How to hang outdoor cafe lights or string lights on a wire

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ส.ค. 2017
  • Options below will help you with your project!
    My latest recommendation for lights: amzn.to/2XXF8iA
    Heavy duty outdoor cafe lights: amzn.to/2YpmZeU
    1/16" wire with ferrule's: amzn.to/2YNJ4D8
    All-in-one Wire Hanging Kit: amzn.to/30KcZKR or amzn.to/2MaWOmJ
    Watch my latest cafe light video (May 2020): • How to setup string li...
    Here's a video with more tips and different setup...Updated with different and attaching to masonry: • How to Hang Cafe or St...
    TIMER OPTIONS via Amazon
    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 ...
    The key, obviously, is power and having something strong to hang the lights on. I strung my lights between two trees and our porch. Springs were key...especially with moving trees! If you don't include the springs the line could snap. I used 1/16" line which has held up well. This temporary solution became permanent. A lot of people have asked me about "weather proof" connections. I didn't weather proof any of them...never had an issue. I used cafe lights from Cost Plus World Market. I am not including link because i do not recommend them.
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ความคิดเห็น • 93

  • @revoltpuppy
    @revoltpuppy 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This was a big help. We pretty much followed all of your advice. The main thing I would say it to check the weight-bearing load on the springs you buy. We ended up having to go back to the store.

    • @how2q
      @how2q  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      thank you for the input...to your point...my trees are really mature and don't "flex" as much. smaller trees that move quite a bit would definitely require higher load requirements.

  • @willneef3945
    @willneef3945 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Very helpful video. The detail and showing your purchases was a great addition. Thanks for posting!

    • @how2q
      @how2q  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you...hope it helps with your project!

  • @anorenbergs
    @anorenbergs 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    It is a good idea to use springs for suspension. Nice job, Sir!

    • @how2q
      @how2q  6 ปีที่แล้ว

      I have to credit my brother-in-law for that idea. It was key to my setup. Thanks for viewing!

  • @alvinchen7590
    @alvinchen7590 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great video, I like the bulb shape of your string lights, I bought the same type ST35 bulb string from Amazon

  • @mBLOOD42oz
    @mBLOOD42oz 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nice catch.. thanks for the instructions!

  • @davidmorris2806
    @davidmorris2806 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for the video. Very helpful.

  • @christianguevara2303
    @christianguevara2303 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I live in Phoenix too, greenway! Thanks for the video, really helpful 👍🏽

    • @how2q
      @how2q  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      apparently I missed this comment! Sorry, my daughter lives at 56th st & greenway...glad the video helped you out!

  • @rborroto
    @rborroto 6 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thanks for a great video, and I love the look of the lights at night! You're in a dry environment, but I live in South Florida, lots of salt air and humidity, so I will need to use stainless steel components. If not, rust would soon make the whole thing fall apart.

  • @gtiplus
    @gtiplus 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video. Thanks!

  • @CoCoRue62
    @CoCoRue62 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This is a very good video, well thought out, liked that way you showed how you did it. Very helpful Thnx so much

    • @how2q
      @how2q  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hope it helps with your project! Thanks for you watching!

  • @elickasparks868
    @elickasparks868 6 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    You can buy replacement bulbs for these on Amazon. After all that nice work, enjoy!

  • @youtubertoo
    @youtubertoo 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Looks great! I’m looking for an outdoor-rated “smart” dimmer that I can link to WiFi and control with my phone/alexa/google/etc.

  • @briannamarin189
    @briannamarin189 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Liked because you're in Phoenix too.
    Ended up liking the video. Thanks

  • @JoeDoeOutdoors
    @JoeDoeOutdoors 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hii I really enjoy your channel ☺ Keep it up!

    • @how2q
      @how2q  6 ปีที่แล้ว

      JoeDoe-thank you for watching & comment. You never know whats going to work on TH-cam. Making this video was an afterthought. I had already done it but didn't video it while I was doing it. This was early "how2q", not my best effort video/audio quality but it is my most popular and biggest surprise that it did so well! Who knew! Best of luck on your channel.

