How to Hang Cafe or String lights with Professional Look!
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- Опубліковано 13 лип 2024
- AMAZON TOOLS BLACK FRIDAY DEALS! amzn.to/46oJ7Eu
This is second video on how to hang cafe lights with a professional look. If you are doing long runs on your lights you need a wire to make it look good. My best suggestion, get an all-in-one install kit like this one:
amzn.to/33eZNkc
Instead of sourcing all the hardware, definitely grab this...makes it so easy .
Watch my latest cafe light video (May 2020): • How to setup string li...
Lights from this video no longer avail.
Best option on Amazon: amzn.to/2YpmZeU
Drill I used (best I've found!): amzn.to/36Rc7HU
All-in-one Wire Hanging Kit: amzn.to/30KcZKR or amzn.to/2MaWOmJ
1/16" wire with ferrule's: amzn.to/2YNJ4D8
Put your lights on a timer!
Add outdoor timer: amzn.to/2z9liWW
Add outdoor timer w/ smart phone control: amzn.to/2KIWeKK
Here's my video on how I made the loops to hang the wire:
• How to make a loop in ...
I used 3 strands of the above LED 48ft String lights (10% disc)
I used numerous uv rated 6 inch zip ties
amzn.to/2JzANLM
Masonry drill bits (I used 1/2" & 1/4" Drill bits):
amzn.to/2LrSnhV
Makita Hammer Driver Drill (no battery) amzn.to/2JgqVaa
Makita battery/charger: amzn.to/2JzDHAa
3/32" wire rope clip (need 2): amzn.to/2JxEqli
If you do 1/16" ropes use 1/16" ferrule's (easier and will work):
Watch my video on how to use these:
• How to make a loop in ... - Навчання та стиль
Greeting s from Chandler! Looks great! Thanks for taking the time and effort to share this. I see I can actually do the job!
Definitely a doable DIY...glad it helped!
Thank you! Great video and product info! 😎
Glad it helped!!
cool video, thanks
Thank you so much!!!
Very nice!!
I wish I could post a picture here. One slight modification that I did that was super simple and very helpful. I bought a batch of 50 paper key tags ($5?) and removed the paper tag from the little key rings.
I then put those rings through the eyelids above each light and then attached that to the cable. They pull along the cable as easy as pulling a shower curtain!
Michael...awesome input and great idea!
Thanks so much for sharing! My lights stayed up during a wind storm and my neighbors didn’t....now she wants the wire!
Haha awesome!! Great job!
My dad mentioned using wire and I had no clue. I'm attempting to hang string lights on an apartment balcony so your video helped answer a lot of questions. Thank you!
Haha no problem. You usually use wire when you are making really long runs. On an apartment balcony you probably won’t need it. Thanks for checking it out
Nice video.
Hello Thanks for your good info, it really helped me
Glad it helped...tips from my brother-in-law, landscaper, was key to my project.
Very helpful, thanks!
Glad it helped!
Thank you for an extremely helpful video. We ordered the recommended All-in-One wire hanging kit and the job was easy peasy.
I see a lot of people buying those...glad it worked out so well!!
How would we do vinyl siding or attaching to a gutter?
Thanks for the video! I’m planning to buy the all in one kit you suggested. Couldn’t find in the description if it has the hardware to anchor it to brick wall.
It will not have anchor sleeves like i used. Suggest you take screw eye in kit to hardware store (ace or truvalue) and match up w correct anchor sleeve. Good luck!
Great video, do you have a recommendation for when I am securing to my aluminum screen enclose in some places?
aluminum screen...sorry...can you give more detail. Are you securing to aluminum "siding"?
@@how2q Its actually the aluminum struts for our screened in pool enclosure
you should show your completed set-up turned on at nigh. you worked so hard making this video. I would have been a nice payoff for us viewers!!
Great video, one note: I was at Home Depot and had a bucket filled with wire, ferrules, eye-hook screws, wire cutters and a swage for crimping the ferrules, etc., and then I realized I was making a dog-run cable basically, to hang the lights on. I found a 100ft dog-run kit online for $20 that came with all the eye-hook screws and the loops on each end of the coated wire pre-made. It was much faster, cheaper, and easier to hang that over the yard and then hook the lights on it. I'm all about DIY unless I can get it cheaper and get the work done faster.
Awesome… you probably watched one of my very first light hanging videos. Since then I have been using a wire hanging kit off Amazon that you can get relatively cheap. Definitely a no-brainer and avoid the bucket of hardware from Home Depot. Love the dog run solution
Anthony could you please share the info of the kit. Thx.
