Basic Christmas Light Installer Checklist

(Not Including Ladders, Trucks, Trailers and Lifts)

Starting a Christmas light installation business can be a festive and profitable venture. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast looking to go pro or a business owner expanding your services, having the right products and tools is crucial for success. Here’s a comprehensive checklist of the materials and tools every Christmas light crew should have.

Christmas Light Material Checklist

1. C9 LED Bulbs with E17 Base

• Colors:

• Warm White: The most popular choice for its classic holiday glow.

• Red: A close second, often used for vibrant displays.

• Cool White, Green, and Blue: Equally mixed for versatile designs.

• Other Colors: Orange, purple, teal, pink, and pure white are less common but good to have for special requests.

2. Socket Wire for C9 Lights

• 12” Spacing: Ideal for rooflines, arches, and windows.

• 15” Spacing: Commonly used for ground lighting.

• Custom Spacing: Be prepared for unique requests with sizes ranging from 6” to 36”, or even custom-made lights using zip cords.

3. Extension Cord (Zip Cord)

• 18 Gauge SPT1 or SPT2: SPT1 is more flexible in cold weather, which is why it’s preferred in milder climates like Texas. The difference lies in the thickness of the insulation.

4. Timers

• Photocell Timers: Automatically turn lights on at dusk and off at dawn.

• Mechanical Timers: Offer precise control over when lights turn on and off, ideal for specific lighting schedules.

5. Male and Female Vampire Plugs

These allow for custom-cut extension cords, making installations neater and more tailored to each project.

6. Christmas Light Clips

• Types: Minleon, all-in-one, and magnetic clips.

• These clips securely fasten lights to various surfaces, from gutters to rooflines.

• Stakes for ground lighting around walk ways and garden beds.

7. Green Electrical Tape

Blends in with greenery and light strands, ensuring a polished and professional look.

8. Tapcons

Used for attaching wreaths and garlands to masonry or concrete surfaces.

9. Picture Hanging Wire

Ideal for wreaths and garlands

10. Denatured Alcohol

Perfect for cleaning surfaces before applying adhesive light clips or other mounting hardware.

11. Hot Glue Sticks

For securing lights and/or clips when other methods aren’t feasible.

12. Storage Solutions

• 27-Gallon Bins or Cardboard Boxes: Durable storage options to keep customer lights organized and safe until the next holiday season.

Tips: for New Installers wait to get mini lights and unique colors or spacing till a client pays for them. Buy your basics and always keep them in stock.

Christmas Light Tool Checklist

In addition to the materials, the right tools are essential for a smooth installation process. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Drill with Various Bits: For installing Tapcons or other fasteners.

• Bosch Laser Measuring tool for quickly measuring

• Extension Ladders: Reach high places safely. “24 foot is my go to.”

• Measuring Tape: when you need to be precise

• Wire Cutters and Strippers: Essential for custom-length cords.

• Rubber Mallet: Useful for securing stakes in the ground.

• Tool Belt or Bag: Keeps everything within easy reach while you work.

• Safety Gear: Gloves, safety glasses, and harnesses for working at heights.

• Tie Down Straps

With this checklist, you’ll be well-equipped to handle a wide range of Christmas light Installations.