Feb 05, 2016 Innovation at Work

How many people does it take to change a lightbulb? If you ask Larry Smith that question, he’ll likely say, “Only one if you use my custom wrench.”

Larry, Custodial Crew Leader at the U, was tired of spending 20 minutes to change one lightbulb. Because the bulb and fixture are so difficult to manipulate, sometimes the fixture would break and have to be sent to the machine shop for repair.

The tedium and frustration of the task led Larry to any idea. He would create a custom wrench-like tool capable of fitting into the tight crevice where the bulb connects to the fixture.  Larry created several wrenches that worked well. And then he further refined the wrench neck to bend at a 22-degree angle so that it would work on a variety of types of lightbulbs.

To date Larry has designed four unique wrenches that are being used in the library, as well as in the new pharmacy building and the main custodial office. A patent on the wrench is being considered. Congrats to Larry on his successful invention.