kitchenslighting
How do I go about removing the dome to replace the lights. I found online that similar light fixtures, one of the 3 "fingers" have a spring. But on mine, that doesn't seem to be the case. I tried, quite forcefully, pushing it in multiple directions, even at different angles. Nothing I've tried seems to work. I have no idea what brand light fixture these are, though Maxim do have similar looking ones.
Electrical code requires that all junctions be accessible in a box, so you definitely need one here. You have two choices (that I know of at least):
The exterior boxes come in a range of depths and colors so you should be able to find one you like.
I had a very similar light, and the key was this:
Any upward pressure exerted from grabbing the glass created friction that made it not turn.
You want to touch as lightly as you can, near the edges, and try to apply rotational energy only, with no pushing up.
Unfortunately, that is roughly impossible to do if you're reaching so high that you need to press up on the glass to maintain balance. So, you still need to solve the problem of getting higher (and you should NOT climb on anything placed on a bed unless it's highly stable). But if you can get a bit closer, try less pressure, rather than more.
It feels very counter intuitive, but it helped me in a similar circumstance.
One other thing that may help, suggested by none other than @Joel Spolsky, was to try using rubber or latex gloves to allow you to produce more friction without more pressure.
Best Answer
those bits of metal you see on each claw are unlikely to be for fixing to the ceiling. they're probably fasteners for the claw to the base - which would indicate that the claws can be rotated (as to release the cover).
there might be a trick to their rotation such as only one direction or pull-down-then-rotate...