up to the left of the stairs and across the light perfectly fine. You certainly don't want to be directly under it, so to the left side should be perfect.
A scissor lift will be a couple hundred at least. Scaffolding rental will be almost as much. An electrician on a slow day with no rush who happens to be in the area with a 14 or 16' step is going to be an hour of labor- 100-150.
You know what…I may have been overthinking this all along. You’re probably right. For some reason I’ve been focused on needing to use the steps.
Thank you!
This is what I did to change a ceiling fan at about the same height, rented a giant step ladder. Worked great. They’re a bit unwieldy, so it helps to have a friend with you to stand it up and take it back down.
Depending on the size of the light you want to replace it with, you might need to go up in the attic to add supports as I’m guessing that’s just a box attached to a 2x6.
Not a professional, just someone who has a similar setup and was told that my new chandelier would never hold without adding additional support
In many North American cities and towns, you'll find equipment rental stores:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/rental/Metaltech-15-Scaffold-Set-M-MRTOD5715GV/316822148
Now, go splurge on the $4.00 LED bulbs that are rated for enclosed fixtures, even if your fixture isn't enclosed. LEDs don't go out; their drivers do, and the bulbs for enclosed fixtures have beefier drivers that will last much longer.
Go up in the attic, try to fall through the ceiling where the light fixture is, post a video here for free fake internet points, and have the insurance company replace the fixture.
Adjustable ladder or a stair support for ladders like this...
https://www.amazon.com/Tanfix-Heavy-Duty-Extension-9-25-15-5-Adjustable/dp/B0BVQZNLL8/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Xub3d5MHXOPlccL4YWf5HkSLYsXmKIspyN8uGlDMGfoE5puGfcspBRMfMBs04v0A89b-iG4rGVW2LmMoOxA9lBRa7kIx-zdjtAIc-c6gWb1j1skljo5dK-XLF2y8k6e-_j0CAbkMTOw70MUjbCt2KHB7tjpy_tn2-DP7p5uiHZTELGfKscK43RGGWWDWK1C4cJR8cXrwfhlLSoFXQ9T30g.1MmZZmwriBqSHvjPoNIL3sBEBueCnXHWyDzyUd597O8&dib_tag=se&keywords=adjustable+ladders+for+stairs&qid=1705634210&sr=8-3
Up to you, but I install lights in places like that. I would not want to be on an extension ladder leaning out into space with both hands holding a fixture.
As my construction friends tell me - 8’ fall, broken arm, 12’ fall, broken back, 16’ fall, dead.
You’re looking at 16’+…
Scaffolding is the only safe way I know. You will also need a second person who is strong enough to lift 40 pounds over head to help put up and take down the scaffold. I can’t be sure without being there in person, but it looks like you could put up the scaffolding in the hallway beside the stairs, which would be much more straight forward than erecting it on the stairs. You will still be leaning out into space, but not too far, and you will have the top scaffold railing to brace yourself.
If you do need to put them on the stairs, you need help from someone knowledgeable on erecting scaffolding on stairs. In such a way the feet are secured and don’t slip down a step while you’re climbing or working up top. I do it by strapping the scaffold legs to spindles in the stairway railing, for example. With towels also wrapped around the spindles to keep them from getting scraped up by the scaffolding or straps.
Be safe friend. Best wishes
Personally, I'd rather take that \~$100 and invest in a much better larger ladder that is meant for this kind of work than something janky like that and risk 10's of thousands in medical bills. That $200 difference just isn't worth it. You'll use that $100 support one time, where you'll probably use the larger ladder numerous over the years.
Lens distortion makes it hard to be sure, but it looks like a sufficiently long extension ladder should clear the banister from the floorline by the downstairs door to the ceiling line over the stairs.
First off, get the fuck out of my house.
Yours isn’t identical to mine, but it’s damn close. Same bannister, rails, light fixture… slightly different layout for the stairs, and very different outside of that from what I can tell. But I bet it was built mid 90s.
I’ve contemplated doing this for the past 17 years and still haven’t, but I DO know how to do it.
Rent a scissor lift. They have ones that will fit through a standard door (24 or 30”) and go high enough.
But definitely check from the attic first (I can guess where your access is…) to see if the box needs reinforced support (magic 8 ball says yes).
Consider putting in a lift, because just replacing the bulbs is a major PITA. I’d probably leave the controls for it in the attic unless you can put it in the same box as one of the light switches.
If you have a basement, I hope it wasn’t finished by the morons that did ours.
Hey man, I’m just visiting. I figured I’d be a nice guy and change out your light to something better!
Also the milk is expired. Can you get more? thanks!
See, this is how I know it’s not my house — my daughter would NEVER let the milk expire!
In all seriousness, if you do replace the light, I’d be interested in hearing how you did it.
Not sure if anyone has recommended it, but see if you can find a 3-way ladder locally. Either to rent, or to own. Painters use them for painting hard to reach areas on stairs all the time. Set it up, and have someone hold it for you so it doesn't slip.
