how to hang string lights on cinder block wall

I found and have tried and tested several different products for no-drill applications to a brick wall … Electronic Equipment and Computers, Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans. You might also try en electrical supply store, or even a lighting store, as they usually have more knowledgeable people and a larger range of supplies than the big box stores. I scrapped the idea when evaluating the strength of the wall. Luckily, here at LEDSupply we have taken feedback … Stay in the know and receive DIY guides from our PROS: new product updates + exclusive promotions! LED strip light applications continue to grow because of their ease of use. The self-adhesive on the back of the led strip lights typically needs a smooth surface in order to stick securely. Like any other product, the whole is only as good as the parts. I'm trying to avoid chiseling out the brick but would rather somehow surface mount the fixture directly on the brick surface. The pins are so small, you don’t see the holes when you remove them but they are strong enough to hold and stay in the wall. Squeeze a turkey baster into the hole to blow away excess dust. The environment around the strip also affects the peel-and-stick backing. Help With Best Way To Install Push Fit Shut Off Valve, How to get 120/240v from generator into my house. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". View our Privacy Policy here. I’ll focus a little today on installing a new outlet for the transformer that would drive that lighting.. This tape is rated for high temperatures and is much better than the adhesive used on the flex strips themselves. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. If the surface has a glossy or oily surface, the strip likely will slide around too much or not stick at all. Clean the wall with rubbing alcohol, then peel off the paper backing from the adhesive hook and press in place for 30 seconds. Everything about LEDs: Learn the basics of LED lighting and how to power! Common BMW LED Tail Light Repair: $6 Replacement for bad circuit board, Automatic Lighting with Motion Sensor LED Light Strip Module, Single Color WiFi & Voice-Activated Control. One option I considered was attaching the light string to the back wall of the yard. Clean surfaces before hanging outdoor wall decor if you are using a product that sticks to the wall. Copyright 2019 LEDSupply. Drilling hole thru brick for light/junction box. Is the canopy of the fixture deep enough and wide enough to cover a pancake box? Cut the rope lights only on … 4) I removed the pancake box and drilled a hole in the brick surface at the mark for my 14-3 wire. Mark the spots on the trees and drill guide holes. Step 5 Install the anchor using an appropriate hand tool such as a Philips screwdriver or hand wrench. In these types of situations, it will be necessary to find other mounting options for the strip lights. How to Hang String Lights on Wall Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be 99 $5.99 $5.99 Make Sure You Buy The Right LED Strips with... Quickly Eliminate Tomato Hornworms Now... What is Smart Lighting? Attaching Light Strings with a Hot Glue Gun Measure the distance needed and unroll the light string. Your pancake box idea did the trick! Don’t forget the extra glue sticks from, you guessed it, Gorilla Glue! It may be working at first, but after one extremely hot day, the tape will fail as the surface temperature rises. 2) I used Tapcon Concrete Screws to mount this pancake box to the brick wall. This is a simple, cheap solution for installing LED strips that does not rely on double sided tape. I have the exact same issue. I want to install security lights on the front and back of the house, then maybe one of those computer monitoring systems. Apply a line of hot glue along the side of the first bulb socket. I have also learned the hard way over the years how to hang outdoor lights and what works best for securing them, tips for draping the lights and securing the connections. Using Hardwall Hangers Buy hardwall hangers to use for items that weigh up to 25 pounds (11 … Apply a line of hot glue along the side of the first bulb socket. It's a standard lantern type fixture that normally mounts onto a waterproof metal work box. LED flex strips are extremely popular in home lighting applications. All information is provided "AS IS." Clean the area where you’ll hang your outdoor art with TSP or rubbing alcohol. I ran a new 14-3 wire into the ceiling and put in a Harbor Breeze light/fan combo switch - black to fan, red to light. Plug the light string into an outdoor socket. LEDSupply carries a strong double sided tape that is sold by the foot. I have not seen many outdoor lights with their own junction box. Lay the rope lights against the concrete where you want to install them. This last method is for when mounting options are limited in the space or there is no way to screw into the surface where the LED strips need to go. Rough surfaces or too many grooves will limit the contact between the surface and the 3M tape backing. A common failure for these strips is that their adhesive backing fails on some surfaces or tends to give way over time. You hammer the hanger into the wall and it puts 4 small pins into the wall that are holding a plastic hook. Basement walls of cinder block, brick, or even poured concrete can be transformed pretty quickly and simply with a coat of paint. I live in an old house and the largest portion of our house sits on a stone foundation. What can I use to test these fixtures to be sure that I can use them as replacements - or that I should just chuck them? This aluminum channel is an affordable way to mount LED strip lights while giving them the best professional look. Do I need to install ... Is there any special requirement for the type of boxes set in brick? I don't have a spare transformer unit to use. If you're hanging your Christmas lights, Command hooks work wonders. