Heat Shrink Tubing , a small issue im having

[s8n]

hi members , i bought some heat shrink tubing a few months back and ive done a couple of tests with it.


it came up good but there was one problem.................


i am using a cigarette lighter and if you hold it on one spot too long it damages the tubing a little


i was wondering if i bought a cheap Heat Gun that would solve the problem ?


https://www.masters.com.au/product/1004 ... 20hg-black

[ApolloBoy]

When using heat shrink you're not really supposed to hold the flame over just one spot, it's best to slowly wave it around the tubing until it's fully shrunken (which usually takes a couple of seconds).

[s8n]

hi ApolloBoy , i should say i go left and right covering about 2-3 cms at a time


but when i get to the end of the 2-3 cms and then start going the opposite way thats where the damage is being done , holding it at the end for that bit too long.


im thinking i will get a Heat Gun as they are dirt cheap see how that goes ...............

[Luke]

hi ApolloBoy , i should say i go left and right covering about 2-3 cms at a time


but when i get to the end of the 2-3 cms and then start going the opposite way thats where the damage is being done , holding it at the end for that bit too long.


im thinking i will get a Heat Gun as they are dirt cheap see how that goes ...............

Perhaps a hair dryer?

[s8n]

hi Luke , i read that a hair dryer only works on some types of Shrink ( the low temp type )


tomorrow ill give a hair dryer a shot , i have 2 types of Shrink here atm


ill try and shrink both of them.....................

[Luke]

hi Luke , i read that a hair dryer only works on some types of Shrink ( the low temp type )


tomorrow ill give a hair dryer a shot , i have 2 types of Shrink here atm


ill try and shrink both of them.....................

I'm no expert, or even a novice when it comes to shrink wrap, so please keep that in mind. Just offering quick suggestions.

You should contact Hobie-Wan, who is a whiz when it comes to this type of stuff.

Best of luck!

[CRTGAMER]

When using heat shrink you're not really supposed to hold the flame over just one spot, it's best to slowly wave it around the tubing until it's fully shrunken (which usually takes a couple of seconds).

THIS.

@ s8n - How much larger is the heat shrink compared to what you are trying to seal? Maybe it is too big and you are over heating attempting a snug fit? Heat shrink usually squeezes to about half the diameter.

Make sure the soldered joint is cold before sliding the heat shrink over. Any flame or heat gun will work, as mentioned just don't leave in one spot too long. I usually make a pass, spin the tube 180 then make another pass to cook both sides.

Can you post a before and after picture of the seal?

[Ziggy]

What I would have said to the OP was already said, but I'll just reinforce the ideas...

I always use a lighter. I move it around fast, not slow. Always works just fine for me, I've never had any problems. If for some reason that wasn't working, I would use a hair dryer. I wouldn't try a heat gun, though. Heat guns get pretty hot, even the low temp ones. I'd be concerned with melting wire insulation or possibly damaging something else in the area. You can't exactly pinpoint what you want the heat gun to hit. It's blowing hot air, it's not like a laser pointer.

But seriously, try to get your method down with the lighter. That's what most people use. A heat gun is only for larger applications. Like if you were heat shrinking a pallet, or trying to strip lacquer off of wood.

[Hobie-wan]

Don't get the flame directly on the shrink. You want it to be a few centimeters below the subject.

[Ziggy]

Don't get the flame directly on the shrink. You want it to be a few centimeters below the subject.

Actually, if I'm in a hurry or otherwise don't care, I'll put the flame right on it. But I move the flame back and forth quick enough were it doesn't matter. Of course, holding the flame and inch or so off the shrink tubing is safer. But still, my biggest tip is to just move the flame back and forth quickly.

Also, what kind of lighter are you using? A Bic or similar is what you want. Not a crack pipe blow torch lighter!