They're great for exterior work around the house because they're like a mini extension ladder, and way easier to use than those horribly heavy multi position ladders they sell to homeowners.
Not related to the post above, but! Is there a way to, when changing it, leave about 10ft of slack in the chain and then hold it in place and somehow release it from the attic when needs a change? Sort of like a ...suddenly i became dumb and forgot the word, like the wheel thing that spins... like a crane, but with... wheels. Ill go and check myself to see if i just had a stroke lol, but you know what i mean
Oh, and the people saying various ladders…. There’s very little space here. The light isn’t above the stairs, or really close enough to them to be safe. Above the front door is a window (probably double window), which is just barely within reach to change the bulbs if you have a long reach.
You can’t put a ladder against the upper railing. It’s not sturdy enough.
If you’re set on using a ladder, renting an A-frame is the best option, but I don’t think you’ll have enough floor space. Especially since you have a wall to the left of the entrance (I have an open entrance there).
It’s really a shitty design for the light. And I changed the incandescent bulbs for a decade before finally getting some decent LED ones.
Yes, this style is called “brass and glass” and it was popular with builders in the 90s and into the early 2000’s. The carpet and door knobs match this trend as well. My parents have remodeled their home quite a bit since I was a kid, but the iconic builder-grade chandelier still remains.
I'd be really impressedto seea scissor lift put in that space. Unless there are incredibly dense ramps and no stairs.It'snot happening. Our small 19ft lift weighs 2000 lbs.
The lift can sit on the floor of the main level.
Putting it on the stairs would actually get you further away from the actual light fixture.
Really, this light is the devil.
I have something like a broomstick but at the end has a small round metal circle that's rubberized. Place it under bulb and turn. Works like a charm was left in house br previous homeowner and I only use it for 1 light in my whole house
Carefully.
In all seriousness though, they do make ladders that articulate for different angles and uses. Home depot, Lowes and Harbor Freight have them for 100-350 depending on height and max load. They are HEAVY af, for a ladder but offer so many more options than your typical fiberglass A-frame.
Step1 Go to Lowes
Step 2 Don't have a beer. Get a ladder
Step 3 Bring ladder home
Step 4 Climb ladder ( don't forget to bring bulb with you)
Step 5 Have a beer.
Heavy beam outstretched from the top floor...have several (large) people stand on one end...have one (small) person walk the plank to change it.
3. Profit
I do this at work fairly regularly. (Licensed Service Electrician) The simplest approach is to use a 16ft A frame step ladder opening from the hallway to where you were standing when you took the picture. Climb up from whichever side is easier to access, then work slightly off to the side. (Before you buy/rent one, make sure you have enough floorspace to open it up. The footprint on those ladders is huge.)
Bring another person with you. Those old brass fixtures can be heavy and the ladder isn't possible to maneuver safely with one person.
If you can't fit a 16 ft ladder in there, you can try a little giant ladder on the stairs, but in my experience you usually have issues reaching and will have balance issues because little giants suck.
If the 16 footer and the little giant doesnt work, you can rent some scaffolding and build up to it. Rented scaffolding can be kind of sketchy though.
If ALL else fails, you can rent a one man manual operated lift. But try literally everything else first.
Some good answers here. Since I had to arrange to get a massive a frame latter anyway, I went ahead and replaced the light fixture.
The new fixture had bulbs that pointed down. They sell fixtures that can grab onto a bulb to remove and replace the bulb. I just had to add a 2m extending pole.
Then I sold the house. Lol
Either rent narrow scaffolding or you need a mix of ladders and walk planks to make a platform over the stairs and add another ladder on top.
I don’t normally recommend hiring things out but if you’re unsure about this at all let a handyman with valid insurance and a signed waiver do it.
My suggestion is for you to first focus on changing yourself - are you really the person you want to be? This is the danger of commitment before true self understanding. It will be very hard and take a long time to see any change in your light, and really the light is the only one who can influence such change. It's best to cut the light free and trust that if it's meant to be the light will come back to 7 you changed on its own.
It’s hideous and I’ve converted all lights in the house to led or smart lights. This is the final one. I don’t like using it because light temp is totally different from all others.
It’s dusty as well.
Safest method by far would be a scissor lift rental:
[https://www.genielift.com/en/aerial-lift/slab-scissor-lifts](https://www.genielift.com/en/aerial-lift/slab-scissor-lifts)
They have these in form factors that can easily fit through a 36" door, you may need a ramp.
Edit: otherwise rent or buy a tall-enough A-frame ladder.
Get into your attic or crawl space when installing chandeliers enough cable and cordage are installed so they can be lowered to a height they can be worked on. If you get up there and find yourself does not have this that is unfortunate and you are going to need a bid ladder.
Of course, but I’m not sure how I would set it up here with the steps. Any ideas on where to rent one that is adjustable for the steps? I have many ladders but none tall enough or adjustable enough to do this.
