I get the urge to seal everything up tight, but honestly, I’ve had better luck just buying commercial-grade outdoor strings and calling it a day. The cheap ones always seem to fail no matter how much silicone or tape I throw at them. The heavy-duty sets cost more upfront, but I haven’t had to mess with them in three years—rain, fog, whatever.
I tried the whole painter’s tape and silicone routine once and ended up with a mess and a bunch of bulbs that still fizzled out by July. Maybe it’s just my climate (lots of freeze/thaw), but I’d rather swap out the whole string every few years than spend hours sealing each socket. Not saying your way is wrong—just feels like diminishing returns for me.
Guess it comes down to how much time you want to spend tinkering versus just enjoying the lights. For me, less maintenance wins out, even if it means shelling out a bit more at the start.
Totally get where you’re coming from. I used to fuss with all the DIY waterproofing tricks too, but after a couple of soggy summers and a lot of wasted time, I just went with the pricier outdoor-rated sets. Haven’t looked back. Sometimes paying a bit more upfront really does save you headaches down the line.
I get the appeal of saving a few bucks with DIY, but honestly, after my first set shorted out mid-barbecue, I was done messing around. Outdoor-rated lights just work. No more wrapping everything in plastic bags or worrying every time it rains. Worth it, hands down.
I hear you, but I still go the DIY route. I just use those cheap plastic cable glands and some silicone around the plugs. Hasn’t failed me yet, even after a couple storms. Outdoor-rated is nice, but I like saving a bit where I can.
I just use those cheap plastic cable glands and some silicone around the plugs. Hasn’t failed me yet, even after a couple storms.
- Same here, honestly. I’ve done the “official” outdoor boxes before, but those cheap glands plus a bit of silicone do the trick.
- Saved a good chunk of change doing it myself.
- Only thing I’d add: check the silicone every few months. Mine started peeling after a rough winter.
- Not saying it’s perfect, but for the price? Works for me.
