How To Repair Christmas Lights - Ace Hardware
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- čas přidán 29. 10. 2016
- Don't just throw them away, fix them. It's easy and let's show you the right tools to fix them. Head into your local Ace for all your holiday lighting needs.
Featured Products:
Holiday Lights
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Fuse Tester
www.acehardware.com/search?qu... - Jak na to + styl
Thank you, replaced the fuse and it worked like a charm, the festival wasn't spoiled and I was spared by my wife 😉 Thanks again ✌🏻
Thanks for the great how-to video! Gonna head to Ace tomorrow to get one of those tools.
Very helpful, thanks 😀
Thank you so much for the useful video
Hey thanks so much! I actually just fixed my lights. When I plugged in my lights... and they worked 😮😮😮 You made my day. 🎉
Your comment made our day! Job well done!
@@AceHardwarea question
Thank you 🙏 fixed my lights.
This worked for me!👍🏾
Thank you 👌
Thank you for informative video. I had the light repair tool that I bought from Tompkins Hardware (My local Ace) in Flint, Mi. Those guys and gals are the Best! Matt's helped me figure out so many projects from light to heavy fixes. Anyhoo...off the topic. I have to read the instructions every time to remember how to use this thing. Well...I wrote this site down on the back of the box. Gonna watch you next year! Thanks Again...Informative and quick!
Thanks Tiffany for the feedback! Happy Holidays!
@@AceHardwarea question
Fun fact. Those wire coatings are made with soy. Same with in car wiring. The critters find that it tastes sweet to them and love it.
Brilliant suggestion on how to check that your fuses are working. I never would have thought of it myself. But I plugged another light set into the non-working plug and it lit up, so now I know not to go to the trouble of replacing the fuses. Thanks!
Hope it works out!
Merry Christmas 🎅 🙂
Merry Christmas to you!
THANK YOU !!! I LOVE YOU !!! THOUGHT I WOULD HAVE TO THROW MY EXPENSIVE LORIE GREINER FOLDING TREES AWAY AND I FOLLOWED YOUR INSTRUCTIONS REPLACING THE FUSE (HAVE NEVER DONE THIS BEFORE...I'M A GIRL...LOL). LOW AND BEHOLD PRAISE THE LORD...BOTH TREES LIT UP !!!! THANK YOU AGAIN !! MERRY CHRISTMAS AND GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY !!! :)
Happy to help, Rosie!
For me, the good set still lights up, but when I stick the voltage tester into the individual plug slots, one is dead. And I’ve replaced the fuses. What could that mean?
Thanks dad
Voltage testing on the wires will only work if the polarity is correct in the plug, otherwise the voltage testers will detect current in the neutral wire (that's if the neutral wire is connected to the line on the plug)
@@d19jordan57 Yes, just swap the wires around on the plug and make sure you are getting the voltage on the wire that goes into each light. You should not be picking up voltage on the neutral wire.
Thank you!! My boyfriend was getting so frustrated lol
I've had my lights up for 48 hours and squirrels already ate thru them and our cornucopia outside 😭 man I spent $60 on them.
Ig they didnt like the color maybe try red
I got one of those projectors that shoots moving images onto your house itself. You can change out the image to Halloween/xmas/etc. So much faster and easier than stringing up lights that end up in the landfil every 12 months
Hi, thanks for this helpful video. Can you tell me what is happening when I replace what I think is the bad bulb, and the string flashes on then back off and the problem moves to another part of the string?
So basically alm you have to do is take a car. You can steal it if you like. Drive it to the eiffel tower and jump off.
@@misabud9537 🤔
Just saved my butt!
Glad to hear!
So, I'm hearing you say I need to buy a specialty light repair tool.
Mine has a wire out and some put two together and it got burnt how do I fix that
What about LED mini lights that are very very dim in the middle of a strand? I have what looks like a fuse case labeled 50M10, and when I opened it up, there was what looked like a long narrow circuit board labeled NX-02 that's hardwired into the line. the dim section runs between these 2 casings (what I assume to be fuses). I have another strand where the end is dim after one of these. How do I fix this?
