This is driving me nuts.... so much so that I am posting on FOFC about it. I live in a rented townhome that is lacking ceiling lights where my kitchen table is. It is too dark when I have a card game - so I want to install some sort of portable/removable overhead lighting.

Years ago, I found an adhesive plug-in low voltage halogen track lighting that I was able to just stick to the ceiling and plug in to a wall outlet (at Home Depot). This product has been discontinued: Amazon.com: LitesNow Valo Instant Track Five Light Track Lighting Kit, White #KF0033: Home Improvement (http://www.amazon.com/LitesNow-Instant-Track-Lighting-KF0033/dp/B00026D27A/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top)

For some reason, no one in the entire world sells this incredibly convenient portable, no wiring required lighting anymore. I can't believe that no such product exists. I googled and googled and googled - nothing.

I tried drilling into the ceiling to hang a swag lamp, but for some reason, the drill can't get that far into the ceiling to screw in the hooks, even though the ceiling doesn't appear to be concrete.

Anybody know where I can find a temporary lighting product that I can use to light a poker table from the ceiling? Or what could be preventing my drill from piercing a hole in a non-concrete ceiling? Any help is appreciated to help me solve this problem. Thanks!

Have you tried IKEA?

Amazon.com: Lite Source LS-80752PS Relaxar Arch Lamp, Polished Steel with 2-Tone Off-White Shade: Home Improvement (http://www.amazon.com/Lite-Source-LS-80752PS-Polished-Off-White/dp/B003TVPUSO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1334942510&sr=8-3)

Not, say, this exact lamp, but they make some pretty significant overhang lamps that I've see that might do the trick for you.

Maybe look for arc lamps?

As far as the drill goes, try a masonry bit if you think that it's concrete. The bits make all of the difference.

I tried drilling into the ceiling to hang a swag lamp, but for some reason, the drill can't get that far into the ceiling to screw in the hooks, even though the ceiling doesn't appear to be concrete.



You've probably hit metal. Hopefully not pipes. (unless you mean the bit isn't long enough)

Have you tried IKEA?

Yea, looked.. can't find anything that'll work. Most are very small LED lights that I dont think will provide enough light.

Amazon.com: Lite Source LS-80752PS Relaxar Arch Lamp, Polished Steel with 2-Tone Off-White Shade: Home Improvement (http://www.amazon.com/Lite-Source-LS-80752PS-Polished-Off-White/dp/B003TVPUSO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1334942510&sr=8-3)

Not, say, this exact lamp, but they make some pretty significant overhang lamps that I've see that might do the trick for you.

Maybe look for arc lamps?

Yea, thought of that, but I'm thinking it may get in the way during a 9 man poker tourney.

You've probably hit metal. Hopefully not pipes. (unless you mean the bit isn't long enough)

I hope not, but I didn't get very far..

As far as the drill goes, try a masonry bit if you think that it's concrete. The bits make all of the difference.

This is probably the problem, but I dont think Im going to go continue trying to drill a hole since I'm renting..

Super ghetto idea-

Depending on the width if the room, use a couple shower rods wedged to span and hang 3-4 of those lightweight battery powered lanterns from it? Should work as an inelegant but temporary solution id think.

Super ghetto idea-

Depending on the width if the room, use a couple shower rods wedged to span and hang 3-4 of those lightweight battery powered lanterns from it? Should work as an inelegant but temporary solution id think.

I think the room is too wide for that.. but this gave me an idea... I think I need something like this: Cable Lighting Kits (http://www.brilliantlighting.com/cable-lighting-kits.asp?navaction=pause&pagenumber=6)

A cable lighting system... but as you can see the price is $300-$2000+. Yikes. I have to shop around some more.

Or what could be preventing my drill from piercing a hole in a non-concrete ceiling?

It's the bodies.

100 ft. Temporary String Light-E-400 at The Home Depot (http://www.homedepot.com/buy/electrical-electrical-tools-accessories-work-lights-light-strings/designers-edge-100-ft-temporary-string-light-174575.html)

You could put hooks near the top of the wall on the side and span the room a couple times? Maybe hit the fixtures with some plastic spray paint so it is a color you want?

Thanks for the help guys, I think this is what I need: Cable Light System: L1174-5IPb (http://www.solairco.com/Cable5/L1174-5IPb.htm)

A little more trouble than what I wanted to go through, but it'll do..

Anyone who wants to make money, put out a product that I was originally looking for, because it doesn't exist anywhere! :P

You'd think they would have more surface mount ribbon wiring that you could hang a few ceiling lights and then slap some joint compound over it and be good to go. My house has no overhead lighting and it's infuriating how dark it can get.