  • @ceeloc4420
    @ceeloc4420 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video

  • @fxpose
    @fxpose 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nice video! I used cheap galvanized steel wire, I think it was 14 gauge, several 50-foot runs. They’ve held up well so far after 3 years.

    • @how2q
      @how2q  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Wow...that's a lot lights! Definitely the way to go...thanks for watching!

  • @katiegiovacchini8671
    @katiegiovacchini8671 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    That bare wire on your tree will damage the tree and inhibit growth over time. Seen it before. You might consider wrapping it with a piece of old hose or something to cushion! Love the video, thank you.

    • @how2q
      @how2q  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Not my finest audio/video work. I agree with the wire issue. This was going to be a temporary install that lasted over a year. We are now renovating and it is all down. I like the hose idea...another option would have been to just use one continuous wire and attach screw eye hardware to trees so nothing is wrapped around trees. Thank you for watching!

  • @seluscan
    @seluscan ปีที่แล้ว

    thank you for this video, very helpful!

    • @how2q
      @how2q  ปีที่แล้ว

      Hope it helped! Thanks for watching

  • @Bendezium
    @Bendezium 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Cool backyard! I’m in Phoenix too and looking to hang some of these.

    • @how2q
      @how2q  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Great...in one of my other cafe light videos i have used an "all-in-one" hanging kit that is my go-too off amazon. Good luck with your project.

  • @alexanderrodriguezmba2370
    @alexanderrodriguezmba2370 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video thanks!!🎉

    • @how2q
      @how2q  ปีที่แล้ว

      Hope it helped!!

  • @ryanfraser_fraserrc
    @ryanfraser_fraserrc 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Looks great. Thanks for the video.

    • @how2q
      @how2q  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks that’s one of my early videos...glad it still helps out with ideas

    • @ryanfraser_fraserrc
      @ryanfraser_fraserrc 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@how2q It’s still good!

  • @FlyingwithBigErn
    @FlyingwithBigErn 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Dang! Another DIY project on my list🤔

    • @how2q
      @how2q  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yup this is the one that started it all!lol

  • @zhillsx
    @zhillsx 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice set up with the lights and good ideas on how to string the lights. The exposed extension wire connections would be a problem in rain. Maybe find a way to make the connections water proof. Also I would recommend a gfci outlet where everything is connected .

    • @how2q
      @how2q  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks zhillsx...I agreed on both both points you made. This was one of those "temporary" projects (for a party) that became permanent. GFCI is really important (although the year and a half I had these up never had a problem)..I made a Part 2 video to this one where I install a GFCI outlet for cafe lights. Using galvanized parts helps but you are right, eventually water wins.

  • @robstewart1371
    @robstewart1371 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanks for the idea with the springs. I have three trees where I hung my lights twice. Just a simple triangle. But because of the movement of the wire through the carabiner it eventually broke the wire 2 times. I had simple wire the first time from a "kit", second was a larger stronger wire from a big box store and it still broke. I'll try 2 individual runs with the springs and see how that goes.

    • @how2q
      @how2q  11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Will def work better…less stress on wire.

  • @Tsb702
    @Tsb702 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    I like the spring usage to allow for movement. We are in a rental currently in Virginia and our fence is wood. I would have to drill into the mortar to use the loop grommet (not an issue) BUT i would prefer not to drill into the wood fence. Do you think it would be ok (withstanding the wind,snow, rain) to use those heavy duty staples or maybe just loop around the top part of the fence? I can send photos if needed.

    • @how2q
      @how2q  6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Not knowing exactly what you have got...check out my "how to make a loop in a wire". Would there be a way to "loop" a wire around the fence? Might be able to make really small holes around fence post and feed wire through OR feed wire through fence slats if there is a gap. Because there is tension on the wire, need to make sure it can hold that tension. Usually people would say the opposite, more comfortable putting grommet in fence rather than brick...hope this helps...let me know.

