Under Door Garage Lighting
Introduction: Under Door Garage Lighting
I needed much better lighting in the garage. (My eye sight isn't what it used to be).
I briefly considered a professional kit that lights the door panel up, when in the upright position. A little pricey, and didn't provide lighting while the door is down.
This alternative provides the same amount of extra lighting while the garage door is up or down; by hanging the lights below the door but clear of the track.
I have ceiling shelves where I previously attempted to hang the lights from but the clearance was insufficient, and doesn't help when the door up anyhow.
The dimensions are based on a one car garage. Adjustments will be necessary if using a single two car door.
Supplies
Parts:
* 10 ft. 12-Gauge (or 14-Gauge) Half Slotted Metal Framing Strut Channel
+ (Slotted angle as an alternative would have been lighter and less expensive))
* (4) 5/16" x 4" screw hook lag threaded zinc
* (2) 1 - 1/2" S hook zinc
* Approx 10ft of Double look chain zinc plated #2/0x1'
+ (4) 2 - 1/2' long lengths
* LED tube lights
* Zip ties
Tools:
* Drill / Driver
* Drill bit
* Universal Socket
* Pliers
* Ratchet wrench
* Level
* Tape measure
Step 1: Mark and Drill
Determine where you would like the light(s) positioned. I went for about the half way point of the door (while in the upright position). But adjusted based on the location of ceiling joists. Stud finders are ok, but I have better luck using a magnet to find the nails that were put in through the drywall into the studs/joists.
My joists are oriented to run the width of the garage door. I located two joists to use for holding the screw hooks (they should be close to 16" apart, mine were 19"). Use a pencil to mark a spot about six inches past the track edge into each of the two joists; repeat on the opposite track as well.
Drill a pilot hole at each of the four spots you marked off.
Step 2: Install Screw Hooks
Normally you'd want to use an impact driver to screw into a stud/joist. 47
You have to get a little creative with the screw hook. I used a universal (gator) socket, but a standard socket that fits over the screw hook will work as well. I used a non-electric driver with the socket to start the screw eyes into each hole. Once slightly in I drove it in further with an impact driver... but found using a ratchet wrench (or pair of pliers) more effective (though tiring).
Step 3: Hang the Chains
(I cut my chains to length at the hardware store, using their supplied chain cutter).
Hang a chain from each of the four screw hooks. Use an S hook to connect the two chains together. For safety I use a pair of pliers to close/squish the end of the S that the chains are connected to. This helps prevent a disaster if somehow the chain slips off. Repeat on the other side of the garage door.
Step 4: Hang the Slotted Strut Channel
Hang the slotted strut channel onto the S hooks (currently connected to the chains).
Note: while this holds well, I do think a screw eye should have been bolted to the strut channel instead.
Step 5: Hang the Lights
I had picked up an eight pack of these cheap LED tube lights. They are able to be powered/connected in chains/links of four.
They have key hole slots in the back for flush mounting to the ceiling, but also a little cut out to hang from hooks. I used zip ties through the cut outs to attach two of the lights to the slotted strut channel. 56