Summary

I designed this clamp to mount a set of Costco string lights on my patio cover. This clamp is sized to hold a set of lights with a .300 cord and were built to snap onto the cord and with tight clearances on the screw holes to hold the screws and aide in mounting in an overhead position without needing another person’s help. This clamp is sized for #6 by 1 inch sheet metal screws. The holes are counter bored and then counter sunk to provide a neat finish and proper clamping force. The clamp was sized to mount to 2 by X dimensional planks commonly used as joists for roof structures and overhead decks. These clamps will mount inline, across, or at a 45 with sufficient material to screw into on 2 by X dimensional lumber.

Best installation practice:

1. Screw the sheet metal screws into the mount holes until just the tip protrudes
2. Snap the clamp onto the string lights cable.
3. Push the clamp into the desired location and allow the screw tips to bite into the mounting material.
4. Use a power drill/driver to seat the screws.
5. The clamp will hold the cable firm by just setting the screws into place. There is no need to over tighten.
   My goal was a clamp which would hold the cord and the screws so nothing would fall if I let go of the clamp while working in an overhead position and I would not have to rely on a magnetic bit to hold the screws. This let me measure and position the clamp. The small stick out of the sheet metal screws creates a small dimple in the mounting material which helps the screw start. This lets me hold the clamp in position with one hand and drive the screws with the driver, allowing quick and accurate placement.
   This clamp holds the cord firmly and keeps it from sagging.