Determining what size heat shrink tubing you will need begins with the diameter of the materials to be covered. Select tubing that is approximately 20-30% larger than the measurement taken in step one.

What size heat shrink tubing should I use?

Recommended Tubing Sizes for Various Gauges

tubing size starting size (in) recommended insulated wire gauges
3/64 .047 28-30+
1/16 .0625 22-30
3/32 .0938 16-26
3mm .118 16-22

What is the difference between 2 1 and 3 1 heat shrink tubing?

2:1 – This heat shrink tubing will become half of its original size once the heat is applied. The original heat shrinkable tubing is twice as large as its shrunken form. 3:1 – This heat shrink tubing will be one-third of its original size once the heat is applied.

Can you connect wires with heat shrink?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: You just want to pretty much make the the heat shrink and tubing. Pretty much shrink to completely form on to the wire just like it. And now you've got a nice strong connection.

Why do you put heat shrink tubing over a wire repair?

Heat shrink tubing, also known as a shrink sleeve, can be used to repair and insulate wires and cables. After you slide the tubing onto the cable you’re fixing, use a heat gun or other heat source to make it shrink and create a tight seal.

How do you connect wires to heat shrink tubing?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Two slide it around your wire. And then after forming your splice. Slide it over the joint. Apply some heat with a lighter or even better yet a heat gun. And watch it shrink around your cable.

Is heat shrink size before or after shrinking?

Determine the length of the tubing.



Longitudinal Shrinkage: Heat shrinkable tubing has a small loss of length during the recovery process. Take into account the change of length of the recovered tubing (after shrinking). Longitudinal shrinkage varies from 5% to approximately 10% – depending on the material.

Does heat shrink size matter?

The more variation you have in your wiring or cable size, the higher the shrink ratio you will need. The different types of tubing come in wide-ranging shrink ratios, so no matter what your application is, there should be heat shrink tubing in the corresponding size for your project.

How do you splice heat shrink wire?

Cut a piece of heat shrink to cover the exposed wires. Slide the heat shrink through one of the wires. Make sure to slide the heat shrink away from area where you are splicing. Face the wire terminals toward each other and touch the exposed ends together.

Can you use a hair dryer on heat shrink tubing?

To use a hair dryer on heat shrink, simply set it to its highest heat setting and hold its nozzle close to the tubing until it shrinks. You will have to rotate the wire or blow dryer to evenly spread the heat. Be patient as you wait for the tubing to get up to temperature and shrink.

Can you use electrical tape instead of heat shrink?

A common misconception when determining the ideal method for wire bundling or insulation is that heat shrink tubing and electrical tape are virtually interchangeable for any application.

Can you use a soldering iron on heat shrink?

You can shrink heatshrink with your soldering iron, but it tends to leave little bits of solder behind. If you don’t have a hot air gun, a cigarette lighter just waved over the heatshrink will do the job better. Just don’t hold the flame still!