Be very aware what you are talking about is dangerous, possibly even explosive, The staff will be tracking this thread with an eye to shutting it down.

These are only descriptors for a work of fiction. Only a fictional character would modify a light bulb, a real bad guy would simply loosen it enough to not light, and then screw it back tight after.

 

Incidentally, my character likes to cook, so him thinking of creme brulee is something that seems plausible. Thanks for the great idea!

Here's a thought -- since he likes to cook, he already has a chef's torch. He's roughed out his plan regarding the lightbulb but hasn't thought of a way to accomplish the modification. Then, while he is using the torch to brown a creme brulee while he is mulling over his thoughts of revenge he remembers something from when he bought the torch and so he digs into the drawer that has the package with the rest of the accessories and sees that, sure enough, it can be used as a soldering torch with the attachments that were included. Next he pulls out a package of bulbs and examines the base and sees what looks like solder on them. Then he sets out and does an experiment right there in the sink to see if his torch can desolder the pad.

Keep in mind that unless YOU actually do the experiment (or talk to someone that has), you won't know whether this idea will actually work. I've thought about tinkering around with a bulb on several occasions, but have never actually gotten around to it. So I don't actually know if a chef's torch will work or not.

 

These are only descriptors for a work of fiction. Only a fictional character would modify a light bulb, a real bad guy would simply loosen it enough to not light, and then screw it back tight after.

While I agree, the fictional setting allows for the plot to hinge on the victim's behavior resulting from the bulb lighting momentarily before burning out. For instance, the character's history might make them suspicious and on guard if a light in a room doesn't turn on but see nothing out-of-the-ordinary if a bulb burns out when the light is turned on. Would that every actually be a factor in real life -- almost certainly not. But most real life occurrences would make for pretty uninteresting plot lines.

 

While I agree, the fictional setting allows for the plot to hinge on the victim's behavior resulting from the bulb lighting momentarily before burning out. For instance, the character's history might make them suspicious and on guard if a light in a room doesn't turn on but see nothing out-of-the-ordinary if a bulb burns out when the light is turned on. Would that every actually be a factor in real life -- almost certainly not. But most real life occurrences would make for pretty uninteresting plot lines.

Exactly - I need the bulb to light for a split second before blowing out so as not to rouse suspicions. The person who's going to be killed is already suspicious by nature, since he's committed some terrible crimes.

 

Here's a thought -- since he likes to cook, he already has a chef's torch. He's roughed out his plan regarding the lightbulb but hasn't thought of a way to accomplish the modification. Then, while he is using the torch to brown a creme brulee while he is mulling over his thoughts of revenge he remembers something from when he bought the torch and so he digs into the drawer that has the package with the rest of the accessories and sees that, sure enough, it can be used as a soldering torch with the attachments that were included. Next he pulls out a package of bulbs and examines the base and sees what looks like solder on them. Then he sets out and does an experiment right there in the sink to see if his torch can desolder the pad.

Keep in mind that unless YOU actually do the experiment (or talk to someone that has), you won't know whether this idea will actually work. I've thought about tinkering around with a bulb on several occasions, but have never actually gotten around to it. So I don't actually know if a chef's torch will work or not.

That would make for an intriguing scene for sure. Right now, my killer's traveled across the country to the victim's location, preferring to scope out the house before making a plan to kill the victim. But, it might work to have him recall using a torch for creme brulee in the past. He'd just have to go buy a new one.

 

I don't suggest you try this in real life, but I remember a caution using high intensity halogen bulbs...when you installed them, you were not to touch the bulb with your bare hands to avoid skin oil deposits. I wonder if a drop of oil would break an incandescent bulb once it got heated up? Again, I don't suggest you try this at home as it could be a fire and health hazard.

 

The story obviously takes place in the 'olden days'. Does anyone still use filament bulbs?

 

A light bulb that "burns out" is ancient history. Many people reading your novel will not know what it is. Instead use a modern LED light bulb that catches on fire like the compact fluorescent bulbs given away for free from my electrical utility company. The cheap Chinese bulbs used a certification label stolen from a competitor so the bulbs were never certified to be safe to use. My free bulbs were replaced before I tried them.

 

A light bulb that "burns out" is ancient history. Many people reading your novel will not know what it is.

Disagree. The vast majority of homes today still have some incandescent bulbs. Source: AEP Ohio.

ak

 

Be very aware what you are talking about is dangerous, possibly even explosive, The staff will be tracking this thread with an eye to shutting it down.

If suspicious(and not banned), I would start tracking the news.

 

Hmm my house still has incandescents. Particularly in the basement, since they are only occasionally used. The main part of the murder scene will be taking place in a basement.

 

If suspicious(and not banned), I would start tracking the news.

geez. Rest assured, it really is only fiction. I'm really a boring person. I live vicariously through my characters.

 

If after the bulb is blown, the glass shattered, changing that bulb is going to be much more difficult. If hurried and nervous even worst.

 

A potato cut in half( making sure power is off) is good for removing a broken light bulb. Let the meat of the potato touch the shards of glass, not your hands.

 

Hmm my house still has incandescents. Particularly in the basement, since they are only occasionally used. The main part of the murder scene will be taking place in a basement.

Ditto, incandescents are still around and may even dominate.

 

A potato cut in half( making sure power is off) is good for removing a broken light bulb. Let the meat of the potato touch the shards of glass, not your hands.

Hard to explain at the supermarket where in the creme bruleé, that kilogram of potatos go in... (buying just one always looks strange - personal experience).

 

A potato cut in half( making sure power is off) is good for removing a broken light bulb. Let the meat of the potato touch the shards of glass, not your hands.

Neat trick! I'll have to try that, next time I break a skillet lid.

 

We bake them, one at a time...

The idea was to unscrew a jagged edge light bulb from its socket.

 

That's how I would go about it. You can even drill into the base of the bulb (the metal) using as suggested a good carbide tipped high speed drill bit. The tiny hole would not be visible when the bulb was screwed back into a socket. Option two would be the suggestion to over voltage a 12 Volt lamp. I see neither of these options as dangerous and we are talking about a novel, a character in a novel.

Ron

It’s a lot easier to drill through the base. I’ve done it myself for a similar situation.

 

a similar situation.

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