Here's a tip about lighting and lighting gear:  Being able to put the lights where you want them, hold them there safely, securely, repeatably, and being able to fine-tune their position is just as important as using good quality lighting gear.  For some purposes, it's more important.  

It may seem silly to invest a lot of money in heavy-duty light stands, sandbags, etc., but just how far are you going to get trying to use hardware-store cliplights attached to the backs of the old chairs from your grandmother's dining room?  

Look to Matthews and Avenger for real light stands, made of steel, of the so-called "Century Stand" design, also called "C-stands."  The grip arms are essential parts of the stands, as are the simply-named "6-inch pins."  Expect to pay about $150-$200 for a "real" light stand, and don't forget the sandbag.  These are primarily for indoor use.  For outdoors, look for stands called "combo stands," which have a much larger footprint and are a great deal heavier.  They also have one leg that is variable in length, so you can set them almost anywhere and they will still be plumb.

This is serious equipment.  The stands are every bit as essential as the lights.  Rule of thumb, especially when outdoors with any light stand:  one sandbag on the base for each riser (that is, each section of the telescoping stand) that is extended.

You'll have these stands forever.  If you have to take them somewhere, you'll curse them as you put them into the car and carry them up and down stairs, but once you get them there you'll wonder how you ever tried to work without them.  And you'll never have to worry about the wind or the extension cord pulling down a light stand.