Good idea or bad? Lighting hack

[MaxR]

The lights in my microgrow were too close to the plants. The small cables that hold the light up are too long and not adjustable. I used some twine to tie it higher at a proper distance from the plants. The light is an HLG 100. Will the twine hold?

 

[Bluey]

Maybe, for a bit..then not.
Got some fishing line?

 

[3Berries]

I use what we call #12 jack chain. Easy to make as long as you need.

 

[90Gizmo]

Yes the jute will hold. That's what we used to make those stool seats in summer camp back then and cat scratching posts now. Mostly now I use Paracord or number 10 bank line. An cord lock thingy can be made from a soda can pull tab... Then order a half dozen of the regular hight adjusting Cables from Amazon for $20.

 

[Ckbrew]

The jute should work if that is what you have. Over time it may start to fray and thin out and will need to be replaced. Hang them with a knot in the twine called a "taught line hitch" you will need to look it up as I could easily show you in person but I just don't have the patience or energy to try and describe it here. This knot slides on itself changing the length of the twine making it easy to change the height of the light.

 

[Gingerbeard]

Jute is not a good option to tie things that move. It frays easily when it rubs against something. I see how you have it tied to clips. I still do not think it is a good idea.

 

[Bluey]

+1 10 characters

 

[Bowhunterwoody]

When I run out of space I just use a series of long zip ties and tighten a little as I go from there.

 

[90Gizmo]

Tenderfoot! If I were going to use a hitch I'd use a truckers hitch.

 

[90Gizmo]

Here's a picture of using the soda can tab. (I assume your need is temporary, when you can just get the real hangers.)

 

[Ckbrew]

I don't believe a trucker's hitch will slide to adjust the total length with out retying the knot. A taught line hitch can be infinatly adjusted over and over with out re-tying the knot.

 

[90Gizmo]

The taught line hitch will loosen as the line loads and unloads from the light swinging or being bumped. It won't stay put for the length of a grow. I wish we were neighbors because I love talking about this stuff. I used to use them for temporary shelters but now I'd be more likely to just put a peg into a loop than tie any knot at all. I only use the truckers hitch for ridge lines because when I break camp I want it to be fast. How about a prusik knot?

 

[changeofpace2014]

Agree a temp fix until your grow is complete then do a proper install...Note: that twine is flammable to keep it away from anything to hot to touch..Your pics look like it will be ok 4 now..

 

[Ckbrew]

That is what a taught line hitch does except with out the can tab. The rope does the job of the tab.

 

[golfnrl]

with that HLG lamp, you'll be fine with the twine. :smile: You may want to get a better rope for the next grow. I use the chains as suggested by 3Berries. I have replaced all of the cable hangers on my HLG lights with chains. I like the non-fraying qualities of that chain...just sayin'.

 

[changeofpace2014]

Dam I love to see the results when people actually Think Out of the box...Nice Catch