1.
- Tape one end of the light strand to the edge of the box.
- Begin tightly and neatly wrapping the strand of lights around the long side of the box (or any side, if the box is a square).
- Secure the other end of the light strand with a second piece of packing tape when you’re finished.
Why do Christmas lights tangle?
As Jay Miller, senior research scientists at the Connecticut-based United Technologies Research Centre, said: “Christmas lights are typically spooled for shipping or packing, which bends metal wire past its ‘plastic limit,’ giving it natural curvature approximately the size of the spool it was wound around.”
How do you wrap Christmas lights after use?
Roll out a length of plastic sheet equal to that of the strand lights and cut the plastic sheet from the roll. Place the strand on top of the plastic sheet and roll the plastic sheet and strand lights together. This will keep the icicle strands from tangling and bundle everything neatly inside a sheet of plastic.
Should you wrap Christmas lights with electrical tape?
Don’t assume all lights are designed for outdoor use; wrap all connections between strings with electrical tape to keep moisture out. Always plug lights into a covered outlet protected with a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)—running cords from inside the house through a window or a mail slot is a fire hazard.
7 simple tricks to keep your Christmas lights untangled
- Use cardboard.
- Use twist or cable ties.
- Wrap the whole tree up.
- Place lights in a box.
- Repurpose clothes hangers.
- Bunch your lights up.
- Use a cord reel.
Do you wrap Christmas lights from the top or bottom?
Begin at the bottom of the tree close to the trunk. Allowing some slack or leader cord in the first strand of lights, separate the cord near the first bulb, so it forms a loop. Slip the loop over one of the branchlets or greens near the trunk, and wrap the cord a few times around the green to secure it.
3 ways to store Christmas lights so that they don’t tangle
- Clothes hanger. Emily Slawek. Anchor one end of the lights on the tiny hook (used for small straps).
- Wrapping paper tube. Emily Slawek. Instead of tossing the tube when the wrapping paper is all gone, put it to work!
- Piece of cardboard. Emily Slawek.
How do you end a strand of Christmas lights?
The best way to shorten lights wired in series is to remove an entire series section of lights by cutting lights apart where there are only has two wires, with the lights unplugged. Then, simply cap each of the two cut wires with a wire connector.
Do you put Christmas lights on from the top or bottom?
While hanging tree lights horizontally is most common, many top decorating experts recommend installing your lights from the bottom to the top.
Do you start lights at top or bottom?
Plug in the lights to make sure all the bulbs are working. Starting at the top of the tree, intertwine the lights on top of and under branches. Work your way down and around the tree, hanging lights in the back as well. When you reach the bottom, hide any extra lights behind the tre.
Should you tape the ends of Christmas lights?
Avoid Taping Christmas Lights to Your Home
“Tape can trap rain or sprinkler system moisture,” said Whiddon. “One raindrop can ruin everything.” Speaking of weather concerns, Whiddon advises to always connect lights so the female plug hangs down.
Do you start Christmas tree lights from bottom?
Should you start from the bottom or from the top when putting lights on a Christmas tree? We’d always recommend working from the bottom up. Start by plugging the lights in – and check that they work before you start decorating! – and then weave your string of lights between the Christmas tree’s branches.
What is the best way to put up Christmas lights?
The easiest method is to use plastic hooks and clips. They are inexpensive, easy to install and remove and hold all types of Christmas lights with ease.
What end do you start with Christmas lights?
Start with the male plug end.
When wrapping trees and columns with multiple strings of small lights (LED Christmas lights or incandescent Christmas tree lights) start with the male end of the cord at the base of the project, wrap up the column and end with the female plug end (if there is one).
What’s the best way to put lights on a Christmas tree?
Wrapping individual branches takes the most time of all light-hanging methods, but it will also create the brightest tree if that’s the look you want to achieve. Starting at the bottom, wrap lights around each branch from the inside out. Wrap branches as you work your way around the tree from the bottom to the top.