If you have the original light bulb box that has old, dry and turns to powder foam in it, here is a method to refurbish it. My bulb box foam was pretty much gone. I received a package which had foam in it for packing, and noticed it was very close to the original light bulb box foam. So I crafted a replacement piece. You be the judge if it is close:


Original foam:

 

The tools and the process: use heat, it really works, with a sharp point attachment on the wood burning tool (you could use a soldering iron too)

 

the finished product:

 

The material (free to me), is a nice small cell black foam. I cut a piece to the dimensions of the inside of the box. I have some extra if anyone wants some, but it is probably not too hard to find.

 

also, the bulbs are now properly secured, so that they do not break when jostled. These are the original bulbs I believe.

 

Oh very well done Ed, both of mine are at the fragile but intact stage, I have recently seen that foam around here somewhere, that would be a good mid week kitchen table project, while winter takes hold outside.
Thanks for sharing.

 

Nice Ed!

 

Very cool, love the attention to detail!

 

I dunno, seems like a missed opportunity to buy a tool you'd only use once...

 

you can't go wrong for 20 bucks!
I used my old wood burner tool with the slanted edge. worked like a charm