heat-shrink tubing [Archive]

NNomad007

11-03-2008, 06:17 AM

Hello people,

... whats the best way to apply heat to the tubing close to sensitive components (leds etc.)?.. i dont have a heat gun, and the ones i know seem to be a bit big for the job..and maybe to powerfull..any special technics you can sharE?

Alex

GaryC

11-03-2008, 09:42 AM

Hi
I use a lighter, has worked ok for me but probably best to use a heat gun with a low setting of 500ºF. For LEDS I don't solder them I make up a lead with a female connector and then pop the LEDS in when ready to fit them to the panel. I'm using Cat 5 cable for my project so its very easy to melt the wires together, the trick is to apply enough heat quickly.

Gary

andarlite

11-03-2008, 10:13 AM

I just use the tip of my soldering iron.... just put it close to the tubing, don't touch it.... move it slowly along the length of the tubing until it has shrunk.

Regards,
Henry

Bob Reed

11-03-2008, 10:22 AM

I just use the tip of my soldering iron.... just put it close to the tubing, don't touch it.... move it slowly along the length of the tubing until it has shrunk.

Regards,
Henry

Oh WOW! This is a great idea! Thanks for sharing!!

NNomad007

11-03-2008, 10:25 AM

A lot of great ideas people!

Thanks for sharing

peace

Alex

Michael Carter

11-03-2008, 10:26 AM

I've been using a Bic lighter for years.

TasKiNG

11-03-2008, 01:34 PM

In my experience it's best to use an electric paint stripper.

Cheers

Rodney

11-03-2008, 02:01 PM

Hair dryer works too. I burned my finger too many time using a Bic. I bought a heat gun some time ago. You can melt alot with it. Came in very handy when I needed to remove all the undercoating before I painted my 69 Bug.