100 Count Strings...Maybe

**g2ktcf** · 11-30-2011, 11:00 AM

I just finished several window frames that had 4 colors evenly spaced out. I was horrified to discover that not all my 100 ct strings have 100 lights!! These are all Wally World lights but the blues had extras, the reds were short and the whites and greens are correct (at least based on the few I had).

I learn something new every day.

**dnesci** · 11-30-2011, 11:54 AM

Chris,

I had the same problem a few years ago with Wally World strings. I also found that the bulbs fell out pretty easily. I'm now avoiding them. Sorry to hear you had to go through this.

**WakeFan** · 11-30-2011, 12:21 PM

Same here. I also have a batch of lights that the bulbs break in half fairly easy. It's a clean break, so it's got to be the bulbs.

**dirknerkle** · 11-30-2011, 12:42 PM

It's the new math. You know what they say, "A dollar isn't what it used to be..." so that must translate to lights, too...

**ErnieHorning** · 11-30-2011, 01:21 PM

Here something else you may not know, unless it’s changed recently, all the strings are assembled by hand. Apparently in China, it’s cheaper to pay a body to assemble these then to buy a machine to do it. They don’t have the labor laws that we do, so a few cents an hour is not unlikely. They may only be paid per string.

**underdog** · 11-30-2011, 02:24 PM

Chris, I've found that out this year exactly like you; When I was building my window frames! I was going for 4 channels/4 strings of lights on each Red, White, Blue, Green...after the first 2 (red and green) were different in light spacing...I decided white was the last and 3 channel/3 strings would be max!

**ctmal** · 11-30-2011, 03:34 PM

I had the same issue with Lowes lights this year.

**DIY Sparks** · 11-30-2011, 11:53 PM

"Home Accents Holiday" brand from Home Depot are quantity-challenged as well.

**underdog** · 12-01-2011, 07:19 AM

So much for telling people nice round numbers like "I have 8000 lights"...."Actually no, I have 7987 lights!" Oh well!

**g2ktcf** · 12-01-2011, 08:55 AM

Originally Posted by underdog

So much for telling people nice round numbers like "I have 8000 lights"...."Actually no, I have 7987 lights!" Oh well!

ROFLMAO!!!

Well these are done on 3" centers but it is best to plan on 2.5" so you have some flexibilty. I have some pictures at http://foleyfamilychristmas.com/2011...-construction/