Hi There,
LED mini lights can be problematic. While they use a lot less energy they are not all created equal and diodes can go bad and circuitry can also fail. If there are fuses replace those. There is also a version of the Light Keeper Pro called the LED Keeper that has all the necessary tools and tips to help you get those strands back to tip top shape. Here's a link to the LED Light Keeper Pro to learn more: bit.ly/3Uve4AN
oh, so that's where those fuses they give you go
Ok so if the good set still lights up? Then does that all three of my brand new light strands are bad?
I’d love to know this too. The good set lights up, and I’ve replaced both fuses in the dead string. On top of that, when I test the outlet slots, one of them is always dead, depending on which way it’s plugged in. Baffling.
My problem is what the video showed first (0:35), where the whole string is out, but plugging a different one into it works. Is there anything I can do about it?
Did you check the fuse?
@@rhdbmw9361 It literally says in the video "if you plug another set of lights into it and the second set works, then it is NOT the fuse". That's why he mentioned it, no doubt.
@@justforever96 I'd purchase the tool he's using and I'm sure there's a few bad bulbs on that strand of lights
Well...the entire video is listing all the things you can do about it. That's what it's about. What do you want, a remote diagnosis and exact instructions? If the second set works, then you have a bad connection somewhere in the light string. There is three wires, two make up the normal circuit (or usually a series of small "section" circuits) and the third, which just carries the power, a bus or main, if you will, and delivers it to the various circuits and to the next string. The most likely problem is a loose or blown bulb. Those can be found as shown in the video. Hopefully. A simple bad connection is possible, but less likely and somewhat harder to fix. Don't let all the talk about shunts turn you off; that's just the device that's SUPPOSED to allow the circuit to continue working when a bulb fails. That's why you sometimes see blown bulbs but the rest of the section still works. Fixing a stuck shunt is good, but the main thing is to replace the bulb, since it won't need the shunt except when the bulb is blown.
My plugs don’t have hatch fuse doors. They are solid plastic. What should I do?
Hi Elaine,
There are two possibilities. Either it doesn’t have fuses or it's an older set then what we have in the video. You are welcome to bring them into your local Ace and an associate can take a look to see if they can be repaired!
@@AceHardware a
How do you fix the c7 or c9 bulbs the bigger outside bulbs that are connected and plugged into a outlet but arent turning on
Hi Jessica, Good news! The bulbs get replaced the same way as in the video. Just make sure the set it unplugged remove the dead bulbs and replace.
@@AceHardware thanks but that tester doesnt work for c7 or c9 bulbs it says so on the tester. Have to return at home depot. But I did find the source on the 1 fuse on one strand was burnt out. First find the fuse source then buy a $22 tester for mini lights only!
@@meanwhome Your problem is that you bought a "Christmas light tester". What you need is a non-contact voltage detector, which is the exact same thing, only not designed so it can only be used on a small niche application. That's just pure marketing. They know that many people will be afraid to buy something like a "non contact voltage detector", but the same people will gladly drop $20 on a "christmas light tool". It's the same exact thing, only the "tool" has a little hole sized for lights that keeps you from using it for anything but lights. And it makes the instructions easier too, I suppose....
I got a NCVD on Amazon for $10. Seems to work okay.
My Xmas tree plugs don't make a good connection with one another and this has happened a lot over the years. How do I fix this situation?
Have you tried fixing the connection with a Light Keeper Pro? www.acehardware.com/departments/home-and-decor/holiday/christmas-indoor-decor/9884750
Just go all LED with your Christmas lights! I did last year and our electric bill showed it! That and there is no more worry about that one bad bulb...
Great additional option!
LED's are not 100% fail proof.. but definitely the better option
LED is great, the lights are a lot easier to deal with and usually brighter with less current. ACE is still great, they should be in partnership with NAPA.
I prefer incandescents. They show up from down the road! Very bright and I prefer the nice warm glow. Too many "warm white" LED's are not that warm although a few of them are getting better.
mines stuck😐 what should i do
Checked my lights to put on the tree today. Last year all worked fine and no bulbs were out.