  • @diegoflores4247
    @diegoflores4247 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I like the idea of using springs for the trees because of movement. What size or lb. Tension do you need for the springs?

    • @how2q
      @how2q  11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Oh man its been a while since i did this one. Honestly very simple springs…i think they were 7/16 or 13/16” springs. Nothing crazy

  • @MarkAzali
    @MarkAzali 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video. I tried to shortcut the job without the metal wires and now the lights fell down (it's about a 30 ft run). 'Wish I did the job right like you did the first time.

    • @how2q
      @how2q  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      LOL...I was just fixing some irrigation this morning at 5:30 am and tried a "shortcut"...which led to a 30 minute home depot run and made a 15 minute job a hour job!lol Shortcuts do work...sometimes! Good luck with the fix, hope this video helps.

  • @mbrown1393
    @mbrown1393 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    Why did you take them off the timer? Do you think that was causing the bulbs to blow?

  • @Felamine
    @Felamine 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    3:28 I had the same problem with my old cafe light strings. The bulbs were a weird shape using a C9 socket (similar to oldschool Christmas lights), and that made it really difficult to find replacements for them. I eventually replaced the strings with ones that used standard E26 sockets (i.e regular lamp bulbs). Buying new bulbs became a lot easier because I have more options, I just have to make sure they're rated for outdoor light strings of course.

    • @how2q
      @how2q  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      These lights were a “good deal” until you had to change them!lol

  • @lisajohnson8881
    @lisajohnson8881 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Could you link the springs ? Or let me know what size you purchased? Thanks for the great video!

    • @how2q
      @how2q  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Here are the springs I used: amzn.to/31kPudd
      Thank you for watching and feel free to reach out with any more questions

  • @stevecarrillo
    @stevecarrillo 6 ปีที่แล้ว

    You probably don't get too much rain in AZ but when you do, are the lights safe to have plugged in and is it also safe to have the cord exposed like that? I just got some lights and doing research on how to install them.

    • @how2q
      @how2q  6 ปีที่แล้ว

      There may be a better way to protect connection. As I mentioned in the video, the electric part was meant to be temporary but turned into permanent (if it "ain't" broke don't fix it mentality). We do get really heavy monsoon rains and never had an issue. Maybe in an environment that is damp (NW US) it could be an issue. If i were to do it over, I would have put a GFCI outlet under eave of porch and started the daisy chain that way. So it's not just the power source but connecting several lights together. Despite probably 4 "exposed" plug-ins on my project, I've never had lights go out or even flicker. Thank you for question and watching video!

  • @bolgerw
    @bolgerw 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi, i love your videos. I’m just about to set these up in my garden and like you I’m attaching them to a tree but I’m not sure what extension springs to get? I can’t make out the size on the packaging at the end of the video. I’ll be buying online as there are no shops open so I just want to be sure I’m getting the right ones. Any suggestions? Thanks
    Wayne

    • @how2q
      @how2q  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you for watching! I actually had to freeze video, screen shot, zoom to figure it out!lol It has been about 4 years since I did this one. I am sending links for two sets of springs. I included two because the ones I used in videos (5/8 x 2 1/2) looks like they charge shipping so I included a 13/16 x 4 which looks like it's free shipping. I think either will work fine for your project. Let me know how it goes!
      amzn.to/2z4GlKX
      13/16 x 4
      amzn.to/2Tc7x17
      5/8 x 2 1/2

    • @how2q
      @how2q  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      sorry for reply...I was in the middle of a "corona" project at my daughters house and needed to get to a computer.

    • @how2q
      @how2q  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      sorry for *late reply

  • @Nippless247
    @Nippless247 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Looks great didnt learn much tho

    • @how2q
      @how2q  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for watching tony. Every setup is different...sorry it didn't help w your project

  • @32lilbruce
    @32lilbruce 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I see that you have the female end exposed on the tree. Isn't that hazardous is it rains?

