Customer Reviews

Malibu 8301-9200-01 Cast Metal Tier Light, Black

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I installed a dozen or more of the Malibu Cast Metal Tier Lights a few years ago and since then I have had to replace many of them over time. I can tell you some of the problems I have encountered.

I really don't like the connectors because they often become loose and then the light goes off. Also, the teeth broke off on one or two lights. I just discovered that Pacific Bay (sold at Orchard Supply Hardware) makes an identical light with a much better, more secure connector.

The four bolts that connect the fixture top can rust and become difficult or impossible to remove when it becomes time to replace the light bulb. So what I do to prevent that is I tighten the bolts, and then I loosen them about a quarter turn. That does the trick. You can also spray a little WD-40 if necessary.

Another problem I have encountered with these lamps is that some of them have broken off at the base for no apparent reason other than they were old.

And one other thing, the plastic globe can become brittle and break apart after a few years.

I ordered four, one arrived DOA; one of the two 'teeth' that cuts into the cable and makes the electrical connection dropped out of the light into the grass. It is small and was never found. Bottom line is the light isn't usable. The other three worked OK.

Four bolts inserted from the top hold the fixture together. I can imagine they will be rusted and difficult or impossible to remove in a year when a bulb burns out.

Bottom line - inexpensive but so-so.

We have 12 of these lights that have worked for years for us lighting up our walkway. One broke last winter and we looked everywhere for one replacement. It looked like we would have to replace everything until I found the exact match on Amazon. Thank you! : )

I installed these a few years ago around the front of my house. They're set up to turn on at dusk and off at dawn. The bulbs just started burning out recently, so you get a little over a couple of years with these before needing a bulb replacement. I didn't experience any rust problems with the bolts like other reviewers said and all 10 of them have been working as advertised. Occasionally, you have to hit the lamp or wiggle it around to get the light to turn on - the electrical connections could be better. Overall, however, I like the lights and will buy more for my backyard as soon as I get the time to install them.