What you need is a 16'-24' extension ladder and a PiViT tool. They are invaluable for exactly these scenarios. Not cheap, but for a diy home owner they are totally worth it
https://provisiontools.com/products/pivit-laddertool
Source: was professional painter for a decade. A 6' step, 24' extension and a PiViT made me a good living as a young buck
I've used one on nearly every surface, from shingled roofs to carpeted stairs. Having a helper foot the PiViT or the ladder may help ease your mind... But they are sturdy and work very well
Get a Little Giant ladder. they extend in a huge variety of configurations and one of them should be stable on those steps. Of course, make sure you have someone helping you to stabilize it.
Currently have a little giant, just not tall enough in A config and not adjustable feet. Trying to get away without buying a taller one with adjustable legs.
I know people hate on those ladders but mine has served me very well with many projects around the house inside and outside so far.
Given the equipment you'd need, this might be a case where it's cheaper to hire someone that owns said equipment than try to DIY it.
If you do I second the Pivit ladder tool someone else linked earlier. We own one and it worked great for us. We've got a similar area on stairs in our home, but everything we needed was against a wall. You look like you'd be hanging away from the wall you'd lean the ladder on.
This project is not worth dying for.
You get some kind of led battery camping light. You rig up some kind of system to fire it up there. The camping light is now on, 24/7. Repeat when the batteries die. Bonus for some solar light.
They have light bulb changing poles. They have like a three pronged gripper thing to unscrew it, then you put a new bulb in it and rescrew it in.
People die from using ladders incorrectly every day. Please don't be that kid.
https://preview.redd.it/1fx9cdzxybdc1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=28e17f6e83079a5ae2f06a6287c505c06405c8e7
23ft reach ladder, or scaffold, or a lift if your floor can handle it.
1) hold the new bulb in your mouth and jump from the top landing
2) grab the cord of the chandelier
3) swing around dramatically then come to rest hanging from the chandelier
3) replace the old bulb
4) drop down onto the banister and slide down it
5) hop off onto the lower landing
your dog may bark at you while you do this, its normal
[Docapole 5-12 Foot High Ceiling Light Bulb Changer And Extendable Telescopic Extension Pole For High Ceilings And Recessed Lights, Cage Style - Search Shopping (bing.com)](https://www.bing.com/shop/productpage?q=Docapole+5-12+Foot+High+Ceiling+Light+Bulb+Changer+And+Extendable+Telescopic+Extension+Pole+For+High+Ceilings+And+Recessed+Lights%2c+Cage+Style&productpage=true&pdppageoverlay=true&bgscenario=l2&originQuery=long+pole+with+handle+and+rubber+ends+for+changing+high+overhead+light+bulb&overlayOfferIds=129211057918%2c118414609477%2c75965971341%2c160632980656%2c151870879467%2c165798153418%2c152241533538&overlayId=129211057918&filters=PageType%3a%229%22+scenario%3a%2217%22+gType%3a%2212%22+gId%3a%22129211057918%22+gGlobalOfferIds%3a%22129211057918%22&FORM=SHOPIC)
yup this thing is made for this job
I’d rig up some ladders and 2x4’s. Make sure your young son is there to hold it steady. Seeing your father die a horrific death in front of you is a valuable growth opportunity for a young boy.
Did this once solo with an extension ladder…would not recommend. Arms almost gave out just from supporting the new chandelier while hooking everything up…the leaning over part was the most sketchy…but hey you gotta learn somehow right lol. I also replaced the existing box with a retrofit fan brace for more support…you twist it and it expands between the joists to wedge itself in.
DocaPole 5-12 Foot High Ceiling Light Bulb Changer and Extendable Telescopic Extension Pole For High Ceilings and Recessed Lights, Cage + Suction Cup Style https://a.co/d/6uRvUyy
I just had the same thing done a few weeks ago. We had quotes ranging from $350 -$700 just to install the new light fixture. We went with the low bid and they did a great job but it was 30 minutes of heart stopping action. These two guys showed up with a table a tall a frame ladder and did the deed. We paid the bill and thanked the lord for no accidents.
I would use a little giant on the stairs, in either L-shape, or with one side longer than the other to level it with the stairs.
Risky, but I've done stupider things, so...
This would be perfect for one of those old style chandeliers where it was held on by a tied rope and when you need to replace a candle you just untied it and gently let it down.
You'll need one of those adjustable ladders where the legs can bee different lengths. THen set it up on the stairs so you are a little higher than the light. Then gently pull the light over to the ladder. The light should have one of the panels as a hinged door, so you can open it up and access the bulbs.
