Check the gutter lip and light cable
Look at the front lip where the hook will sit. A thick rolled edge or a gutter guard can obstruct the upper curve, even when the gutter itself looks like a familiar shape. Test one hook at a safely accessible point. It should stay seated without forcing the gutter out of shape.
The light cable should sit comfortably in the lower channel. Check the actual cable diameter, especially with rope lights or several cables, and keep bulbs and bulky connectors clear of the hook. Support plugs and transformers separately, following the light manufacturer's instructions.
Use lights labelled for outdoor use and disconnect the power while fitting. Electrical Safety First advises a 30mA RCD-protected socket for lights plugged in outdoors. Plan safe access; HSE advises against resting a ladder on plastic gutters or overreaching. Use professional help where safe access is difficult.
Choose the hook profile you prefer
Classic 36mm has a compact S-shaped profile; 36mm Easy Fit adds smoother fitting curves and inner serrations; Large 68mm gives you a longer body and a wider, partly enclosed cable entry. Compare the shape first, then select black or white to suit your guttering and cable.
Classic 36mm Black | Classic 36mm White
36mm Easy Fit Black | 36mm Easy Fit White
Large 68mm Black | Large 68mm White
Compare Classic 36mm, 36mm Easy Fit and Large 68mm
Work out the quantity and pack size
Measure the gutter section that will carry the lights. For one straight run with both ends supported, divide its length by your chosen spacing, round up and add one hook. The table uses 30cm spacing. Allow extra hooks for corners, separate runs and replacements, and follow any closer support spacing specified for your lights.
| Straight run | Hooks at 30cm | Classic or Easy Fit | Large 68mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 metres | 18 | 30 pack | 24 pack |
| 10 metres | 35 | 50 pack | 36 pack |
| 12 metres | 41 | 50 pack | Two 24 packs |
For example, a 12-metre run at 30cm spacing needs 41 hooks: 12 ÷ 0.3 + 1. A 50 pack of Classic or Easy Fit leaves nine spare hooks. Two 24 packs of Large 68mm give you 48 hooks, leaving seven spares. A single 36 pack of Large hooks would be short for this layout.
Fit Christmas lights along the gutter
1 Lay out and check the lights
Untangle the set and check it according to the manufacturer's instructions before fitting. Identify the plug, unlit lead and first bulb. Make sure the lead reaches the planned starting point without stretching, then disconnect the power.
2 Load the cable into the hook
Slide the light cable into the lower channel. Keep the cable relaxed and the bulbs clear of the opening. With icicle lights, hold the horizontal feed cable in the hook so the hanging drops remain free.
3 Clip onto an accessible gutter edge
Fit the upper curve smoothly over the gutter lip. Start near the power-supply end and continue along the run. If a hook needs excessive force, check for an obstruction or choose a more suitable profile before continuing.
4 Keep the spacing even
Work along the gutter at your planned intervals. Give corners and changes of direction their own support, and leave gentle slack rather than pulling the cable tight. Check that each hook is seated and that no heavy connector is hanging from the light cable.
Remove and store the display
Disconnect the power, support the cable and unclip the hooks one at a time. Inspect the PP hooks for cracks or changes in shape, let them dry and store them with the lights for next Christmas. Replace damaged hooks before reusing them.
Common questions
Can I hang lights without nails or adhesive
Yes. These hooks clip over a compatible gutter lip and hold a suitable light cable. They provide a removable fixing without drilling the gutter or applying adhesive.
What if the hook will not fit over the gutter
Check the front lip and any gutter guard. Clear the cable from the fitting area and test the hook again at an accessible point. Stop if the hook or gutter is being distorted; compare another profile or fixing method.
Can I leave the hooks up all year
We recommend taking the hooks down with the lights and storing them dry between seasonal displays. Inspect them before each use and replace any that are cracked, brittle or misshapen.
Browse the BYSMAH gutter hook range
Read the Classic 36mm, 36mm Easy Fit and Large 68mm comparison
Further installation advice
Electrical Safety First Christmas lights advice