Using Heat Shrink

[Zilverado]

So, it's a slow day, eh?

Well here's one. I picked up some heat shrink tubing on sale at a local surplus store yesterday. Never used it before.

Does anyone out there use this stuff on their electrical connections. If so, how is it actually "shrunk"? What kinda heat is required?

[J-Spec C10]

I always use it. It s better than electrical tape. Just slide it over one wire then solder the wires together. usually a heat gun is best for shrinking, but a lighter will work too. Just be sure not to hold the flame in one place too long.

[Zilverado]

Thanks Kyle,

So does it work to cover up "crimped" connections as well. Would give it a nice finished look and maybe help keep moisture out???

[J-Spec C10]

The prob with crimp connections is that the shrink tube required to fit over the crimp wont shrink enuogh to fit the wire. Heat shrink usually only shrinks approx 30% then it splits.

[Zilverado]

Thanks again man. That's kinda what I figured, but I just thought I'd ask. I really should do more soldered connections, but crimping is so much quicker...

[Blue Beard]

Heat Shrink tubing, depending on the wall thickness can be applied with anything from a match to a industrial heat gun.....

I've even used a hair dryer set on high for thin wall tubing......

I have used heavy wall tubing over butt connectors without problems.....

If nothing else take the extra time....splice the wires......then solder....and heat shrink.....haven't had any problems..........

[BigRed]

I've used a heat gun or a hair dryer. Both work great on heat shrink and won't melt the crap out of it.

[SCOTI]

I use it on solderless connectors by removing the plastic outer shell w/a razor knife & then crimp the wires (remember to put the heat shrink on first). I've used a lighter & matches but what works best for me is a small propane cigar lighter because they are small enough to manuver around & easier to get in tight places (work pretty decent upside down as well).

[PHOENIX]

Since I dont have a heat gun (gonna buy one soon) I use a small torch. I get it lit then at a slow pace I "brush" the flame back and forth across the shrink tube. This works very well, but be careful if you burn the tubing and it rips, your in trouble. You may need to cut the wire again to get more shrink tube on there. I also use this same little torch for soldering. I heat the wire a little bit, then heat the solder while its touching the wire. This works very well also, except it takes alot of practice to get a clean consistant solder. This method causes globs of solder, if not done just right. The reason I do this is because I have always had bad luck with soldering guns. I have gotten pretty good at the torch method.

[Low87]

Man, I never even knew about using heat shrink on connections! Can you get it at car stores?
I need to do a lot of clean up to my bed wiring. The first time I pulled the bed to install my flip kit, I got everything (so I thought) undone. Me and one other buddy went to pick it up and it only went so far. I saw the wiring bundle between the bed and the frame. For some reason, instead of setting the bed down to look, I grabbed a nearby knife and cut it in half. That will be another good project to do while I've got the bed off for my tank install.

[PHOENIX]

Greg, yeah you can get it at automotive stores, but their prices are usually high. Go to Fry's Electronics or somewhere like that. Their prices are better, you buy it buy the foot, cut your own length, much better. Also if possible always buy the kind with glue inside. The glue melts and seals the connections very very well, not a bit of water could get through the glue kind. You might have to buy this kinda at the dealership. My dad works for Dodge and they give him the glue type to fix warranty repairs. He has a heat gun there, but he chooses to use his lighter