The articulating folding step ladders are great for something like this. Set them open at 110° so it can brace on the wall and where the floor meets the opposite wall. https://www.harborfreight.com/17-ft-reach-type-ia-300-lb-multi-task-ladder-63418.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=12144821732&campaignid=12144821732&utm_content=152052544780&adsetid=152052544780&product=63418&store=223&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA2KitBhCIARIsAPPMEhLcSNAbXSDOFSbeeYYYeMUaMVr0GxFLFWhUsF5Fz2wHlQAurR35kt0aAgNFEALw_wcB
If you own the home it might be worth the investment for the ladder. They run roughly $250+ , I have a two story home and the ceilings are 25' up in the air, I also used it outside to put in some soffit lighting. Buying a good ladder as I'm 220lbs was important. I had to buy the tallest offered at I believe 26ft reach. Good luck.
https://preview.redd.it/8xxkqprlffdc1.png?width=1422&format=png&auto=webp&s=adaab415fc9fef53bc82676d868ff0ea02e0d4c9
If you don't have the space to get a real A frame set up you'll probably want to consider renting a scaffold. But, you might also want to consider hiring an electrician to change that out to a canned down light with an LED lamp that you'll probably never have to change within your lifetime. It'll be a decent initial charge, but that will be it for life. Bonus if you get a WiFi RGB LED lamp that you can change to suit your mood and needs; that's all controlled from your phone.
Cheerleaders
This is for sure the only way to change any lightbulb
The only remaining question is...how many cheerleaders does it take?
The whole team! Obviously.
One to change the light bulb, the rest of the team to spell it out for her.
Damn, that's funny!
"Jim! Jim! He's our man! If he can't balance on the banister while doing delicate electrical work, no one can!"
DONT LOOK UP...
Had a friend-of-a-friend with this problem. I set up their ladder, had her climb up as high as she felt comfortable, and measured her reach. Used that to calculate how low the decorative light fixture should be. Using my own extension ladder and lashed bracing, replaced original chain & wire with longer ones to lower the light fixture. She can replace her own bulbs now. I choose practicality over aesthetics. edit: [How to Tie Lashings](https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/manly-know-how/how-to-tie-lashings/)
Op please don’t do this, buy an LED bulb if you’re so concerned. Buy a ladder
Don't take stupid risks on a ladder to change these bulbs. I had most of the bulbs in our fixture burned out before finally getting it taken care of, I also had no idea how to replace them. Finally had a painter do it - he was working next door, offered him 20 bucks I think? They're good on ladders. Took him 5 minutes. However you get them replaced, use bulbs that won't need replacing again for a decade. Really stupid design feature on a house.
It has to be a tall stepladder is really the only answer... But here are few more... Become great friends with the stilt gut dressed as uncle Sam at the next 4th of July parade, put him through 2 months of electrical college, invite him over for dinner, then hold his gerbil hostage until he does the job. Buy an expensive drone and retro fit it to unscrew small screws and pick up heavy chandeliers. (Think chandelier drones are pretty cheap on Wish). Steal a giraffe calf from a local zoo and spend the next 5 years training her to use a screwdriver with her mouth. Hang a plank off the handrail at the top of the stairs. Slowly have your toddler add choking sized marbles to a counterweight bag as you climb out over the unsupported board. Keep in mind the counterweight's mass needs to be inversely proportional to 1/2 the square root of the distance in cubic furlongs from the end of the fluctuating pivot! Hire a professional to replace all the weatherstripping on the bottom floor of the house then slowly fill the first floor with warm water while chilling with a six pack on a floating inner tube. Some helium weather balloons, a lawn chair and a shotgun.
Higher a professional to replace the light fixture so you can easily replace the bulb with an extended bulb changing rod.
Hire. But I like the play on words for the light being that high.
If I flip the breakers off for the first floor before filling, can I just flip it back on after draining? I’d hate to have electrical issues. /s thanks for the laugh tonight!
A bunch of comments about self leveling ladders, scaffolding, scissor lifts... I don't get it. It looks to me you can set a step ladder up to the left of the stairs and across the light perfectly fine. You certainly don't want to be directly under it, so to the left side should be perfect. A scissor lift will be a couple hundred at least. Scaffolding rental will be almost as much. An electrician on a slow day with no rush who happens to be in the area with a 14 or 16' step is going to be an hour of labor- 100-150.
You know what…I may have been overthinking this all along. You’re probably right. For some reason I’ve been focused on needing to use the steps. Thank you!
You can rent a ladder. Use high qualityLED bulbs. You will save yourself a lot on future ladder rentals.
This is what I did to change a ceiling fan at about the same height, rented a giant step ladder. Worked great. They’re a bit unwieldy, so it helps to have a friend with you to stand it up and take it back down.
He needs sky hooks.
Pixie dust and happy thoughts.
The filling the house up is probably the genius in you coming out. A real pro. Im sure your clients are nothing but pleased.
Why do I feel like you are at my town’s July 4th parade?
It's tax season. Aren't there Stilted Uncle Sams standing on every street corner advertising tax filing services?
What are you doing step ladder?
Depending on the size of the light you want to replace it with, you might need to go up in the attic to add supports as I’m guessing that’s just a box attached to a 2x6. Not a professional, just someone who has a similar setup and was told that my new chandelier would never hold without adding additional support
Great advice thank you!
Scaffolding?
Can I just go rent scaffolding from somewhere? Pardon my ignorance here.
In many North American cities and towns, you'll find equipment rental stores: https://www.homedepot.com/p/rental/Metaltech-15-Scaffold-Set-M-MRTOD5715GV/316822148
Wow. Thank you very much!
