During the holidays, many people hang decorative, festive lights on a tree or around the perimeter of their property. These are also known as rope lights. Because they are used on an annual basis and are occasionally hung outside, during some of the worst winter weather, rope lights can run into problems. You can repair them with a few tools and troubleshooting skills.

Remove the rope lights from the Christmas tree or wherever they are hanging. If they are hanging on a wall by brackets, use a screwdriver to unfasten the brackets. If they are held up by wire, use a wire stripper to cut the wire. Remove the broken wire piece first. Lay everything on a table or workbench after removing it.

  • During the holidays, many people hang decorative, festive lights on a tree or around the perimeter of their property.
  • If they are hanging on a wall by brackets, use a screwdriver to unfasten the brackets.

Examine the insulating material from the broken edge of the rope lights. Check the wire beneath it as well. Secure the edges of the wire together using a soldering iron to reconnect it. Let it cool for several minutes afterward.

  • Examine the insulating material from the broken edge of the rope lights.
  • Secure the edges of the wire together using a soldering iron to reconnect it.

Affix insulating material or insulation tubes over the tops of the exposed wires in the rope lights. If using insulation tubes from a radio car hobby shop, add these items prior to the soldering. Melt the wires to the material using a crimping iron, if using insulating material.

Remove the bulbs from the rope lights. Plug the lights back in to check whether they work.

TIP

If the wire inside your rope light is completely broken, you will have to replace it with a new set.