Osiris Posted January 8, 2015 Share Posted January 8, 2015 (edited) [size=4][font=Calibri]I'm thinking of getting some heat shrink tubing to mark my cables up but have a couple of questions.[/font] [font=Calibri]From what I understand most of what's available has a shrink ratio of 2 to 1, so it effectively halves in size i.e. a 12 mm bore tube will shrink down to 6 mm bore.[/font] [font=Calibri]Is this right?[/font] [font=Calibri]How much does it stretch (if at all) before you shrink it?[/font] [font=Calibri]i.e. can you stretch it over a Neutrik plug or would you need to remove the plug, slide the tubing over the cable and then re-solder the plug back on?[/font] [font=Calibri]How exactly do you shrink it?[/font] [font=Calibri]I've read that you can use a hair dryer but some of the tubes quote a 70 degree centigrade heat required and I don't think many hair dryers would run that hot, would they?[/font] [font=Calibri]Any words of wisdom, or suitable alternative methods for marking my cables appreciated. [/font][/size] Edited January 8, 2015 by Osiris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
planer Posted January 8, 2015 Share Posted January 8, 2015 (edited) Most heatshrink is 2:1, though there are some that are 3:1. You are right about 12mm shrinking to 6mm, etc. It doesn't stretch at all, so connector removal is required. I don't think hairdryer would get hot enough, a normal heatgun with a curved reflector is what I use. When I mark cables in this way, I use either white or yellow heatshrink, and write the id on the heatshrink with a fine permanent marker before shrinking. hth :-) Edited January 8, 2015 by planer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted January 8, 2015 Share Posted January 8, 2015 I tend to use a cigarette lighter...*gh*. It's great stuff but does need a little planning if doing multiple connections. I've lost count of the number of times I've finished a soldering job and realised I hadn't threaded on the heatshrink. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gelfin Posted January 8, 2015 Share Posted January 8, 2015 [quote name='Kiwi' timestamp='1420728535' post='2652686'] I tend to use a cigarette lighter...*gh*. It's great stuff but does need a little planning if doing multiple connections. [b]I've lost count of the number of times I've finished a soldering job and realised I hadn't threaded on the heatshrink[/b]. [/quote] Reminds me of the times I have done the soldering then found I haven't put the plug casing on. A real pain when you have just done a Din plug. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
planer Posted January 8, 2015 Share Posted January 8, 2015 [quote name='gelfin' timestamp='1420732431' post='2652766'] Reminds me of the times I have done the soldering then found I haven't put the plug casing on. A real pain when you have just done a Din plug. [/quote] ...or a 78 pin high-density D connector (ask me how I know - doh!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulWarning Posted January 8, 2015 Share Posted January 8, 2015 ah, the old electricians trick, did it myself this very morning, what a twat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
icastle Posted January 8, 2015 Share Posted January 8, 2015 I'm a bit posher. I use a label printer to make a label and then use clear heat shrink over the top of that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderbird Posted January 8, 2015 Share Posted January 8, 2015 [quote name='Osiris' timestamp='1420727182' post='2652649'] [font=Calibri]I'm thinking of getting some heat shrink tubing to mark my cables up but have a couple of questions.[/font] [font=Calibri]From what I understand most of what's available has a shrink ratio of 2 to 1, so it effectively halves in size i.e. a 12 mm bore tube will shrink down to 6 mm bore.[/font] [font=Calibri]Is this right?[/font] [font=Calibri]How much does it stretch (if at all) before you shrink it?[/font] [font=Calibri]i.e. can you stretch it over a Neutrik plug or would you need to remove the plug, slide the tubing over the cable and then re-solder the plug back on?[/font] [font=Calibri]How exactly do you shrink it?[/font] [font=Calibri]I've read that you can use a hair dryer but some of the tubes quote a 70 degree centigrade heat required and I don't think many hair dryers would run that hot, would they?[/font] [font=Calibri]Any words of wisdom, or suitable alternative methods for marking my cables appreciated. [/font] [/quote] Dont buy any mate I have some here if you want it easy way is to take the plug off and resolder it back on though anyway I got all the stuff and it is yours if you want it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tauzero Posted January 8, 2015 Share Posted January 8, 2015 [quote name='Osiris' timestamp='1420727182' post='2652649'] [size=4][font=Calibri]How much does it stretch (if at all) before you shrink it?[/font] [font=Calibri]i.e. can you stretch it over a Neutrik plug or would you need to remove the plug, slide the tubing over the cable and then re-solder the plug back on?[/font] [font=Calibri]How exactly do you shrink it?[/font] [font=Calibri]I've read that you can use a hair dryer but some of the tubes quote a 70 degree centigrade heat required and I don't think many hair dryers would run that hot, would they?[/font][/size] [/quote] If you get it big enough, you could just shrink it onto the plug body. I do this with power connectors - I run a jack-jack with two DC power extensions cable-tied to it from amp to effects and wireless, and as they're different voltages but the same size plug, one DC lead has blue heatshrink on the connectors at each end and the other has red. I use a boiling kettle to shrink it - just hold the switch down or use a non-automatic one. Force of habit from using steam to shrink wine bottle capsules on... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BILL POSTERS Posted January 9, 2015 Share Posted January 9, 2015 If you put it on the plugs instead of the cables, with an inch or two over the cable as well it makes a good strain relief. I shrink it by sliding the side of a soldering iron along it - not the bit, the side, just keep it moving . The larger bore stuffs much cheaper from electrical wholesalers than maplins btw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Osiris Posted January 9, 2015 Author Share Posted January 9, 2015 Thanks for the help, people! Unfortunately I don't really have the time or inclination to whip all the plugs off, add some tubing and then re-solder everything back up, but tauzero's idea of getting some oversized tubing and shrinking it down sounds like a plan. By the way, do you ever have any problems with condensation or water affecting the cables if you're using a kettle to supply the heat??