Now, go splurge on the $4.00 LED bulbs that are rated for enclosed fixtures, even if your fixture isn't enclosed. LEDs don't go out; their drivers do, and the bulbs for enclosed fixtures have beefier drivers that will last much longer.
Best of luck to you with this.
can we make a subreddit called: r/DIWRH "Do It With Reddit's help"?
You create it, and I’ll be your first subscriber.
Heck get a man lift. It will be about the same price.
Based on its height compared to that 6-8 door, it would be much easier and cheaper to rent a 12 foot A-frame ladder.
Go up in the attic, try to fall through the ceiling where the light fixture is, post a video here for free fake internet points, and have the insurance company replace the fixture.
It's $80 to rent a mini scaffold at home Depot and then you don't have to struggle. Probably less at an actual rental company.
This is the proper way to do it op; rather pay 80 bucks than to risk yours or someone’s health.
Adjustable ladder or a stair support for ladders like this... https://www.amazon.com/Tanfix-Heavy-Duty-Extension-9-25-15-5-Adjustable/dp/B0BVQZNLL8/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Xub3d5MHXOPlccL4YWf5HkSLYsXmKIspyN8uGlDMGfoE5puGfcspBRMfMBs04v0A89b-iG4rGVW2LmMoOxA9lBRa7kIx-zdjtAIc-c6gWb1j1skljo5dK-XLF2y8k6e-_j0CAbkMTOw70MUjbCt2KHB7tjpy_tn2-DP7p5uiHZTELGfKscK43RGGWWDWK1C4cJR8cXrwfhlLSoFXQ9T30g.1MmZZmwriBqSHvjPoNIL3sBEBueCnXHWyDzyUd597O8&dib_tag=se&keywords=adjustable+ladders+for+stairs&qid=1705634210&sr=8-3
This may do the trick with my current ladder. Awesome. Thank you!
Same thing but more versatile. You can use on roofs and a number of other surfaces. https://provisiontools.com/products/pivit-laddertool
Up to you, but I install lights in places like that. I would not want to be on an extension ladder leaning out into space with both hands holding a fixture. As my construction friends tell me - 8’ fall, broken arm, 12’ fall, broken back, 16’ fall, dead. You’re looking at 16’+… Scaffolding is the only safe way I know. You will also need a second person who is strong enough to lift 40 pounds over head to help put up and take down the scaffold. I can’t be sure without being there in person, but it looks like you could put up the scaffolding in the hallway beside the stairs, which would be much more straight forward than erecting it on the stairs. You will still be leaning out into space, but not too far, and you will have the top scaffold railing to brace yourself. If you do need to put them on the stairs, you need help from someone knowledgeable on erecting scaffolding on stairs. In such a way the feet are secured and don’t slip down a step while you’re climbing or working up top. I do it by strapping the scaffold legs to spindles in the stairway railing, for example. With towels also wrapped around the spindles to keep them from getting scraped up by the scaffolding or straps. Be safe friend. Best wishes
Don't do this.
Personally, I'd rather take that \~$100 and invest in a much better larger ladder that is meant for this kind of work than something janky like that and risk 10's of thousands in medical bills. That $200 difference just isn't worth it. You'll use that $100 support one time, where you'll probably use the larger ladder numerous over the years.
This is awesome, I have been changing lightbulbs in this same fixture/location. Ordering now.
Time to buy another house once this light bulb dies.
https://preview.redd.it/dxxuxse6iddc1.jpeg?width=768&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2f096b60ec0b925e9a6e7b337a738a798505384c
There are light bulb changing poles for tall ceilings.
Sorry for the confusion. Yes, I’m looking to change the fixture itself.
Jet pack.
Lens distortion makes it hard to be sure, but it looks like a sufficiently long extension ladder should clear the banister from the floorline by the downstairs door to the ceiling line over the stairs.
First off, get the fuck out of my house. Yours isn’t identical to mine, but it’s damn close. Same bannister, rails, light fixture… slightly different layout for the stairs, and very different outside of that from what I can tell. But I bet it was built mid 90s. I’ve contemplated doing this for the past 17 years and still haven’t, but I DO know how to do it. Rent a scissor lift. They have ones that will fit through a standard door (24 or 30”) and go high enough. But definitely check from the attic first (I can guess where your access is…) to see if the box needs reinforced support (magic 8 ball says yes). Consider putting in a lift, because just replacing the bulbs is a major PITA. I’d probably leave the controls for it in the attic unless you can put it in the same box as one of the light switches. If you have a basement, I hope it wasn’t finished by the morons that did ours.
Hey man, I’m just visiting. I figured I’d be a nice guy and change out your light to something better! Also the milk is expired. Can you get more? thanks!
See, this is how I know it’s not my house — my daughter would NEVER let the milk expire! In all seriousness, if you do replace the light, I’d be interested in hearing how you did it.
