Can I cut outdoor string lights?

If you’ve got a string of outdoor LED lights that’s too long, or you just want to shorten them for aesthetic reasons, it is possible to do so. However, there are a few things you need to take into consideration before taking out the scissors. In this blog post, we’ll clear some doubts on can i cut outdoor string lights without damaging them!

So can i cut outdoor string lights?

Practically, you can cut any string light that is connected in parallel which most of the modern string lights are but in many cases that will not be a wiser thing to do. Let’s find out why?

Are string lights designed to be cut?

Many string lights come with predefined cutting areas or cutting points. These points are usually denoted by a small line or an arrow with a scissors symbol. If your string lights don’t have any of those then it’s better to not cut them as that might damage the whole string light.

Related Article – 12 Best Outdoor String Lights for Your Backyard

What to do if string lights are not meant to be cut?

You can remove the unwanted bulb holders and bulbs from the string light. This way you can take out as many bulb holders as you want without cutting the string light.

Also, there is another way which you can use if you don’t want to cut your string light yet shortened them. You can use simple electrical tape and wrap it around the string light. This will make the string light shorter without cutting it.

Why you don’t want to cut your string lights?

Male-Female Connectors Issues

Most of the string lights come with connectors at each end. These allow you to daisy chain multiple string lights together or even extend the length of the string light by adding more. If you cut your string light in the middle then most probably those male and female plugs will no longer be of any use as they are now cut in half.

You will not be able to use them to daisy chain or extend the string light. Also, you might need special tools to reattach those plugs which most people don’t have.

Check if cutting the string lights will invalidate warranty?

Another reason to not cut your string lights is that it might void the manufacturer’s warranty. So before you proceed with cutting, check if doing so will invalidate the warranty or not.

Cutting in the Wrong Place

If you cut your string lights in the wrong place then, in addition to the problems mentioned above, you might also end up damaging the internal wires. This will not only make your string lights unusable but can also be dangerous.

Circuit Damage probability –

If you cut the string light, there is a good chance that you will damage the circuit board inside the LED bulb. That will result in one (or more) of the following things happening:

1. The LED will stop working
2. The LED will flicker
3. The LED will work but will be very dim
4. All of the above.

So it’s not recommended that you cut string lights unless you know what you’re doing. We advise against it unless you are an experienced electrician or have some other training in working with electrical circuits.

So these were some of the things that you need to take into consideration before cutting your string lights.

Related Article – Best String Lights For Patio

How to cut outdoor string lights without damaging them?

In case you want to cut the string lights anyway, then you should use a good pair of wire cutters or scissors. Place the cutting tool at a 45-degree angle and make sure to not damage any of the inner wires. After that, simply reconnect the two severed wires and your string light should work just fine!

However, if you have patio string lights without end plugs, you can cut them to any desired length. Just be sure to use sharp scissors and cut along the copper wire, not the plastic casing.

To avoid damaging your string lights while cutting, follow these steps:

– Locate the cutting point or area on the string light.

– Using a sharp pair of scissors, make a clean cut at the designated spot.

– If your string lights have an end cap, put it back on and screw it tight.

And that’s it! You’ve now successfully cut your outdoor string lights without damaging them.

Steps to be taken after you have cut them

Now that you have cut your string lights, there are a few things you need to do in order to make sure they work properly.

• Check for any exposed wires and cover them with electrical tape.
• If your string lights have an end cap, put it back on and screw it tight.
• Reconnect the two severed wires and your string light should work just fine!

Now that you know how to safely cut outdoor string lights, go ahead and trim them to your desired length. And don’t forget to have fun while doing it! Thanks for reading.

Can I shorten my patio string lights?

The answer to this question is yes, you can shorten your patio string lights. However, as given above there are a few things you need to take into consideration before doing so.

Why you may want to cut your patio string light?

If you’re not satisfied with the length of your patio string light, you may want to cut them to the desired length.

Maybe you want to hang them in a certain area but the string light is too long. Or maybe you want to create a certain effect but the string light is too short.

Whatever the reason may be, cutting outdoor string lights is not as difficult as it seems.

What to do with leftover string lights?

If you have leftover string lights, you can always use them for other purposes. For example, you can use them to decorate your Christmas tree or any other area in your home.

You can also give them away to friends or family members who might need them. And if you don’t want to keep them, you can always sell them online or at a garage sale.

String lights tips and tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks that you can use to get the most out of your string lights:

– If you want to create a more permanent installation, consider using zip ties or screws to secure the lights in place.

– For a temporary installation, consider using Command strips or push pins.

– If you need to shorten the length of your lights, you can cut them with a pair of scissors. Just be sure to seal the end with a drop of glue or a bit of clear tape.

– When storing your string lights, be sure to wrap them around a piece of cardboard or a dowel to keep them from getting tangled.

Post you may like – How To Hang String Lights In Room Without Nails

Conclusion-

In conclusion, next time when you ask this question can i cut outdoor string lights? then remember there are a few things you need to take into consideration before doing so, such as the type of string light and where you will be cutting them.

With a little bit of planning, you can safely and easily cut your string lights to the perfect length.

Now that you know how to safely cut outdoor string lights, you can create any look you want for your next party or event! Get creative and have fun!

Thanks for reading!