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F2F9V25?ie=UTF8&th=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=how2q-20&linkId=55fe99720d0f9ebde87ae31530344337&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Sorry for the long link, but this is a kit that I have used to several times and it works great.
@@how2q Thank you so much for the info. 👍🏼
Great video, what do you do it you have vinyl siding? How do you then hook then to the house?
I would screw into siding but use a sealant as you are screwing in eyelet. Make sure it is waterproof
nice video ,only change would be using stainless steel eye bolts ,not zinc which will rust( and stain that wall)
Ahh thx for your input!
Great video. Where did you get the outdoor outlet with switch?
Home depot…readily avail at any hardware store. Thx for watching
So the lag shield has an outside diameter of 1/2” and the hooks are 1/4” wider? Great video btw. 👍
Stroop...sorry for the REALLY late reply. Never saw this comment. Use a 1/2" drill to install the 1/4" lag (yes, with outside diameter of 1/2 inch). This fits a 1/4" screw (or screw eye in this case). Sorry for the confusion!
Very helpful and informative video! 👍 You recommend getting LED string lights. How would they hold up in direct sunlight in Phoenix? I’m considering getting the LED string lights but I am worried the the intense sunlight will make the bulbs fade overtime since they’re plastic, kind of like headlights of a car.
I installed these two years ago in Phoenix at a friends house and they are still doing well (no fading). I just posted another install in Phoenix at my house with these cafe lights: amzn.to/2ZEA8jU
Honestly, I like these better. I installed them in November and have had zero issues. Good luck!
Here's a link to that newest video with these lights:
ua-cam.com/video/HPgVChws_dw/v-deo.html
kmhow2q
Any recommendations for hanging string lights in a screened in enclosure? Like a pool cage?
Sorry for the late reply...wow, lots of "it depends". I have never done a screened in porch. Screwing hooks into aluminum screen supports would be one way. But without seeing it tough to recommend best solution
Is it bad to hang them from it's own wire?? Do you recommend attaching them to a different wire first?
I wouldn’t say bad. Most lights, in their instructions, will tell you recommended length to hang wire without “support” (i.e. wire, post). Just a recommendation.
Does this look good if i want to place the lights on the fascia boards like Christmas lights?
I would recommend these lights: amzn.to/34mYLkr
Great price, outdoor, lower profile...I think it would look good for your project.
👍🏽
Any reason you didn't run the wire through the plastic loops on top of the string lights (versus ziptying the wire to the lights)?
Yes..if you notice the plastic loops are parallel not perpendicular to the wire. If you run the wire through the loops the lights start to zig zag and don't run in a straight line. I have no idea why manufacturers continue to make them this way! Thank you for watching...and your question
How do you re-engage the remote please
I live in Phoenix. Do you do this for a living?
I do not...just a "hobby". Set up my house and also friends & family.
I'm very confused with the lag shield...I have the 3/4 eye bolt that you show with the short 1/2 inch lag bolt and the measurements don't seem to add to up. What lag shield specifically would I need for the 3/4 eye bolt?
So 3/4” refers to size of the “eye” circle part. The actual diameter of threads should be 1/2”. Hope that helps
Should these be left outside for the winter. i know they are waterproof but what about windy/stormy weather?
Even though i live in phoenix, we get some pretty strong storms. They still work fine. If you don’t plan on using them over winter then i would take them down. In the long run, this will help then last longer
Very informative video! Thank you for sharing. I do have a few questions before I do my install.
1. I have a floodlight I’d like to convert to an outlet completely. There’s nothing covering it so I would need a weather proof idea to make that happen if possible.
2. My only option on the return lines would be to anchor into the house stucco wall. I’m assuming these eye bolts would have to go into wood. Any suggestions?
3. Lastly, what could info with the remaining 10 feet I would not need? Can these be cut down? Any suggestions for these three questions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you Sir!!