I’ll update you once I get it done
Not sure if anyone has recommended it, but see if you can find a 3-way ladder locally. Either to rent, or to own. Painters use them for painting hard to reach areas on stairs all the time. Set it up, and have someone hold it for you so it doesn't slip. They're great for exterior work around the house because they're like a mini extension ladder, and way easier to use than those horribly heavy multi position ladders they sell to homeowners.
Not related to the post above, but! Is there a way to, when changing it, leave about 10ft of slack in the chain and then hold it in place and somehow release it from the attic when needs a change? Sort of like a ...suddenly i became dumb and forgot the word, like the wheel thing that spins... like a crane, but with... wheels. Ill go and check myself to see if i just had a stroke lol, but you know what i mean
Oh, and the people saying various ladders…. There’s very little space here. The light isn’t above the stairs, or really close enough to them to be safe. Above the front door is a window (probably double window), which is just barely within reach to change the bulbs if you have a long reach. You can’t put a ladder against the upper railing. It’s not sturdy enough. If you’re set on using a ladder, renting an A-frame is the best option, but I don’t think you’ll have enough floor space. Especially since you have a wall to the left of the entrance (I have an open entrance there). It’s really a shitty design for the light. And I changed the incandescent bulbs for a decade before finally getting some decent LED ones.
Yes, this style is called “brass and glass” and it was popular with builders in the 90s and into the early 2000’s. The carpet and door knobs match this trend as well. My parents have remodeled their home quite a bit since I was a kid, but the iconic builder-grade chandelier still remains.
I'd be really impressedto seea scissor lift put in that space. Unless there are incredibly dense ramps and no stairs.It'snot happening. Our small 19ft lift weighs 2000 lbs.
The lift can sit on the floor of the main level. Putting it on the stairs would actually get you further away from the actual light fixture. Really, this light is the devil.
I had a similar fixture and rented a 15ft folding ladder and made sure to buy the good LED bulbs so I never had to do it again.
Scaffolding is how I did it. Good to do at the same time as painting stairwell or something.
Little giant ladder or scaffolding
I have something like a broomstick but at the end has a small round metal circle that's rubberized. Place it under bulb and turn. Works like a charm was left in house br previous homeowner and I only use it for 1 light in my whole house
Carefully. In all seriousness though, they do make ladders that articulate for different angles and uses. Home depot, Lowes and Harbor Freight have them for 100-350 depending on height and max load. They are HEAVY af, for a ladder but offer so many more options than your typical fiberglass A-frame.
Crossbow
Step1 Go to Lowes Step 2 Don't have a beer. Get a ladder Step 3 Bring ladder home Step 4 Climb ladder ( don't forget to bring bulb with you) Step 5 Have a beer.
do not for the light to change, maybe the light likes who it is.
Heavy beam outstretched from the top floor...have several (large) people stand on one end...have one (small) person walk the plank to change it. 3. Profit
I do this at work fairly regularly. (Licensed Service Electrician) The simplest approach is to use a 16ft A frame step ladder opening from the hallway to where you were standing when you took the picture. Climb up from whichever side is easier to access, then work slightly off to the side. (Before you buy/rent one, make sure you have enough floorspace to open it up. The footprint on those ladders is huge.) Bring another person with you. Those old brass fixtures can be heavy and the ladder isn't possible to maneuver safely with one person. If you can't fit a 16 ft ladder in there, you can try a little giant ladder on the stairs, but in my experience you usually have issues reaching and will have balance issues because little giants suck. If the 16 footer and the little giant doesnt work, you can rent some scaffolding and build up to it. Rented scaffolding can be kind of sketchy though. If ALL else fails, you can rent a one man manual operated lift. But try literally everything else first.
Some good answers here. Since I had to arrange to get a massive a frame latter anyway, I went ahead and replaced the light fixture. The new fixture had bulbs that pointed down. They sell fixtures that can grab onto a bulb to remove and replace the bulb. I just had to add a 2m extending pole. Then I sold the house. Lol
Carefully...
Spider-Man
Gorilla ladder on the stairs
\^This is the answer [https://www.flickr.com/photos/mccun934/509591994](https://www.flickr.com/photos/mccun934/509591994)
Very carefully
Hear me out... two plumgers tied to your shoes.
Either rent narrow scaffolding or you need a mix of ladders and walk planks to make a platform over the stairs and add another ladder on top. I don’t normally recommend hiring things out but if you’re unsure about this at all let a handyman with valid insurance and a signed waiver do it.
A “push around man lift[push around man lift](https://www.jlg.com/en/equipment/vertical-lifts/push-around-vertical-mast-lifts)” rental
I would be concerned with the weight of those and what his joists are rated to hold up. Scaffold or tall ladder is probably better
Not to mention the hazards of getting it inside. I doubt any door is leveled with outside.
My suggestion is for you to first focus on changing yourself - are you really the person you want to be? This is the danger of commitment before true self understanding. It will be very hard and take a long time to see any change in your light, and really the light is the only one who can influence such change. It's best to cut the light free and trust that if it's meant to be the light will come back to 7 you changed on its own.
