You have a brand new strip of LED lights, and you\u2019re excited to transform your space! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But what installation methods are the best? In this article, we investigate whether you can use tacks to install your LED strip lights. We look at:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s get straight into it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes, but there are a few considerations! Using tacks in your LED strip lights is an easy, cheap option that stays up well. However, there are some safety concerns you need to watch for, so make sure you do your research before using this method.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n While tacks aren\u2019t the first recommended choice for putting up LED strip lights, they do have some advantages over other methods: <\/p>\n\n\n\n LED strip lights can be prone to falling<\/a>, and using tacks provides an extra layer of support. They anchor the strips very securely, keeping them firmly in place. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Tacks a very cheap; you can buy a big packet for only a few dollars! If you don\u2019t have the budget to shell out for specialized mounting clips, using tacks is a tempting alternative. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Adhesives don\u2019t stick well to softer surfaces like corkboards, making tacks an ideal alternative. They fit snugly and firmly into softer materials, so your lights won\u2019t sag or fall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Another advantage of tacks is that you don\u2019t need any special tools to use them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Other mounting hardware requires the use of drills, screwdrivers, or other equipment. With tacks, you just need a thumb! Installation is mess-free, hassle-free, and super quick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although there are some advantages to using tacks in your LED strip lights, there are also some serious drawbacks to using them as your installation method:<\/p>\n\n\n\n LED light strips have electrical wires running through the length of the strips. When you insert tacks into the strip, you risk the tack coming into contact with the wiring or other electrical components of the lighting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This can not only prevent your LED lights from working \u2013 it can cause permanent damage as well. This means that even after the tack is removed, your LED light strip may never work again. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Short circuits in your LED strips don\u2019t just risk ruining your lights; they can escalate to cause a fire<\/a>! <\/p>\n\n\n\n If the metal spike of the tack is touching a wire, it is possible for electrical resistance to cause the tack to heat up. This can eventually lead to a fire if the light strip is left on for long enough. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If your LED light strips are near flammable materials such as curtains or drapes, the risk is even higher. Even if the heated tack doesn\u2019t start a fire, it can melt the plastic components of the LED strip and cause irreparable damage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The plastic coating on an LED light strip is fully waterproof, protecting your LED lights from moisture. You may think this isn\u2019t important if your LED lights are kept inside where they\u2019re protected from the elements, but you\u2019d be wrong!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even indoors, humidity levels can easily be high enough to condense on LED lights \u2013 which can subsequently degrade the internal components. The waterproof coating also protects your lights from accidental spills or leaks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When you pierce the coating with a tack, the protective, waterproof coating is instantly compromised. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Water can begin to seep into the interior of the strip, corroding the components and shortening the lifespan of your strip lights. <\/p>\n\n\n\nPros of Putting Tacks in LED Strip Lights <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Good for reinforcement <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cheaper option <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ideal for soft materials <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Easy installation <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cons of Putting Tacks in LED Strip Lights <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Short-circuiting <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Fire risk <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Removes waterproofing <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Risk of damaging LED light strips and the wall<\/h3>\n\n\n\n