PVC Path Light Ground Fixtures
by randyjabel in Outside > Backyard
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PVC Path Light Ground Fixtures
Path lights are wonderful, and you can now get solar path lights for $1.00 each at Dollar Tree and Dollar General! Installing them typically involves nothing more than inserting the lawn spike and placing it where you want it. But what happens when it's time to cut the grass? Simply pulling the lights up will more times than not result in the spike staying in the ground. Then you either pull it up or chance destroying it with the mower.
This ible gives you another option... permanently install PVC fixtures that the lights will stand up in, and they stay put, because they're installed level with the ground. Now, you simply pull up the lights, cut the grass, then replace the lights in their respective fixtures. Easy!
This ible gives you another option... permanently install PVC fixtures that the lights will stand up in, and they stay put, because they're installed level with the ground. Now, you simply pull up the lights, cut the grass, then replace the lights in their respective fixtures. Easy!
What You'll Need
Depending on how many lights you have, you'll need 1/2" PVC pipe (you can get 12 - 15 pieces from a 10-foot stick of PVC.) You'll also need the same number of couplings that you have lights, some PVC cement, a PVC pipe cutter, a can of black spray paint (optional), some electrical tape, and a hammer.
How It Works
Start by taking the spike that comes with the light, and either discard them or store them in your goody box for future use. Using one of the couplers, wrap the very bottom of each light post with just enough electrical tape to make them fit snugly into the couplers.
Using the PVC pipe cutter, cut your pieces from the pipe. Your first cut should be about 8 inches from the end, and cut at the sharpest angle you can manage with the cutter. The object is to make a sharp point on one end of each piece to allow them to be driven in to the ground easily when you're finished building them. Alternate angle cuts with square cuts down the length of the pipe.
Glue a coupler onto the square end of each piece. Once the glue dries, use the spray paint to paint the coupler end of each piece (painting is optional, but it makes the piece "disappear" into the ground).
Using your hammer, pick the spots where you want your lights, and drive each piece into the ground until it's level with the surface. Be sure to drive them in as straight as possible so your lights won't stand up crooked! As you finish driving each piece in, insert one of your lights.
Now you have permanently installed fixtures in the ground that your lights will stand up in, but you can remove the lights for mowing or maintenance without having to remove the fixtures!
Enjoy!
Using the PVC pipe cutter, cut your pieces from the pipe. Your first cut should be about 8 inches from the end, and cut at the sharpest angle you can manage with the cutter. The object is to make a sharp point on one end of each piece to allow them to be driven in to the ground easily when you're finished building them. Alternate angle cuts with square cuts down the length of the pipe.
Glue a coupler onto the square end of each piece. Once the glue dries, use the spray paint to paint the coupler end of each piece (painting is optional, but it makes the piece "disappear" into the ground).
Using your hammer, pick the spots where you want your lights, and drive each piece into the ground until it's level with the surface. Be sure to drive them in as straight as possible so your lights won't stand up crooked! As you finish driving each piece in, insert one of your lights.
Now you have permanently installed fixtures in the ground that your lights will stand up in, but you can remove the lights for mowing or maintenance without having to remove the fixtures!
Enjoy!