How to Hang Christmas Lights

Featured Pro: Eric Stromer
Category: Home Improvement
Time: 2:27


ERIC STROMER: Well, the holidays are here again. Are you ready? I’m here to help you get in the spirit of the season. Hey, I’m Eric Stromer, and this is your GMC Trade Secret, brought to you by the GMC Sierra.

There are basically two types of holiday lights. The first are the C-7 or the C-9 size bulbs. Now, these are larger bulbs, similar in size to the bulbs you use in nightlights. They’re heavy-duty and reliable. Now, if one bulb goes out, the rest of the string stays on. These lights can be very hot and they can use a lot of electricity, so you definitely want to be aware of that.

Now, the other type of holiday lights are the mini-lights. As the name suggests, the lights are a lot smaller, but they are more affordable and use much less power. Make sure the mini-lights are designed for outdoor use if you’re going to hang them outside.

One of the things that will help you a lot is if you spend some preparation time. Measure the area that you want to decorate and decide where you want to hang the lights. Use 25- or 50-foot light strings rather than 100-, 150- or 200-foot strings. This will give you more flexibility and make replacing broken strings easier.

Make sure to use lights that have a male plug at one end and a female receptacle at the other. Lay the strings out and inspect them for broken bulbs or worn wires. Plug in the cord and check for burned-out bulbs. If a string of lights isn’t working, replace the fuse. If the string still doesn’t work, discard it.

Be sure not to use tacks, nails or staples to hang the cords. You could potentially damage your wires, which will create a serious hazard. Instead, use these plastic hangers or eye hooks with twist ties to hang your lights from your roof gutters or your railings.

There really are a tremendous amount of options out there available for low-impact Christmas light-hanging devices. These are S hooks. They clip right into the gutter. There are also ones available that go right into the shingle. I encourage you to go investigate. Find your own solution. It’s very, very simple to hang your Christmas lights.

Make sure your extension cord is suitable for outdoor use. And if possible, use a GFCI outlet. Also save yourself time and energy by using an outdoor timer. Set it to turn the lights on at dusk and then off again later in the evening.

Next holiday season, try out these ideas and your lighting projects will be safer and easier.

I’m Eric Stromer. That’s your GMC Trade Secret.