So for the flood light conversion you would need a waterproof outlet cover box and a weather resistant outlet. This should also be on a gfci circuit or a gfci WR outlet (weather resistant). I am NOT an electrician. Recommend you reach out too one. I would use toggle bolts on the stucco. Stucco is usually styrofoam and chicken wire attached to 1/4" - 1/2" plywood. The best place to go for all of this is ACE or truvalue...they have guys/girls in there that can really help with your project. I didn't understand last question. If you are talking about having 10 extra feet of line I usually don't recommend just cutting it. I usually order lights length of approximate length i need. Here are some links to parts I am referring too:amzn.to/3kGXKgR
Toggle bolts
amzn.to/3kJft7A
Waterproof outlet cover
Weather resistant outlet
amzn.to/3w21crS
@@how2q thank you Sir for the information provided. Your videos are great and your reply to my questions was clear and quick. Much appreciated Sir. Thank you
Good luck…lots o job satisfaction when its done
Wish showed a better pic of the middle junction. Still unsure exactly how it is done. Assuming (bad of me to do) that the wire goes through the eye bolt while the light strand goes on the outside?
Hey January...it is tough to see and I didn't get a good shot of that middle junction. Yes, the wire goes through the eye bolt. If you look really closely I have a "S" hook that connects wire to eye bolt - the wire does not go through eye hook. Here is a link an example of a "S" hook: amzn.to/3cMkTcg
Do you know of any colored led light bulbs to use outdoors ? Thank you
I can only find g40 bulb options like this one: amzn.to/2YJtW7O
I have found that you don't need to buy "heavy duty, waterproof" lights like the one in this video. I have installed several that are lower profile and not as bulky and they have been fine. Only saying that because g40 bulbs typically come in less "industrial" cafe light options. Sorry for late reply
The support wire you are using in the video looks thicker than 1/16th?
It is a 1/16”. I no used plastic coated wire that makes it total 3/32”.
Thanks for the video. This is all just my opinion, so take it for what it's worth:
@7:15 the lights look too bright, and the color temperature is too cool (i.e. not warm enough). That's why it's nice to have lights that are A). dimmable, and B.) color temperature tunable, with a temperature range that extends all the way down to ~1,000 K for ultra warm light (orangish/red... similar to a fire). With dimmable/tunable lights, after you do the physical install, you can dial it in to create the exact ambiance you want. Yes, this adds cost, but IMO it's worth it if you're going to all that trouble in the first place. If you want to cheap out, at least buy non-tunable lights where the color temperature is fixed somewhere around 1,500 K since most people prefer warm light at night, which is the only time you'd be using these lights anyway. The lights you bought look around 3500 K to me, which is great for lighting up a baseball field, but not so great for relaxing in your backyard with beer, friends, and music.
What lights r dimmable or adjustable in temp that would fit this application?
My lights are up, but I have an overhang of about 4 lights. Can I cut these off and then waterproof the end? or will the wires need to be re attached?
DISCLAIMER...I'm not an electrician - please consult one prior to doing this! If there is an electrician that reads this comment please add your expertise to this question. What I would do...I would use adhesive lined shrink tubing. That being said, I always buy lengths to fit the job. I understand you probably are beyond that since they are already up. There are marine grade ones that would probably suit your purpose. Here's an amazon link to what I'm talking about: amzn.to/3agom21.
Hi, I'm trying to figure out how to hang string lights from palm trees that are spaced roughly 10 feet apart. Its going to be at a wedding venue and they won't allow us to drill into the trees. Do you recommend just making the wire loops you had and stringing from one tree to another?
Loops should work fine. Watch my first video on this subject on how to do that. With readily available tools it should work fine. 10 ft is really not a far run. You may be able to get by without stringing them on wire, let them hang a little more and use thin wire wrapped around tree to keep them up. Tough to explain but don't over think it. I hope that helps!
I would of cut the tails on the zip ties to make it cleaner, but all in all a really informative video.
I would have too!lol When I was putting this video together I realized we never cut those off! Thanks for watching
Wish you showed how the pieces connect by demonstrating how the connections come together. Otherwise great general video to get an idea.
Thank you for the input! Sorry i did not include that. Good luck with your project!
Not sure if you mentioned but what about average time to install all of this?
Lot of depends in that question…zero trips to hardware store? 2-3 hours…add one hour for electrical
Great video. We’re installing lights for a one time event. Questions 1. Do you think it’s worth it to drill into a brick home for a one time use? 2. Is the wire necessary for a one time event?
You can probably skip the wire. It wouldnt bother me to use small hook into block. Doesn’t need to be large. May be other options for you to attach.
How do I install properly café lights along the top of a rod iron fence in my yard.?
That is tough to say without looking at the fence. I would assume you could use black zip ties if it’s a black fence. That would probably be the easiest. Not sure if that helps without looking at it
Do you have on any recommendations of poles that work well with the high tension from the wire? Thanks!