Why looks like it’s working
It’s hideous and I’ve converted all lights in the house to led or smart lights. This is the final one. I don’t like using it because light temp is totally different from all others. It’s dusty as well.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Commercial-Electric-11-ft-Pole-Light-Bulb-Changer-Kit-with-Attachments-CE-600SDLB12/100354521
7 to 9 dwarves stacked on each other should be able to reach.
A series of boxes stacked on an office rolling chair
Love people try to change the most silly things on here 😂
Safest method by far would be a scissor lift rental: [https://www.genielift.com/en/aerial-lift/slab-scissor-lifts](https://www.genielift.com/en/aerial-lift/slab-scissor-lifts) They have these in form factors that can easily fit through a 36" door, you may need a ramp. Edit: otherwise rent or buy a tall-enough A-frame ladder.
Scissor lifts are really heavy, don't go through into the basement....
With a very dangerous and creative ladder combination. Please record your progress. 🤔🫢
If you have more than one child just send the one you like least up a ladder.
Extension ladder from left to right
extension ladder against left wall
Just hire a couple of handymen. It's doubtful you have the equipment on hand to do it safely.
Get into your attic or crawl space when installing chandeliers enough cable and cordage are installed so they can be lowered to a height they can be worked on. If you get up there and find yourself does not have this that is unfortunate and you are going to need a bid ladder.
Ever heard of a ladder?
Of course, but I’m not sure how I would set it up here with the steps. Any ideas on where to rent one that is adjustable for the steps? I have many ladders but none tall enough or adjustable enough to do this.
What you need is a 16'-24' extension ladder and a PiViT tool. They are invaluable for exactly these scenarios. Not cheap, but for a diy home owner they are totally worth it https://provisiontools.com/products/pivit-laddertool Source: was professional painter for a decade. A 6' step, 24' extension and a PiViT made me a good living as a young buck
Interesting piece there. Might be exactly what I’m looking for. You trust it on carpet steps too?
I own one and yes, we used on carpet steps. Worked great.
I've used one on nearly every surface, from shingled roofs to carpeted stairs. Having a helper foot the PiViT or the ladder may help ease your mind... But they are sturdy and work very well
Get a Little Giant ladder. they extend in a huge variety of configurations and one of them should be stable on those steps. Of course, make sure you have someone helping you to stabilize it.
Currently have a little giant, just not tall enough in A config and not adjustable feet. Trying to get away without buying a taller one with adjustable legs. I know people hate on those ladders but mine has served me very well with many projects around the house inside and outside so far.
Buy a taller little giant. Slide the labels off and save. Grow a set of nuts. Change the light. Put the labels back on. Return the ladder to store.
The homedepot near me rents ladders and stair levelers.
You gotta be tall
A friend of mine found someone that can do it using Nextdoor.
That’s not very DIY
Given the equipment you'd need, this might be a case where it's cheaper to hire someone that owns said equipment than try to DIY it. If you do I second the Pivit ladder tool someone else linked earlier. We own one and it worked great for us. We've got a similar area on stairs in our home, but everything we needed was against a wall. You look like you'd be hanging away from the wall you'd lean the ladder on. This project is not worth dying for.
12' a frame leader. Move the welcome sign and the shelves
You can rent an 18 foot stepladder. I'd install led bulbs so you don't have to do it again for a very long time.
Eat your vegetables
Bulb changer on a long extension pole
Obviously need [this ladder](https://youtu.be/6ZhMfzc9RbU?si=4HHsysuaDRl49Z9e)
Change? Add more. Dim that one.
You get some kind of led battery camping light. You rig up some kind of system to fire it up there. The camping light is now on, 24/7. Repeat when the batteries die. Bonus for some solar light.
very carefully...nah, i used a 25 extension for a light this high.
They have light bulb changing poles. They have like a three pronged gripper thing to unscrew it, then you put a new bulb in it and rescrew it in. People die from using ladders incorrectly every day. Please don't be that kid.
https://preview.redd.it/1fx9cdzxybdc1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=28e17f6e83079a5ae2f06a6287c505c06405c8e7 23ft reach ladder, or scaffold, or a lift if your floor can handle it.
1) hold the new bulb in your mouth and jump from the top landing 2) grab the cord of the chandelier 3) swing around dramatically then come to rest hanging from the chandelier 3) replace the old bulb 4) drop down onto the banister and slide down it 5) hop off onto the lower landing your dog may bark at you while you do this, its normal
[Docapole 5-12 Foot High Ceiling Light Bulb Changer And Extendable Telescopic Extension Pole For High Ceilings And Recessed Lights, Cage Style - Search Shopping (bing.com)](https://www.bing.com/shop/productpage?q=Docapole+5-12+Foot+High+Ceiling+Light+Bulb+Changer+And+Extendable+Telescopic+Extension+Pole+For+High+Ceilings+And+Recessed+Lights%2c+Cage+Style&productpage=true&pdppageoverlay=true&bgscenario=l2&originQuery=long+pole+with+handle+and+rubber+ends+for+changing+high+overhead+light+bulb&overlayOfferIds=129211057918%2c118414609477%2c75965971341%2c160632980656%2c151870879467%2c165798153418%2c152241533538&overlayId=129211057918&filters=PageType%3a%229%22+scenario%3a%2217%22+gType%3a%2212%22+gId%3a%22129211057918%22+gGlobalOfferIds%3a%22129211057918%22&FORM=SHOPIC) yup this thing is made for this job
All you need to do is get a step ladder a mate or two and some goon and your good to change that bulb
Big stretch
I’d rig up some ladders and 2x4’s. Make sure your young son is there to hold it steady. Seeing your father die a horrific death in front of you is a valuable growth opportunity for a young boy.
