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Are you looking for a way to hang Christmas lights without nails/putting any holes in your walls? Look no further! This blog will show you how to do just that.
Step-by-step guide for Hanging Christmas Lights Without Nails
Christmas is a time for lights on your tree, framing your door or windows, or dotting your roofline. While nail-free methods for attaching holiday lights are available, they typically require special tools or screwing into gutters, which may not be ideal. That said, hanging lights without nails is relatively straightforward and requires only a few supplies you likely already have around the house.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Tape measure
- Pencil or marker
- Ladder
- Clips (e.g., alligator clips, clothespins, chip clips)
- Holiday lights
- Extension cord (optional)
Step 1: Measure and Mark Your Lights’ Path
With a tape measure, determine the length of the path you need your lights to cover. Once you have the measurement, use a pencil or marker to mark where the string of lights will go lightly. It’s important to be as accurate as possible so that your final product looks neat and polished. Remember that you may need to adjust the length of your string of lights based on the type of clip you’re using (e.g., alligator clips are larger than clothespins).
Step 2: Attach Lights to Clips
Start at one end of the path you marked in Step 1 and attach your holiday lights to clips. If you’re using alligator clips, open the clip and attach it to the underside of a light bulb; for clothespins, open the clip’s jaws and slide it over the light bulb’s base until it’s tight. Continue attaching lights until you reach the end of your path. If necessary, use additional extension cords to connect sections of lights.
Step 3: Hang Lights on Desired Surface
Once all of your lights are clipped on, it’s time to hang them up! If you’re attaching them directly to a door or window frame, use a ladder to reach high enough so that the string doesn’t sag in the middle when hung. Otherwise, if you’re not screwing into any gutters or other fixtures, place your ladder beneath where you want one end of the string of lights to go and drape them over/around/through whatever surface you’re covering until you reach the other end. For example, if covering bushes in your front yard, threading them through branches will hold them in place better than just letting them rest on top of leaves (which could cause them to get blown away quickly).
Be sure to take any extension cords with you when hanging so that plugging everything in is as easy as possible once everything is in place!
Tips and tricks
1. Use screw eyes.
Screw eyes are small metal loops with a screw in the center. You can twist them into the molding around your window and then hook your lights onto the loops.
2. Use clips.
There are all sorts of different clips available that are designed specifically for hanging Christmas lights. You can find them at most hardware and home improvement stores. Some clips can be applied directly to your shingles, gutters, or windows, while others require the use of adhesive strips or putty.
3. Use magnets.
If you want an easy way to hang up your lights without damaging your walls or gutters, try using magnets! You can purchase specialty Christmas light magnets at most home improvement stores or use small, strong magnets that you already have around the house. Ensure your magnets are strong enough to hold up your light strands!
4. Use Command strips.
Command strips are solid adhesive strips that can hold up to four pounds. They are easy to use and won’t damage your walls. Just peel off the backing and stick them to your wall. Then, clip your lights onto the strips.
Alternative methods
There are several ways to hang Christmas lights without nails. For example, you can use suction cups, fishing lines, or duct tape.
- Suction cups are another easy way to hang lights. Just affix the suction cups to your window and clip the lights onto them. Make sure to clean your windows first so the suction cups will stick better.
- A fishing line is an invisible way to hang lights. Just string the rope across your windows or the edge of your roof. Then, clip the lights onto the line. You can use a clear fishing line, so it’s less noticeable.
- Duct tape is a versatile product that can be used for many things, including hanging Christmas lights! Just run a strip of duct tape along your window or roofline and then clip the lights onto the tape.
FAQs
- Can I use command strips?
Yes, you can use command strips to hold up your lights. Make sure you pick the right size and weight for your project. - Can I use masking tape?
Yes, masking tape can be used to hold up holiday lights temporarily. Just be aware that it might not stick as well in cold weather. - Can I use string?
If careful, you can tie a string around the base of your holiday lights to secure them. Make sure the string is tight so the lights don’t fall.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several ways to hang Christmas lights without nails. These methods include using command strips, renting a light hanger, or using suction cups. While each method has its pros and cons, all of them are viable options for those who want to avoid using nails. Whichever way you choose, be sure to read the instructions carefully and follow all safety precautions. Then, with careful planning, you can have your Christmas lights up in time – and without any nails!