  • @haii_11.-.24
    @haii_11.-.24 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    👍🏽

  • @how2q
    @how2q  6 ปีที่แล้ว

    They were just cheap bulbs that didn’t last long. We looked EVERYWHERE for replacements and there were none. We would turn them on just for parties and when we were in the backyard. Had to buy more just for the bulbs!

  • @SparkyWaxAll
    @SparkyWaxAll 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    you handsome bastard!

  • @gilhernandez605
    @gilhernandez605 ปีที่แล้ว

    Where did you get the springs from?

    • @how2q
      @how2q  ปีที่แล้ว

      Available @ hd, lowes, or local hardware store

  • @dirt2diamonds430
    @dirt2diamonds430 ปีที่แล้ว

    Have you looked into solar string lights?

    • @how2q
      @how2q  ปีที่แล้ว

      I have…just don’t think solar is ever as good as electric. More “dim” than i like. Just a personal preference.

  • @kennycrase5319
    @kennycrase5319 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Get some HD rubber and lay that against the tree before wrapping the wire around it to protect from abrading the bark

    • @how2q
      @how2q  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Very true!

  • @uclajd
    @uclajd 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wondering if black wire would look better.

    • @how2q
      @how2q  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      A lot of people that have watched this video have ordered this all in one hardware hanging kit off amazon: amzn.to/30KcZKR
      It has the black coated wire you referred too. I still like the bare wire. Can't go wrong with black though. good luck

  • @stephanienavarrete4180
    @stephanienavarrete4180 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    How do install in back yard with brick fence no trees around

    • @how2q
      @how2q  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      My stepson has the same issue. Assuming your brick fence is about 6 feet tall? More detail needed up we are going to attach a post to wall - easier than digging hole and setting post (they have an alley so we are going to attach on alley side) to raise height of cafe lights). Tough to know if this answers your question without knowing more info. A local handyman (or you) could easily do this. An option to look at would making it removable when not in use.

  • @JanuaryLPC
    @JanuaryLPC 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    So the wire is going to grow/work its way into the tree?! Seems like there would be a better way to do that so in case need to change anything in future the wire isn't a permanent part of the tree and the tree isn't damaged.

    • @how2q
      @how2q  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      If you look at 4:57 mins into video this setup will allow you to take down or adjust lights. I actually did take these down and this is my latest setup in my backyard (we went through a renovation and had to remove one of these trees): th-cam.com/video/HPgVChws_dw/w-d-xo.html

  • @thorsky2754
    @thorsky2754 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    You want to put some rubber hose around those wires so they don't dig into the trees.

    • @how2q
      @how2q  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Very true...I have since taken them down after we remodeled our house. Posting update soon with new setup.

  • @ratty6847
    @ratty6847 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    think you need some artificial grass that would make it perfect .

    • @how2q
      @how2q  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      LOL...one day. It looks even worse now because of a one year renovation we are doing. I'll update this video when the backyard has been done...if we have any money left after the renovation! Thank you for watching!

    • @ratty6847
      @ratty6847 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      money, I know. love those lights, think I’ll get some

  • @jeremycruz4565
    @jeremycruz4565 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Fire waiting to happen

  • @mguerramd
    @mguerramd 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Get bulbs at noveltylights.com

  • @PatricksTime
    @PatricksTime 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Protect your trees from the wire.

    • @how2q
      @how2q  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Agreed...thx for that.

  • @eperez1976
    @eperez1976 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Messy

    • @how2q
      @how2q  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      I have since improved my technique and look since this video was made. Thank you for your comment!

  • @michaelrusert8631
    @michaelrusert8631 6 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    A buried extension cord! I have seen everything now. What a mess of a property.

    • @how2q
      @how2q  6 ปีที่แล้ว

      LOL...I did use the word buried (3:37). I should have said covered (by gravel and dirt). Buried insinuates a permanent "code-d" solution. Definitely not. Duct tape doesn't work on everything. "Covered" this cord so it was more aesthetically pleasing and the 150 guests we had for the party didn't trip over it. Worked great until we removed to start renovation. Thank you for your comment!