Hey Hometalkers, Are you hanging holiday lights this weekend? Here's how to fix those strings that won't work!
* Inspect: As you unpack your lighting supplies, begin with a visual check of the items that starred in your displays last year. All should bear the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) seal of approval and be free of broken or cracked light sockets, worn or frayed wires and loose, damaged plugs.
* Test: Before you hang the light string, test each string to be sure it still works. Even if it was fine when you put it away last year, home improvement gremlins may have set in, causing a bit of mischief and the need for a Christmas light repair.
* Secure: If the light string isn't working, unplug it and check each bulb to see if it is loose in the socket. Do this by gently pressing each bulb into its socket. Even though lights are often designed to work if a single bulb goes out, they won't work if a bulb is unplugged. Once you have tightened the bulbs, plug in the string back in.
* Re-fuse: If the string still doesn't work, unplug the light string and check the fuse. Most strings have a fuse built in to the plug. Open remove the fuse and check that it isn't burned out. If it is, replace it. Most light strings are sold have extra fuses taped to the string somewhere in a very small plastic bag.
* Replace: If you have success with the above techniques but find your short on parts, relegate one of the light strings to salvage status and use those bulbs and fuses to get the rest of your light strings in working order.
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2 comments
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Thanks for those tips there MP. It always seems like I have at least one string that does not work, even though they did when I packed them away the year before. I think its those same gremlins that like to knot the strings up into spaghetti while they sit in the box.
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My solution to this problem is: Throw them out and buy new ones!
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