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent 62PCS Hardwall Hangers for Cinder Block, Invisible Nail Hangers, No Damage Wall Picture Hooks for Photo Picture Frame Art Painting Non-Trace Drywall Picture Hanging Kit Hooks 3.9 out of 5 stars 3 $4.99 $ 4 . LED flex strips are extremely popular in home lighting applications. I some instances, one light does not function, and replacing the bulb doesn't help. The low-profile design, flexibility, efficiency and adhesive backing make them a no-brainer for many DIYers looking to put LEDs in their home. Now cut open your pack of Sugru and divide it into five equal parts, rolling each piece into a small ball. Everything You Need... 7 Things to Know Before Buying and Installing 12V LED Strip Lights. suggestions. ... especially for when the lights climb the wall. Constant Voltage, FREE USPS First Class SHIPPING on orders under 13oz, $5.99 USPS Priority SHIPPING on orders under 2lbs, $7.99 FedEx GROUND SHIPPING on orders under 2lbs, $8.99 UPS GROUND SHIPPING on orders under 2lbs, $16.99 2-Day SHIPPING on orders under 2lbs, $29.99 Standard Overnight SHIPPING on orders under 2lbs, $39.99 Priority Overnight SHIPPING on orders under 2lbs, Real-Time Rates are calculated for all International shipments, *Base Rate + $1.99/lb for orders over 2lbs. Here are a few ideas for how to make it work. You can drape a single strand of lights across the wall or get more creative. I have had my low voltage lights for some time. They do make pancake boxes that are 1/2 inch deep. Insert sealant into the drill hole to fill in crevices within the cinder block. LED strips falling down and losing their adhesive backing can be a real pain to deal with. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. There are then clips that hold the track in place that will mount to the desired surface. Thanks racraft, that sounds like good advice. I completed the installation today. brunno, can you detail your installation? Determine Your Surface. Let dry. 62PCS Hardwall Hangers for Cinder Block, Invisible Nail Hangers, No Damage Wall Picture Hooks for Photo Picture Frame Art Painting Non-Trace Drywall Picture Hanging Kit Hooks 5.0 out of 5 stars 1 $4.99 $ 4 . home improvement and repair website. Thread the string lights onto the hooks. This method still relies on the adhesive backing as the strips adhere to the aluminum track. High Wattage Off-Grid System Design - 12V System Possible? Less contact means less of a bond, leading to the flex strips falling or drooping in places. Click to see full answer . Consider tying string around the mounting hook on the back of the mirror and hang it via the string on the wall using heavy-holding Command Hooks. Any help would be greatly appreciated! LED strip light applications continue to grow because of their ease of use. Understanding LED Drivers and How To Choose the Right One, 12 Volt LED Light Strips: Powering and Wiring, Your Ultimate Guide on Buying LED Strip Lights. Continue this pattern until the ceiling is covered wall to wall. Fun home projects never end! ... Masking tape is one of the best tapes to use on concrete blocks. The brackets work great in applications where the lights are facing downward as in under cabinet lighting. I don't understand what can be causing this. If you’re mounting outside art or decor flat on the wall, wipe the surface that will come in contact with the exterior wall. Luckily there are a few alternative methods that can save a lot of time and headaches. How do I test the light fixture to verify that it is OK and the bulb (even the new one sometimes) is the problem? What fixture did you use? TIP: after opening you've got 30mins to work with the Sugru, so there's no need to rush :) How about put up a string trellis for plants? Christmas lights? Thanks so much all. 3) Then I marked where the hole was located in the back of the box. Weight limits vary by product, with the strongest picture-hanging hooks supporting a maximum of eight pounds. … Luckily, here at LEDSupply we have taken feedback and found additional ways to mount these LED strips. Work out how many hooks you will need. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Living in the beautiful state of Vermont and working for a company like LEDSupply that is helping provide LED products to save on energy is a great place to be in accomplishing this. The track comes with an optional UV protected cover that diffuses the light slightly and looks fantastic. I used it in my college dorm 25 years ago and now use them in my classroom on the cinderblock walls. We welcome your comments and Very hot climates will lead to failure in the adhesive material. Install the bulbs in your string lights. Constant Current vs. Install a hook into each tree at the marked spot. Of course, you can also get patio string lights and just hang between trees. These small clips use a one screw design to screw into surfaces and clip over the LED strip, holding it in place. Hang string lights on a pergola or other structure with cup hooks or decorative metal planter brackets. Drill the pilot holes into the cinder blocks at the layout marks with the hammer-drill and masonry … This DIY article will explain how to properly hang Christmas lights on your home without cracking or otherwise destroying your brick exterior. -. 1) Remove glass bulbs before hanging! I had even forgotten I'd have to use a waterproof box because I've been away from these projects for a while. 