Today’s outdoor light kits simpler than ever to install

Q. I am not an electrician, but I want to add high-quality landscaping and security lighting. How effective and efficient are new do-it-yourself fiber optic and all-metal low-voltage lighting kits? — S.R.

A. New hi-tech fiber optics (no-volts) and low-voltage (12-volts) outdoor light kits are ideal for the do-it-yourselfer. These kits range from inexpensive plastic sets at hardware stores to high-quality beautiful cast metal ones designed to last a lifetime.

Do-it-yourself fiber optic lighting kits are safe, efficient and simple to install. Instead of running heavy copper wire to a small bulb in each outdoor fixture, thin durable (plastic) fiber optic cable is used.

Only one efficient bulb is needed in the main unit. Light travels along the plastic fiber optic cables to each of the outdoor fixtures. A typical kit (by Fiberstars) includes six pathway or four flood fixtures with a main unit. There are no electrical connections to get dirty and only one bulb to replace.

Contour fiber optic kits are ideal for marking a pathway or lighting around water or a pool where electricity is a hazard. These kits use special 18-strand side-glow fiber optic cables. The entire length of the cable glows.

For a unique effect, install a slowly rotating color wheel in the main unit. As this rotates past the main light bulb, the color in all the fixtures or in the side-glow cable changes.

There have been many improvements in do-it-yourself outdoor low-voltage lighting kits over the past several years. There are many more high-quality all-metal designs, automatic timer and dimmer controls and literally hundreds of new decorative styles.

If you ever tried to install a low-voltage lighting kit from several years ago, you will appreciate how easy the new fixture connectors are to attach. Some are also sealed so that they will not become corroded or need cleaning.

Many high-quality all-metal designs use real frosted and cut glass for attractive and efficient lighting. Inverted glass tulip-shaped lights with a thin curved post (stem) with leaves are ideal for accenting flower gardens. Some are built into wood decking and others have planters in the base.

Choose fixtures with tiny halogen bulbs and built-in reflectors (MR codes) for bright directional accent lighting. Small standard incandescent or super-efficient 5-watt fluorescent bulbs are good for pathway or area lighting.

Low-voltage lighted plastic bricks (by Argee) are effective for edging walks or gardens. The snap-together bricks have built-in connectors (no extra wiring).

Write for or instant download (www.dulley.com) Update Bulletin 571, a buyer’s guide of 15 fiber optic and low-voltage lighting and brick kits, styles (25 shown), features, prices, sample layouts and landscape lighting tips. Please include $2 and a business-size SASE. Send to James Dulley, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45244.

Q. I have been trying to caulk around several of my windows with silicone caulking, but I cannot get a smooth finish. I am using an old ratchet-style caulking gun. Is there any better type to use? — A.C.

A. It is very difficult, even for an experienced do-it-yourselfer, to apply silicone with an old ratchet-style gun. Each time you stop, you have to reach back and turn the rod. During this time, it continues to ooze out.

Buy a non-ratchet-style caulking gun without notches on the rod. It delivers the caulk more evenly and you can instantly push a tab with your thumb when you stop to eliminate oozing.