how to hang string lights on cinder block wall

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