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Which Clip is Best for your Installation?

How to choose the best clip to hang Christmas lights on gutters, shingles, metal, brick, wood, and more

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Written by Emma Sheldon
Updated over 2 weeks ago

Lighting clips are the unsung heroes of a clean, durable install. The right clip holds your line straight, survives the weather, and fits your surface. Use this guide to compare options and pick the perfect clip for your project.


Multi-Clip

Our most popular, proprietary clip built for straight, professional lines.

  • Best for: Gutters, shingles, glass awnings, corrugated steel

  • Look: Holds bulbs straight with no droop, keeps wire tight to the roofline for a discreet daytime profile

  • Durability: UV-protected and winter-ready

  • Tip for gutter guards: A built-in divot lets you clip-and-trim for easier guard compatibility (introduced in 2022)

  • Colors: Black and clear to blend with your gutters


Cradle Clip

The classic gutter clip that elevates bulbs above the roofline.

  • Best for: Standard gutters

  • Look: Traditional raised-bulb aesthetic

  • Colors: Clear only, so focus stays on the bulb


TuffClip

A heavy-duty twist on the cradle style that stays on your string season after season.

  • Best for: Gutters where you want faster future installs

  • How it mounts: Clip sits between the bulb and socket rather than around the socket

  • Benefits: Extra prep up front, big time savings later. UV-resistant, robust plastic

  • Reuse: Leave them on the string for effortless re-hangs next year


Magnetic Clip

Purpose-built for ferrous metal surfaces.

  • Best for: Metal flashing and other ferrous building elements, common on modern commercial facades

  • Compatibility: Twists onto flat SPT-2 wire behind E17 or E12 sockets

  • Colors: Black and clear

  • Important: Verify the surface is ferrous/ magnetic before buying. Aluminum and other non-ferrous metals won’t hold magnetic clips

  • Pro tip: Add a Multi-Clip (or other sturdy clip) every few sockets to prevent “domino” slides


Adhesive Clip

Smart solution for smooth, non-ferrous, or unusual surfaces.

  • Best for: Painted metal, sealed wood, glass

  • Construction: Snaps onto the back of the socket and grips the SPT-2 wire

  • Adhesive: 3M VHB

    • Regular for typical use

    • Extra Hold for more surface area and stronger bond

  • Removal: Expect to clean adhesive residue after temporary installs

  • Cold-weather tip: Warm the surface and the adhesive with a heat gun or hair dryer before applying


Screw Clip

A discreet, permanent option for wood.

  • Best for: Soffits, fascia, and other wood substrates where you want a lasting install

  • Install notes: Pre-position and secure clips with the included 1/4" screws, then attach your light string

  • Look: Clean, professional, year-round ready


Staples

Fast and nearly invisible for wood surface installs.

  • Best for: Wood surfaces where you won’t be removing lights seasonally

  • Fit: Use an appropriate stapler and insulated staples sized for SPT-2 wire

  • Pro tip: Staple as close to the socket as possible without knocking the socket off the wire to keep lines straight


Hot Glue (for brick and tricky spots)

A pro favurite when nothing else will stick.

  • Best for: Brick, stone, and around windows or doorways with no other attachment points

  • Application options:

    • Glue the socket base for protruding bulbs

    • Glue the socket side to angle light inward for more glow indoors

  • Removal: Peels off cleanly at season’s end

  • Pro tips:

    • Use a construction-grade hot glue gun and appropriate glue from your local hardware store

    • Skip silicone: it cures slowly, lengthens install time, and can leave stubborn residue


Gutter Guard Clips

  • Purpose: Attach to gutters with leaf or gutter guards when standard clips won’t fit under mesh or covers

  • Best for: Guarded gutters on homes and commercial buildings

  • Notes: Designed to clear the guard profile and secure the wire cleanly

Ridge Clip

  • Purpose: Clean, centered runs along roof peaks and ridgelines

  • Best for: A-frame peaks, dormer ridges, and gables where you want symmetry

  • Notes: Provides consistent bulb alignment at the apex of a roofline

Magnetic Roof Cap Clip

  • Purpose: Ferrous roof caps or recessed gutter metal; fastest magnetic option

  • Best for: Commercial facades and modern builds with metal caps

Lawn Stakes

  • Purpose: Tidy cords arround borders, walkways, and landscape edges

  • Best for: Outlining beds and paths; pairing with rooflines for complete perimeter

Brick Hangers

  • Purpose: Non-invasive hooks for brick courses to avoid drilling

  • Best for: Masonry exteriors and interior brick features

  • Notes: Handy for temporary displays on brick surfaces

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