99 $5.99 $5.99 I am trying to install an outdoor light on a brick front. The aluminum and adhesive work very well together and form a great bond. Hanging Lights with Hooks or Clips Choose gutter hooks to quickly hang lights along your gutters. Is sealing old wood floor necessary before carpet tiles? But there are tasteful ways to get the look of holiday lights, without the pockmarked plaster. By logging into your account, you agree to our. Humidity and moisture in the air also have a negative effect on the strips causing them to lose their bonding ability. I'm installing a new outdoor light on a brick surface. Wiring LEDs Correctly: Series & Parallel Circuits Explained! Brick cracks easily if you try to drill into it. Copyright© This simple step of installing LED strip light fasteners will save from worrying about falling strips in the future. As soon as I disconnect the blue wire from the fan, the current comes right back to the red wire. You can drape a single strand of lights across the wall or get more creative. Want to hang decorative items from a brick wall, but don’t want to drill a hole in it? This was a new setup - existing switch that has a 14-2 power coming into it (used to control a receptacle). Most houses will have drywall, but many built before 1950 used lath and … If I have any success and find a work-around that fits this situation, I'll post my results. The low-profile design, flexibility, efficiency and adhesive backing make them a no-brainer for many DIYers looking to put LEDs in their home. Measure the distance needed and unroll the light string. Electrical, AC & DC. Use wire to hold the string light to the bolt in the wall. Use this tape to double the bond and ensure the LED strips stay where they are put. Like any other product, the whole is only as good as the parts. Marketing and technology enthusiast helping pave the way to a more energy efficient society. Mistake #3: Attempting to secure to a concrete block fence. I have shared some of the electrical projects we’ve done around here. String trellising tomatoes? A well-constructed cinder-block wall can bring privacy, security, and visual interest to your landscaping. What Type of LED Driver Do I Need? Use some of these methods in installing LED strips to enjoy for years to come! A common failure for these strips is that their adhesive backing fails on some surfaces or tends to give way over time. I have been considering the same issue and am so glad I came here first to research. Drilling through the brick may be interesting, though at least I have a hammer drill from Home Depot. I checked the red wire at the fan box and there was no current even when switch is on. To hang the lights on your cinder block wall, use clips designed for masonry walls without damaging the surface. This track comes in .5 and full meter lengths that can house LED strips up to 10mm in diameter, like the Standard and High Density Flex Strips. Very few of the residential block walls in the Phoenix area that I … All rights reserved. Hold the string lights against the wall for about 20 to 30 seconds, allowing the hot glue to harden. The LED tape backing also does not bond well with certain finishes. Originally intended for construction, the hollowed-out concrete blocks have all sorts of other uses, as these clever creations prove. You may freely link Website operating In other words, loop your lights around the first hook and then pull it across to the other side of the ceiling to another hook positioned slightly forward. Save Pin It See More Images Credit: Courtesy of anyeva I'm looking for a shortcut. Check to make sure there are no missing or burned-out bulbs, and replace them if needed. Tips for Hanging Outdoor String Lights. I was hooking up a ceiling fan for a friend and ran into a strange problem. And now, people are building innovative and inexpensive outdoor furniture (benches, shelves, tables, and more) out of another unexpected material from your home improvement store: cinder blocks. Thanks! These clips are just $1.99 for a pack of 15 which should be plenty of clips for a reel of flex strips (roughly 1 clip per foot). Are there any new devices to allow surface mounting without chiseling the brick? Other ways to hang string lights when you don’t have trees: Attach string lights on a stucco wall or brick with a masonry screw anchor like a Tapcon bolt. This is highly recommended if the light is going to be seen directly by people. Always exploring and staying active outdoors while keeping a close eye on different trends and new technologies that could change the world for the better. With a helper, string the lights from one tree to the next, holding them carefully to make sure the holes are the right distance apart. Almost all 5 stars and well over 300 reviews let you know that this too is a great product for learning how to hang Christmas lights on brick walls and so much more. A simple but attractive choice is to create a zig-zag pattern across the ceiling. Special typ... Hi all - 5) I threaded the wire into the pancake box and re-mounted the pancake box to the wall again. Also, I have some spares from prior lighting changes. And a few weeks back I told you about my in patio lighting project. While Christmas lights add a lot of appeal to your home during the holidays, hanging Christmas lights on a brick home can be a tricky endeavor. Before opening your Sugru, measure out the length of your lights along the wall, or where you plan to hang them up. The track and UV protected screen cover make the lights look like a professional fixture, no one would guess it is flex strips inside. All Rights Reserved. Allow an hour for the adhesive to set before hanging the picture. To hang the lights on your cinder block wall, use clips designed for masonry walls without damaging the surface. I hooked up a fan (black to black, blue to red), and fan works great, but the lights do not turn on. Party decorations?