How to hang festoon lights along the verandah?

[amiraljaberi]

Hi there, 

I'm looking to hang 30m festoon lights (weigh about 3-4kg total) along the verandah as shown in the screenshot below, and then zigzag them under the pergola. I was wondering what size eye hooks I should use? I’m planning to space the hooks 2–3 metres apart and am not planning to use a wire rope. There seems to be few options such as:

https://www.bunnings.com.au/everhang-14mm-zinc-plated-screw-eye-hook-20pk-72431_p3930203

https://www.bunnings.com.au/everhang-20mm-zinc-plated-screw-eye-hook-10pk-72438_p0225567

Thanks!

[JacobZ]

Hi @amiraljaberi,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

As opposed to an eye hook, which has a closed eyelet, making it unsuitable because you couldn't pull the festoon lights through the eye, I'd suggest using these Everhang 26 x 6.2mm Zinc Plated Round Screw Hooks, which can just have the wire slip over them.

They will require a 6mm pilot hole that is 32mm deep, so you'll need a drill with a 6mm drill bit and some painter's tape. Measure up 32mm from the tip of the drill bit and wrap the painter's tape around it to act as a depth gauge. Drill out your pilot holes, then twist the screw hooks into place.

Once in place, simply sit your festoon lights over the hooks.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[amiraljaberi]

Thank you, Jacob. My apologies - I'm planning to use zip ties to secure them. I'm just a bit concerned that an open hook might allow the festoon lights to come off in strong wind. 

I'm planning to use these zip ties as they can handle high temp being outside 

https://www.bunnings.com.au/gardner-bender-355-x-4-3mm-double-lock-cable-ties-25-pack_p0392236

[JacobZ]

No need for apologies @amiraljaberi, thank you for clarifying.

If that is the case, then the Everhang 20mm Zinc Plated Screw Eye Hooks with the Gardner Bender 355 x 4.3mm Double-Lock Cable Ties will be fine. 

Jacob

[amiraljaberi]

Appreciate it! Thank you