The Bottom Line
Command Outdoor Light Clips offer a damage-free solution for hanging holiday lights on smooth surfaces. They're perfect for renters and anyone wanting mess-free decorating, though they won't work on textured surfaces or in freezing weather.
Product Overview
The Command Outdoor Light Clips represent a modern solution to an age-old holiday decorating challenge: how do you hang outdoor lights without nails, screws, or ladders? This 20-clip pack comes with 24 adhesive strips and promises to hold your string lights securely while removing cleanly when the season ends. At around $12-15, they're positioned as a premium alternative to traditional plastic clips or staple guns.
Each clear clip measures approximately 1.5 inches long and can support lightweight LED string lights, mini lights, and similar decorations. The package includes four extra adhesive strips beyond what's needed for initial installation, giving you room for repositioning or future use. Command rates these clips for outdoor use in temperatures above 20°F, making them suitable for most holiday seasons in temperate climates.
What We Love
- Tool-free installation: Simply peel, press, and hang. No drilling holes in your gutters or struggling with hammer and nails while balancing on a ladder.
- Weather resistance: The adhesive holds strong through rain, snow, and wind gusts up to 35 mph when properly installed on appropriate surfaces.
- Invisible design: Clear clips blend seamlessly with white trim, windows, and most surfaces, keeping your lights as the star of the show.
- Clean removal: Adhesive strips stretch off without leaving sticky residue, even on painted surfaces and vinyl siding we've tested.
- Extra strips included: Four bonus adhesive strips mean you can adjust placement or reuse clips next year without buying replacements.
Room for Improvement
- Surface limitations: Won't stick to brick, stucco, or rough wood siding. The adhesive needs a smooth, clean surface to create a proper seal.
- Cold weather weakness: Below 20°F, the adhesive becomes brittle and clips may fall off, limiting use in harsh winter climates.
- Weight restrictions: Each clip holds only lightweight decorations. Heavy LED strands or garland will cause clips to fail.
Real-World Performance
After testing these clips through two holiday seasons, they deliver exactly what Command promises—when used within their limitations. On our smooth vinyl siding and painted window trim, they've held 100-count LED string lights through thunderstorms and 25-mph winds without budging. The installation process takes about 30 seconds per clip: clean the surface with rubbing alcohol, wait for it to dry, peel the backing, press firmly for 30 seconds, then wait an hour before hanging lights.
Standout Feature
The clean removal is genuinely impressive. Unlike traditional clips that require prying and scraping, these peel off by stretching the adhesive strip slowly. We've removed them from painted trim, glass windows, and metal gutters with zero damage or residue.
The clear design works particularly well against white surfaces, though they're still slightly visible against dark backgrounds. Each clip grips standard string light cords securely—we haven't had any lights slip out once properly seated. However, we learned the hard way that rough cedar siding doesn't provide enough surface contact for reliable adhesion.
User Experience & Setup
The learning curve is minimal, but following the instructions precisely makes the difference between success and frustration. Surface preparation is crucial—any dust, moisture, or residue will compromise the hold. We recommend cleaning with rubbing alcohol and waiting for complete drying, even on seemingly clean surfaces. The one-hour waiting period before hanging lights feels long when you're eager to decorate, but skipping it leads to failures.
"These saved my holiday decorating! As a renter, I couldn't put holes in anything, and these held my lights perfectly on the smooth parts of my porch. Just make sure you clean the surface first—I learned that lesson the hard way."
- Sarah from Colorado
Positioning requires some planning since repositioning means using your spare adhesive strips. We found spacing clips every 12-18 inches works well for most light strings, though heavier LEDs need closer spacing. The clips rotate slightly to accommodate different angles, helping create smooth curves around corners and architectural features.
Value Analysis
At roughly 60-75 cents per clip, these cost significantly more than basic plastic light clips (which run about 10 cents each) but offer unique benefits. The damage-free installation and removal justify the premium for renters, condo owners, or anyone wanting to preserve their exterior surfaces. Factor in the included spare strips, and you're getting supplies for at least two seasons of decorating.
💡 Compared to Similar Products: Command clips cost more than traditional clips but less than professional installation services ($150-300). They're priced similarly to other 3M Command products, reflecting the proven adhesive technology.
The time savings alone adds value—no ladder setup, no hunting for tools, no post-season patch-and-paint work. We calculate about two hours saved compared to traditional hanging methods, plus the peace of mind that comes with tool-free installation. For surfaces they work on, the convenience and surface protection make them worth the premium pricing.
Who Should Buy This?
These clips shine for specific situations and user types. They're ideal for anyone who values convenience, surface protection, or has restrictions on making holes in their home's exterior. The tool-free installation appeals to those uncomfortable with ladders or lacking the tools for traditional hanging methods.
Perfect For:
- Renters and condo owners: Zero damage means full security deposits back and no HOA violations about exterior modifications
- Smooth surface homes: Vinyl siding, painted trim, glass windows, and metal gutters provide ideal installation surfaces
- Lightweight decorations: Standard LED string lights, mini lights, and thin garland work beautifully with these clips
Skip If:
- Your home has textured surfaces: Brick, stucco, rough wood, or stone won't provide adequate adhesion for reliable holding
- You live in extremely cold climates: Consistent sub-20°F temperatures will cause adhesive failure and fallen decorations
"I was skeptical about adhesive clips, but these held my lights through a Michigan winter with temperatures in the teens. Only lost two clips out of twenty, and those were probably my fault for not cleaning the surface well enough."
- Mike from Michigan
Final Verdict
Command Outdoor Light Clips deliver on their core promise: damage-free light hanging that actually works. While they won't solve every outdoor decorating challenge, they excel within their specific use case. The premium price reflects genuine convenience and surface protection that traditional clips can't match.
Buy them if you have smooth surfaces and want hassle-free decorating. Skip them if your home is primarily brick, stucco, or you live where temperatures regularly drop below 20°F. For the right situation, they're a game-changing solution that makes holiday decorating genuinely enjoyable.
