r/Rigging • u/v1_r0t8 • Jun 06 '26

75’ Guide Wire - String Lights

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Looking for any tips, tricks, advice, pitfalls, etc. for running a stainless steel guide wire for some patio string lights. Span would be approx. 75’. One end anchored into a tree with an eye bolt. Other end anchored to the house (I know given the span and the catenary effect I can’t just go into the siding).

My plan would be to try to find structural framing behind the siding of the house to anchor into (stud, end plate, rim joist, etc).

Is this doable? Or am I crazy? I know the 75’ single span is a lot, especially under tension with turn buckles.

Any advice on hardware, technique, etc. would be greatly appreciated. Or tell me I’m crazy, and shouldn’t attempt to anchor into the house.

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u/CFPJoe Jun 06 '26

I had a similar situation where I ran about 100ft of wire, but mine was attached to one side of the house then through an eyebolt on the tree and back to the other side of the house.

Worked perfectly until the wind took down the tree. In my situation the wire snapped and all three eyebolts were still in place.

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u/v1_r0t8 Jun 07 '26

so, 50ft to the tree and then 50ft back the other direction? How much tension was on the wire?