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6v6 Posted January 9, 2015 Share Posted January 9, 2015 [quote name='Osiris' timestamp='1420800773' post='2653497'] By the way, do you ever have any problems with condensation or water affecting the cables if you're using a kettle to supply the heat??? [/quote] Unless it's really a one-off, I'd be wary of doing that, I'd rather use a gas hob, lighter, soldering iron or any other form of "dry" heat rather than scalding my fingers over a kettle only to end up with steam inside the connector causing corrosion later. You can get a basic heat gun for a tenner from screwfix (or a slightly better one for under £20), so I'd really reccomend just getting one (check screwfix, toolstation or even argos). Toolstation also do heat-shrink at reasonable prices FYI. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
icastle Posted January 9, 2015 Share Posted January 9, 2015 [quote name='6v6' timestamp='1420808541' post='2653673'] You can get a basic heat gun for a tenner from screwfix (or a slightly better one for under £20), so I'd really reccomend just getting one (check screwfix, toolstation or even argos). [/quote] +1 I've used various things to heat up shrink sleeve over the years and I've found using a gun by far the best way to go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BILL POSTERS Posted January 10, 2015 Share Posted January 10, 2015 [quote name='6v6' timestamp='1420808541' post='2653673'] Unless it's really a one-off, I'd be wary of doing that, I'd rather use a gas hob, lighter, soldering iron or any other form of "dry" heat rather than scalding my fingers over a kettle only to end up with steam inside the connector causing corrosion later. You can get a basic heat gun for a tenner from screwfix (or a slightly better one for under £20), so I'd really reccomend just getting one (check screwfix, toolstation or even argos). Toolstation also do heat-shrink at reasonable prices FYI. [/quote] If its a one off, hairdryer on full blast 2" away and keep it still works fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoonBassAlpha Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 Yup, a hairdryer will work, I've just tried it. They run hotter than you'd think Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manton Customs Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 (edited) Why not just use your soldering iron which you are using at the same time anyway!? That's what I do Edited January 12, 2015 by Manton Customs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tauzero Posted January 16, 2015 Share Posted January 16, 2015 [quote name='Osiris' timestamp='1420800773' post='2653497'] By the way, do you ever have any problems with condensation or water affecting the cables if you're using a kettle to supply the heat??? [/quote] No. It's pure H[sub]2[/sub]O and it'll evaporate off reasonably quickly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Starr Posted January 16, 2015 Share Posted January 16, 2015 Hair driers work but heat guns work better, though they also can melt cables! touching up with a soldering iron works a treat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BILL POSTERS Posted January 16, 2015 Share Posted January 16, 2015 [quote name='tauzero' timestamp='1421367532' post='2660561'] No. It's pure H[sub]2[/sub]O and it'll evaporate off reasonably quickly. [/quote] Wont it get sealed in by the shrunk tubing ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt P Posted January 16, 2015 Share Posted January 16, 2015 i use the same methiod as icastle except i write the lables by hand, if you want coloured tubing then higher ratio's are available, 4:1 is available in clear and 3:1 is availble in colours, i buy mine from [url="http://www.heatshrink-online.co.uk/"]http://www.heatshrink-online.co.uk/[/url] they also do 6:1 ratio in black with adhesive lining which is excellent for strain relief. i eiyther use a heat gun (on a gas soldering iron kit) or I use a zippo as i can light it and stand it on the desk giving me 2 hands to hold and turn the cable. as long as you keep is a sensible distance away and keep it moving then it's ok. Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tauzero Posted January 16, 2015 Share Posted January 16, 2015 [quote name='BILL POSTERS' timestamp='1421402863' post='2660726'] Wont it get sealed in by the shrunk tubing ? [/quote] I only use it on the barrel of the plug, not covering barrel and cable end. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tauzero Posted January 17, 2015 Share Posted January 17, 2015 I should add that I use the kettle system because it's handy (kettle's ten feet from where I do my soldering and other electronic playing around). I've used a cigarette lighter in the past. There is no one right answer. Just don't burn anything, including yourself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Count Bassy Posted January 19, 2015 Share Posted January 19, 2015 [quote name='icastle' timestamp='1420736188' post='2652828'] I'm a bit posher. I use a label printer to make a label and then use clear heat shrink over the top of that. [/quote] Great minds and all that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Count Bassy Posted January 19, 2015 Share Posted January 19, 2015 Also, be aware that there are different wall thicknesses available. I have found that the light weight ones split circumferentially after a few months of use, but if you go too thick it ends up too rigid so you just move the stress point from where the cable leaves the plug to where it leaves the heatshrink. And, of course, if you take 12mm and shrink it down to 6mm the resulting wall thickness will be grater than if you take 9mm and shrink it down to 6mm. Not a great fan of the glue lined stuff as strain relief as the glue itself, and the fact that it does glue to the cable, again makes it too rigid. All IMHO of course. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.