Can You Put Thumbtacks in LED Lights?

It is possible to permanently install LED light strips with thumbtacks, but there are more effective methods. While installing the strips, you can hold them in place using tacks. Moreover, tacks are excellent for installing lights on wooden surfaces or soft materials. They are a good choice because of their low cost and reusability. Pins with sharp edges can damage LEDs. This will render your strips useless. It would help if you, therefore, used tacks with extreme caution.

Is it Possible to Put Thumbtacks in LED Lights?

One of the greatest revolutions in lighting is LED lighting. Their durability and flexibility make them a good choice. There are several ways you can install strips. However, some users want to attach thumbtacks to LED lights.

They consider installing the strips anywhere to be the easiest method. Whether thumbtacks or push pins are, a good option is a natural question. Yes, you can use thumbtacks with LEDs, but there is no point in wasting so much time on a lighting system that will look cheap. If you need help handling this issue with the thumbtacks, consult an expert.

Using only thumbtacks might not be enough to keep the LED light strip attached to the wall, so you will also need some other method of adhering it to the wall. Read this article for a candid answer to this question. I will discuss this query in detail to ensure that you understand everything.

Here are instructions on how to attach thumbtacks to LED lights:

Your LED lights may not benefit from adhesive materials for various reasons. The adhesive can damage your walls if it is too strong, especially if you attempt to remove the LED lights in the future.

Instruction 1:  If this is the case, you can use a variety of other alternatives. However, it won’t be as effective as you think. You will also need extra care when using thumbtacks on your LED lights since they cannot be damaged. Be careful not to pierce the LED lights with the thumbtacks. As an alternative, you can use thumbtacks to hold the sides up.

Instruction 2: It can damage the printed circuits on most LED light strips. However, if you do this incorrectly, you can only safely use thumbtacks if you add the push pins and place them on the sides without penetration, as explained above.

Instruction 3: Using thumbtacks to support the LEDs is all about being more aware of the unit adjustment. If your thumbtack penetrates the strip for some reason, the section will die immediately.

Instruction 4: You need to damage the circuitry of the lights to change the lighting system. Therefore, if you wish to avoid this damage and keep the unit in perfect condition, we recommend leaving the thumbtack alone and using only the included accessories.

Instruction 5: There is also a possibility that the reliability or durability of different brands may play a role in this. When you try to mess with thumbtacks on Gove systems or any other brand, you may damage them easily.

Right Way to Put Thumb Tacks:

Step 1: You cannot use thumbtacks on certain surfaces. Some are too hard to penetrate. Tacks cannot be inserted into concrete, brick, or stone walls, for example. As a result, you shouldn’t try to climb such a wall.

Step 2: In contrast, wooden surfaces like beds, sofas, and cabinets can easily accept tacks. There is less resistance to penetration in wood than in a wall. You can easily attach thumbtacks to it. You can also use thumbtacks to install LED lights on soft plastic surfaces. Additionally, tacks work well with fabric and foam surfaces.

Step 3: There are different types of thumbtacks. Metal circular heads with a circular shape are the simplest. Another type of pin is a push pin made of plastic. The installation process is relatively simple, and their use is relatively safe.

Step 4: To install LED strips, you should use push pins. But don’t pierce the lights to damage them. The printed circuit should not contain them. You can use the pins on the ends or sides instead.

Reliable to Use Thumb Tacks:

• Thumb tacks are insufficient for installing LED strip lights due to a lack of required holding strength.
• Your LED strips will only fall if you install them right. Use adhesive glue or tape instead.
• Next, hang the strips using push pins on the sides. Use the pins to put the lights on a flat surface.

Alternatives to Thumb Tacks

• You have plenty of choices for putting up your LED lights. The strips come with sticky backs, so peel and stick. 
• If you need extra hold, use 3M glue. Double-sided tape is another choice, or try masking tape, Velcro, or Command strips. 
• Magnets, screws, hooks, and nails also work. And if you want a smooth, removable option, use mounting putty.

Why Should You Use Thumb Tacks in LED Lights?

Use thumbtacks in some cases because they have benefits and pros. Let’s go over why tacks can work for LED lights.

Great for Reinforcement: Using tacks gives your LED strips a stronghold. Attach the strips to the surface and secure them in place with tacks. The tacks are small enough to be hidden and won’t detract from your lights. They work great for installing strip lights under furniture like tables, cabinets, or sofas. Plus, you can pick tacks in a color that complements your lights.

Ideal for Soft Materials: Thumb tacks are perfect for softer materials like foam, fabric, or wood, making them a great choice for installing LED lights on furniture. By using tacks, you can also protect the surface from any damage caused by adhesives or tapes, which can leave marks.

Easy to Remove: The benefit of using thumb tacks is that they are effortless to remove, allowing the flexibility to reposition your LED lights at any time without leaving any residue or causing harm to the surface.

Best for Budget: Thumb tacks are a cost-effective and readily available solution for your needs. They are commonly found in most toolboxes and can be reused multiple times without losing effectiveness. 

With tacks, you can remove your LED lights from one surface and then reinstall them on another. This is different with adhesives or tapes, which often become useless after one use and require new material to be purchased.

Assist with installation: 

Sometimes, it can be challenging to install longer strip lights. In these situations, it’s best to use tacks instead of adhesives. With tacks, you can securely hold the strips in place by inserting them at various points along the lights. 

Before you start, plan your desired style and mark the surface. Then, hang or install the strips using the tacks. First, remove the first tack and attach the LED. Repeat this process until all sections are securely in place.

Why Should You NOT Use Thumb Tacks in LED Lights?

Every solution has its advantages and disadvantages, and thumbtacks are no exception. Before utilizing them, it’s important to understand the potential drawbacks and negative effects that may accompany their use.

Damage to Waterproofing: LED strips typically feature a waterproof coating, which can be composed of glue or other delicate material. Using thumbtacks can compromise this protective layer, exposing the lights to water and increasing the risk of damage to the circuit board. Moisture in kitchens, bathrooms or nearby pools increases this danger, causing the lights to corrode.

Risk of Short Circuit: When the waterproof layer is damaged, water can penetrate the lights, potentially causing a short circuit and increasing the fire risk. 

Additionally, the metal tacks may come into contact with the circuit board, acting as a conductor and leading to a short circuit, resulting in the lights needing to be replaced.

Unreliable Installation: While tacks may provide a temporary solution for installing LED strips, they are only suitable for short-term use. The metal pins may become dislodged from the surface, leading to the lights falling off and posing a risk of injury or accidents. 

Moreover, tacks are prone to breaking, rendering them ineffective in holding the strips in place. Furthermore, their visibility needs to be more balanced with the overall aesthetic appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put Blu Tack on LED lights?

If you wish to leave no marks on your walls, then using blu-tack is one alternative. It would be necessary to press the wire or the back of the LED into the blu-tack at various intervals.

What happens if you put tape on LED lights?

Putting tape over a bulb will overheat the LED chip, reduce the light output, and shorten its life. In addition, you will void the warranty. You can choose a dimming or lower-wattage LED if you want less light.

What is the best thing to hold LED lights?

Stick the foam tape into place, then stick the LED strip with its standard 3M tape on top, as foam tape provides an ideal surface for sticking. You should use one of the options below if the strip is lying on its side or facing downward.

Conclusion

Based on the discussion above, thumbtacks could be better and better. LED lights can accommodate thumbtacks, but only under certain conditions. Using them correctly is the most important thing.