How To Hang Christmas Lights Outside Without Nails
October 29, 2018
Imagine Christmas time without the sparkling display of lights around your neighborhood. The season truly wouldn't be the same without the glow of lights around businesses and homes in your area, would it? For some, hanging Christmas lights on your home may be an uphill task. This is especially so when you have no clue what you are doing! It does take practice and experience, both of which we have here at Go-Forth Pest Control.
Two Easy Methods To Install Christmas Lights
If you're a DIY person, you can make the task of hanging outdoor lights easier by using adhesives, clips and hooks. They are very useful when you do not want to drive holes in your brick, stones, or stucco. The good thing about installing clips is you do not have to start all over the next year. Once you install the clips, you can use them over and over again, and next year’s light-hanging will be faster! You'll need the following items:
- Ladder
- Clips for your outdoor lights
- Outdoor adhesive
- Glue gun
- Extension cord
How To Attach Light Strings With Clips
- Measure The Perimeter- It is essential to measure the perimeter of the area that you want to decorate, so that you can get the right number of strings to comfortably cover the distance. Also, it will be helpful to know the color pattern you want to display, such as using only one color, randomly mixing colors, or alternating colors.
- Get A Sufficient Number Of Clips- Purchase a large enough number of clips to cover the distance, with one clip every 6 to 8 inches - it depends on the type of light you want to use. Bulb-type lights such as C7 use larger clips than mini lights or icicle lights.
- Protect Clips With Adhesive- Use adhesive along the perimeter you want to decorate to secure the clips. It is advisable to follow the product instructions for applying the adhesive and allowing sufficient time for the adhesive to cure.
- Test Light String- To ensure there are no burned-out or missing bulbs, test the light string by connecting the lights into an electrical outlet. Replace bulbs if necessary, and then unplug the lights and take them outside. Arrange the lights along the line of clips, place the cord in each clip as you go, and then plug the light string into an outdoor outlet, using an extension cord.
How To Attach Light Strings With A Hot Glue Gun
Just like the clips, you need to measure the perimeter and unroll the light string. Also, inspect the string to ensure there is no missing or burned-out bulb. Apply a line of hot glue along the side of the first bulb socket, and hold the glued side of the socket against the overhang or wall. Hold it for few seconds to cool and set. Continue the process until all of the bulb sockets are glued in their positions. Use an outdoor extension cord so you can take the hot glue gun up the ladder.
Connect the light string into an outdoor socket; apply a male outlet to one end and a female socket to the other end before you do it if you are using the type of cord that you cut to measure. You can bypass glues or adhesive by using gutter hooks to hang Christmas lights and other decorations. The adhesive is permanent, and removing the clips will be difficult. Nonetheless, clips can be used every year, and they enable the light strings to be removed easily.
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