I am putting together a setup that uses aluminum square tubing. Aluminum is a little more expensive but easy to drill and oxidizes and not rusts. My setup is on a block wall that I am attaching aluminum poles too. Remember it doesn't have to be too high tension due to light weight of lights. Good luck.
Can you cut the extra length of string lights that you don’t need?
Sure just make sure you “cover” exposed end. There are water proof wire nuts used in landscaping that would work well. The ones I’m thinking of are blue… Not sure if they come in different colors. You can always spray paint them black. that’s if you were to cut the wire. They’re probably is a way to have the wire. Enter last light and not come out. Just make sure there is not any exposed wire to the elements.
I have to think that the zip tie will eventually work it's way through the light's wire and cause a short.
You could be right...thank you for the input! There is definitely more than one way to do this!
No way. It’ll never happen
How deep did you drill into that block wall? ?
Sorry for delay in responding...i used a lag shield that i believe was 1 inch long. So i screwed in about 1 1/2 inches into block. Honestly w a lag shield you can screw as deep as you want. Just make sure when you put in screw (or screw eye in this case) you don’t push it too deep. If you hit cavity in block it will fall thru. Thats why i always grab two lag shields. Hope this helps
Home Depot has 48' LED cafe lights with 24 glass bulbs for just $50.... they are a Special Buy- I got 2 sets for the back yard... they're awesome and the best price around!-- They also have 50' of coated 3/32 cable for $21. I put hooks into my palm trees to suspend them. I didn't pull them tight, I let them sag a bit, but I'm worried that when the trees sway in an afternoon storm the cable may pull the hooks out of the tree.. I'm considering wrapping the cable around the tree but I think that might hurt the tree... so I think I'll just keep the hooks. I was surprised how much tension the lights put on the wire. I'll let yoiu know how it goes...
Add springs to your hooks. They will "give" when the tree sways. My first video on cafe lights was a similar setup to yours (mine were connected to trees)
I’m here in Phoenix can you put my up??
please come and hang mine! Looks amazing!!!
Thanks darlene...friends and family only!lol
Hey What is the name of the gfci with the switch near your floodlight? So I know what to search for
Sorry not sure your question...I interrupted electric line going into flood with a gfci outlet & light switch. This allows light switch on inside of house to always be on...therefore powering outlet and switch. Not sure if that helps...
@@how2q yeah just wanted the name of the gfci
Oh...gotcha here is a link to the one I used:
amzn.to/3mRlAGc
@@how2q thanks.
is there a formula on sizing of hanging cable for string lights. Hanging from 50'-90' on brick?
I'm sure someone has figured it out but all the wire at home depot's/Lowe's will have load limits on them. 1/16" (120lbs) 3/32" 184 lbs etc. Good news is the lights won't weigh too much. The load comes from how much you tighten wire (use turnbuckles). 3/32" or 3/16" should work fine. The straighter the wire (no dip) the more load you put on it. Just make sure you have something to cut the wire the thicker you go. Hope that helps...not an "engineered" answer but I think you will be fine with the widths I mentioned.
Thanks for the reply... GL..
I live in Sun City West. Do you offer this service? If so, can I have contact information? Thank you!
Christine...I wish I could help. I'm actually an airline pilot and will sometimes help out family and friends with their projects (of course...my own home also).
How are they working now I seen couple bad reviews on Amazon I usually buy my globe lights from target but I down side is I cant go more then 4 sets and there 20ft a piece those worked good so far in triple digit weather rain fog let me know please
2pacnasgame so far so good. I haven’t had any issues after 7 months. Good luck with your project. There are plenty of options out there for lights...doesn’t have to be these.
How deep do you drill?
About an inch. Put blue tape around drill bit. Depends on size of anchor sleeve
Hi! I’m local in AZ : ) are you open to DIM at my home :)
As a diy husband and dad…i keep busy. Sorry i can’t help. Feel free to reach out with any questions…
Great video; very helpful. However, they are called "guy" wires, not "guide" wires.
Fellow viewers, when drilling with a hammer drill, be careful putting a hole in masonry! I wouldn't get as close to the edge, as this fellow did! It can break, right from the hole to the edge of the wall!
Where is the link?
Link is in the video description. The lights I used in this video are no longer available. I have since found a set that I really like...they are lower profile, have been in my yard for almost 18 months and no issues. Here is the link for those if you are interested:
amzn.to/2YpmZeU
Can’t be that professional not being custom cut lol
Ha professional term is definitely used loosely these days