I made my lights into the wrong type of string. I would love it if I could get the lights themselves back, though it doesn't matter if some of the other components get destroyed.

Thanks for the suggestion! Is there a particular mechanic which you have in mind to get the lights?

perhaps combine it with a wrench in a 2x2 crafting slot?
might possibly require a custom workbench though, since I suppose you'll get more then 1 item back from it.

Recently released Fairy Lights 3.0.0 makes this possible, but I just need to decide on the mechanic.