Secure Electrical Cables with the Best Shrink Tubing of 2024

Buying Guide: Shrink Tubing

Why Do You Need Shrink Tubing?

As we mentioned, heat shrink tubing, also called heat shrink sleeves, is used as a physical barrier to protect your electronic devices and components from the outside world. This can be anything from abrasion and UV damage to dust and moisture.

Heat shrinkable tubing works by shrinking to a smaller diameter during heat exposure, allowing it to conform to the shape of whatever it covers and providing a snug fit. Once cooled, the tubing will remain in its new smaller form, providing a long-lasting and durable protective layer.

How To Use Heat Shrink Tubing

1. First, you must select the right tubing size for your needs. This will vary depending on the application, but it is vital to ensure that the tubing is large enough to fit over whatever you are trying to cover.
2. Next, you need to cut the tubing to the desired length. Again, this will vary depending on your needs, but ensuring the tubing is long enough to cover the entire area you want to be protected is crucial.
3. Once you have the right size and length of tubing, simply slide it over the object you want to protect and apply heat. Allow the tubing to cool completely before using or handling the protected object.

And that’s all there is to it! Using shrink tubing is a quick and easy way to protect your electronic devices and components from the outside world.

Buying the Best Heat Shrink Tubing

Diameter

First of all, you need to take into account the diameter of the tubing. The rule of thumb is that the tubing should be at least twice as big as the object you are trying to cover. This will ensure that the tubing shrinks down enough to provide a snug fit.

If you’re unsure of the size you need, it is always better to err on the side of caution and go with a larger size. You can always trim the tubing down to size if needed, but you can’t make it bigger once it has been cut.

Shrinkage ratio

Shrinkage ratio refers to the amount that the tubing shrinks when heated. The higher the shrinkage ratio, the more the tubing shrinks. The most common shrinkage ratios are 2:1 and 3:1, meaning that the tubing shrinks to half or one-third of its original size, respectively.

For most applications, a 2:1 shrinkage ratio is sufficient. But, if you are working with very thin wires or delicate components, you may want to consider a 3:1 shrinkage ratio — this will provide a tighter fit and more protection.

Temperature specifications

Next up are temperature specifications. This is important because you need to ensure that the tubing can withstand the heat of your soldering iron or heat gun. Most heat shrinkable tubing is rated for temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit; however, if you work with very sensitive components, you may want to consider a low-temperature option. These are designed to shrink at lower temperatures and are less likely to damage delicate components.

Adhesive-lined options

Adhesive-lined shrink tubing is a good choice for applications where a tight seal is required. The adhesive lining melts and flows when heated, creating a water-tight and air-tight seal. This type of tubing is often used in marine and automotive applications.

Non-adhesive options

If you don’t need a seal or are working with sensitive components that could be damaged by the adhesive, non-adhesive heat shrink sleeves are a better choice. This tubing shrinks down the same way as adhesive-lined tubing, but does not have the adhesive lining.

Number of pieces

Last but not least, you need to decide how much tubing you need. This will depend on the project you are working on and the number of components you need to protect.  If you’re only working on a few small projects, a single pack of 25 or 50 pieces should be sufficient. But if you do a lot of soldering or have a lot of components to protect, you may want to consider buying a larger pack, like a 50-foot roll. This will save you money in the long run.

Material

The material of the tubing is also vital to consider. Overall, the most common materials are polyolefin and PVC. Polyolefin is the most common type of shrink tubing because it is durable and flexible. PVC, on the other hand, is also a popular choice because it is less expensive.

Heat Shrink Tubing vs. Adhesive Tape

Now that you know the basics of electrical heat shrink tubing, you may wonder how it compares to other options like adhesive tape. Here are a few key points to consider:

• Electrical heat shrinkable tubing is more durable than adhesive tape and will provide better protection for your components.
• Shrink tubing also shrinks down when heated, creating a snug fit. Adhesive tape does not shrink and will not provide as tight of a fit.
• Tubing is available in various sizes, colors, and lengths. Adhesive tape is generally only available in one size and color.
• Adhesive tape is generally only suitable for basic applications, while shrink tubing is great for various uses.
• Heat shrink tubing is more expensive than adhesive tape.

So, when should you use heat shrink tubing, and when should you use adhesive tape? It depends on the project you are working on and your personal preferences. However, heat shrink tubing is the way to go if you need a durable, snug fit.