Plugged each one in and ZERO lights are working on ANY of my strings. How can this be? Are they designed to fail after just one year so we're forced to buy new ones?
As far as I can tell, there are no bulbs burned out and the fuses are fine (I checked). What's going on here?
Yikes! Could it be animals chewed on the wires? Another option is the Light Keeper Pro. The tool contains a bulb tester, fuse tester, bulb puller so you can just narrow it all down fast. You could also bring them into your neighborhood Ace and an associate can take a look.
There is a one third section that isn't lighting but on closer inspection I can see a very faint glow in the bulbs- what does this mean?
Hi There,
If the light is faint it may need a new fuse. Here's our video on replacing that!
czcams.com/video/Qdi3147GGoA/video.html
Hope this works!
Hi! How can I make blinking Christmas light to stop blinking? Thank you!
Hi Aline,
Lights don’t usually blink unless they are meant too (i.e. function light sets for LED which has a control box, or a blinking light bulb inserted for traditional incandescent list). Lights that are failing usually just go out all-together rather than blink. If you bring your lights into your neighborhood Ace, they can take a look and diagnose the issue!
pull out the clear one with the little red on top
i have a hard time finding those little fuses Who sells them?
Hi Jimmy, They are available on acehardware.com www.acehardware.com/search?pageSize=30&query=light%20fuse&categoryId=170&
If you're unsure of the right size fuse, consider bringing the light strand into your local Ace so they can provide you the right fit. Here's the store locator: www.acehardware.com/store-locator?
In each string of lights there's a small cellophane bag with a couple of extra lights... and a couple of those fuses. I'd never noticed they include spare fuses until we needed to replace a couple.
@@BBovee-qo8bl nice tip! Keep them safe since they are fragile!
What is the red thing called
@rockxop - Lightkeeper Pro -- www.acehardware.com/departments/home-and-decor/holiday/christmas-indoor-decor/9884750?
I think I have the solution .Throw out all those crappy mini lights . I mean who invents a product where one little light does not work and you spend all day trying to figure out which one it is . These things were designed to frustrate you so you just go to the store and buy new ones . I spent two days fixing mine last year .This year same problem .I have a "light keeper gadget " you can have .Even bought a non contact pen voltage meter . Nothing really works to find the one bad light that makes the string of lights not work! This year I went out and bought a ."Motion Laser Light Projector ".Fifty four bucks and I don't have to get the 50 foot ladder out and string those damn lights for two hours on the huge green evergreen tree . Hey I just don't have the patience to fart around with those mini Led lights anymore . I'll probably put it up next week after hearing ,"When are you going to put up the Christmas lights 5 times from my wife ".
Preach it! LOL Nothing is more frustrating than dealing with those crazy lights. Don't even get me started about our beautiful pre-lit Christmas tree. As soon as I got that thing up, a section of the lights stopped working! Spent all day trying to fix it! 😡 Somebody shoot me! LOL
@@SmashFan2012 same
😂😂 laughing but so true.
I tried the fuses for both my prelit tree and the star and neither worked. They worked last year. The tree is supposed to stay lit even with a bad bulb so I'm at a loss.
Hi Rose,
The light Keeper pro tool should help you find the dead connection point. Follow the instruction with the unit to test each bulb to find where the circuit is interrupted. Also, check the cords of the lights. Sometimes damaged cords can disrupt the connection. Hope this helps!
TFS 🤎❤ 👍🏽
What's the size of fuse
Hi There - The fuse size varies based on the light set. If you bring in a fuse to your local Ace, they can help match you with the appropriate one.
wtf you think i have a tester?
lol well the one he's using is only 20 bucks then you have it forever
@@justforever96 Where are you buying your lights for more than $10? 💀😂
6:13 PM
11/26/2022
They are 50 bucks
Nobody thinks you have a tester guy.
Hahaha
Can the wires be coated with something that would make rodents not want to chew on them?
Hi There,
Not anything that we have found that lasts long. Sorry!