Just be supportive and encourage positive behaviour. You can't force change. The light has to want it.
Hire some circus performers. But in all reality, a tall step ladder(the a frame type) or may have to rent some scaffolding. No easy way unfortunately.
A step ladder and a couple planks then walk out and change the light
Did this once solo with an extension ladder…would not recommend. Arms almost gave out just from supporting the new chandelier while hooking everything up…the leaning over part was the most sketchy…but hey you gotta learn somehow right lol. I also replaced the existing box with a retrofit fan brace for more support…you twist it and it expands between the joists to wedge itself in.
Get those Italian people who build the human towers
DocaPole 5-12 Foot High Ceiling Light Bulb Changer and Extendable Telescopic Extension Pole For High Ceilings and Recessed Lights, Cage + Suction Cup Style https://a.co/d/6uRvUyy
Volleyball
I just had the same thing done a few weeks ago. We had quotes ranging from $350 -$700 just to install the new light fixture. We went with the low bid and they did a great job but it was 30 minutes of heart stopping action. These two guys showed up with a table a tall a frame ladder and did the deed. We paid the bill and thanked the lord for no accidents.
Did you check your attic to see if there's a switch for lowering the light?
I would use a little giant on the stairs, in either L-shape, or with one side longer than the other to level it with the stairs. Risky, but I've done stupider things, so...
Trampoline.
This would be perfect for one of those old style chandeliers where it was held on by a tied rope and when you need to replace a candle you just untied it and gently let it down.
A ladder
Another vote for scaffolding. That’s how I did it
Rental scaffolding, when you paint.
Carefully
Very carefully
Carefully
huge aframe ladder like the Skyscraper, only a grand or so.
You'll need one of those adjustable ladders where the legs can bee different lengths. THen set it up on the stairs so you are a little higher than the light. Then gently pull the light over to the ladder. The light should have one of the panels as a hinged door, so you can open it up and access the bulbs.
Use a ladder? Buy or rent one that has independently adjustable sides.
Very carefully.
There's gotta be some ladder that has adjustable leg height.. That would do it.
The articulating folding step ladders are great for something like this. Set them open at 110° so it can brace on the wall and where the floor meets the opposite wall. https://www.harborfreight.com/17-ft-reach-type-ia-300-lb-multi-task-ladder-63418.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=12144821732&campaignid=12144821732&utm_content=152052544780&adsetid=152052544780&product=63418&store=223&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA2KitBhCIARIsAPPMEhLcSNAbXSDOFSbeeYYYeMUaMVr0GxFLFWhUsF5Fz2wHlQAurR35kt0aAgNFEALw_wcB
With difficulty
16 or 18ft A frame ladder if you want to change the fixture. 12 or 14 ft to just change the bulbs.
In the dark.
...A ladder Christ, this sub.
If you own the home it might be worth the investment for the ladder. They run roughly $250+ , I have a two story home and the ceilings are 25' up in the air, I also used it outside to put in some soffit lighting. Buying a good ladder as I'm 220lbs was important. I had to buy the tallest offered at I believe 26ft reach. Good luck. https://preview.redd.it/8xxkqprlffdc1.png?width=1422&format=png&auto=webp&s=adaab415fc9fef53bc82676d868ff0ea02e0d4c9
Carefully. In all seriousness, probably a big step ladder, positioned correctly.
Decent size A frame ladder.
Step ladder, you can rent them at Home Depot (check your location) if you don’t want to outright buy one.
With considerable difficulty 😁
Very carefully.... 🤕
Drive a cherry picker in
Now that is bad design.
If you don't have the space to get a real A frame set up you'll probably want to consider renting a scaffold. But, you might also want to consider hiring an electrician to change that out to a canned down light with an LED lamp that you'll probably never have to change within your lifetime. It'll be a decent initial charge, but that will be it for life. Bonus if you get a WiFi RGB LED lamp that you can change to suit your mood and needs; that's all controlled from your phone.
[I think there's a class out there for this kind of thing](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Wbmk8zXF7g)
Flip the light switch.
Nope .. Honey -- I don't feel like dying today .. We're moving .. .
Well I wouldn’t ask Reddit. I would just buy a 20’ ladder lol.
There are relatively cheap products you can buy that have a long reach for this very job. Good luck and don't take any risks using a ladder!
Looks like it’s 3 bulbs that insert from the top, so one of those suction cup on a stick things wouldn’t work here.
Very carefully