I don’t get it. I had one of these and ended up returning it. I have the same issues every year with lights. Maybe it’s the way they are stored? Always a ton of half strand lights next year. I’ve tried replacing fuses, changing bulbs, etc. nothing ever seems to work and have never been able to fix a single set of half strand working lights. Cool others are replacing fuses and bulbs and finding success though 😂 I’m going LED baby!!! Wahoo!!!
I fixed mine! W000h000!!! thanks Culligan man! Oh wait... Ace man. Whatever!
Way to go Terry! Happy Holidays!
I AINT DED IM ALIVE👺👺👺👺
omg!!!! i wish i had found this video 45 minutes ago! ughhh
Hi Leone,
For safety reasons, you'll want to use the same size.
I accidentally tried to replace a Christmas lightbulb while it was plugged into the wall now all of them stopped working idk what to do 😒
Hi There -
Just so we understand, the set was working and then you replaced the bulb and now it is not. There could be two issues occurring. 1) the wires of the new bulb are not straight - OR 2) the new bulb is not of the correct voltage and/or
milli-amperage. If you have tried that and they are still not working we welcome you to bring in the strand of lights to your neighborhood Ace Hardware to take a look and diagnose the problem in person. Hope this helps!
Ace Hardware thanks so much!
No need for a tester. It would take the same amount of time to start with a good bulb in hand, pull out the first one and replace it. If the strand still doesn't work, the bulb was good and you can replace the next one. Repeat the process until you replace a bulb and the strand works. It takes no more time to replace a bulb as it does to separate the wire strands and use a tester. And it saves you from buying one more specialized tool.
*Video duration:*
3:13
*Total time spent laughing my ass off thumbing threw the comment section:*
24:00
*Time spent actually fixing the lights:*
0
call it a wash.
My lights lost its plug
Google "cord cap" ace, home depot, Lowes should all have them.
Easy enough to fix.
Why not address the rectifier, which is 99% the spot where half the strand stops working.
easier to buy a new set.
5 stars
Very ba6
Not helpful, as my tree rodent cat, has chewed through several wires on my Christmas tree, and has completely taken the bottom of my tree out. 300 dollars later... then yaks on my tree skirt.. what a delightful Christmas season it will be.
The joys of cat ownership, hey? But I bet you love the little bastard anyway, right?
Funny, "tree cat" is my name for squirrels; another variety of pestilential four-legged rodent that steals and causes mischief and misery, but which happens to live in trees instead of on the ground like the other kind of vermin, cats. ;)
My cat used to climb our Christmas tree when she was little. Last Christmas, my only hope was for her to get out of her bed and ask for food, because she was 15, had arthritis and was slowly dying. She was put to sleep just before 2020. It's sad when they go. :(
Time for a dog,
smarter the breed the better.
Just go buy some cheap lights from Walmart 😭
Some of us don't like the idea of just throwing it away and buying new cheap crap and throwing that away every year. It's disgusting, and a perfect sign of everything that is wrong with this country these days. "Ah, hell, who wants to bother with repairing or storing lights? just throw them out with the tree, easier to buy a new one next year". So the landfills fill up with 99% good materials, wasted because "it's not worth fixing them". Vacuums, microwaves, stereos. Cars are scrapped when they are still 95% good parts because 'it's too much hassle". This is what the availability of ridiculously cheap imported crap has brought us. I'd rather see things be more expensive and people forced to actually take care of them and to make them last instead of the disgusting fact that one of the biggest problems most people in the US face is how to avoid being overwhelmed with all the studidly cheap or free junk we find floods over us. People's biggest problem is how to AVOID having too much stuff, how to get rid of what they don't want any more.
clean your hands and scrub nails before doing a public presentations!
Omg you are so right!!
😂😂
Why does he talk like that???? weird
You mean clear and proper?
Yeah total oddball.
WHAT IF WE HAVE NO INDUCTION TESTER!?!?!?!?!?
That's the best and fastest way to repair them. You could also see if any of the lines are frayed, warn, check all the bulbs are tight.