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MikePA
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Torch For Shrink Tubing
07/21/03 12:41 PM
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What kind of torch do you all recommend for heating shrink tubing? Currently, I have a propane torch with a manual nozzle.
I was thinking about getting a trigger start for it but then thought maybe one of those mini-torches would be better for tubing. Where can you get a mini-torch? Bernzomatic doesn't have one.
BTW, I was planning on using the shrink tubing, instead of electrical tape for sealing out the weather, on the wiring I added to additional lights I've added to my tractor.
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fivestring
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Re: Torch For Shrink Tubing
[re: MikePA]
07/21/03 02:44 PM
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Mike, I've seen the small mini-torches at Lowe's and Home Depot. I still use a lighter, but it's one of the long ones folks use to light grills, candles, etc. with.
Gary
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Finger-pickin' good!
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Bird
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Re: Torch For Shrink Tubing
[re: MikePA]
07/21/03 03:07 PM
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I never did like a propane torch attached to a one pound bottle; couldn't turn it upside down, too big and awkward to handle, etc. So over 20 years ago, I got an 11' high pressure hose from a local LPG distributor. It had the fitting on one end to connect the my 20# (and later 40# LPG bottle) and the fitting on the other that matched the top of a one pound bottle, so that any of those torches would work on it. The last one I had came from Walmart and I believe it was made by Weller. Just pull the trigger to ignite, very handy.
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GaryM
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Re: Torch For Shrink Tubing
[re: MikePA]
07/21/03 03:32 PM
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Don't use a torch, use a heat (hot air) gun. Better control. And some have a deflector that wraps around the back of the tubing and provides a faster more even heat.
BTW, heat shrink tubing by itself is not weather proof. You need to get the kind that has the saler applied on the inside. When you shrin the tubing, the sealer melts and creats a air and watertight seal.
Tubing with the sealer will be shiney on the inside.
Gary
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MikePA
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Thanks for the great responses! I had never thought about using a heat gun. I have one of those. 
Also, here's a picture of what I was thinking about. $28.
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AndyF
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Re: Torch For Shrink Tubing
[re: MikePA]
07/21/03 07:22 PM
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>> What kind of torch do you all recommend for heating shrink tubing?
A blow dryer will get the job done, but an industrial heat gun is a lot nicer and will last longer. I wouldn't use a propane torch because it is hotter than you really need.
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chevdog
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Re: Torch For Shrink Tubing
[re: MikePA]
07/22/03 06:51 AM
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I've used this type of heat gun for the last 3 years and have been very pleased with it. I do a lot of automotive electrical stuff and firmly believe in soldered and heat-shrinked connections 
Heat Gun
I also have a reflector for this gun that ensures that the heat is applied fairly evenly all around the tubing.
Nick
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Stoneheartfarm
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Re: Torch For Shrink Tubing
[re: GaryM]
07/22/03 10:21 AM
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In reply to:
BTW, heat shrink tubing by itself is not weather proof.
Where do you get the weatherproof stuff?
Steve
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MikePA
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Where do you get the weatherproof stuff?
Steve, I did a Google search on 'heat shrink tubing' and noticed several places that sell tubing, including the weatherproof kind, from 3M. I did not bookmark the URLs.
Perhaps I am wrong, but I don't think wiring for tractor lights needs to be weatherproof, probably just weather resistant. For example, the electrical pigtail on Boomers for connecting the factory work light is not weatherproof.
I was looking for a solution that's better than wrapping a connection with electrical tape. Soldering and heat shrink tubing would be a better and neater solution. Electrical tape, as I learned since I installed my work lights, tends to deteriorate and then unravel.
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GaryM
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I have some crimp type butt splices that have heat shrink tubing and sealent incorporated. I have two different sizes, yellow and blue, might have red too, don't remember.
Crimp the wire in place and hit it with the heat gun. Tubing shrinks down and the sealant flows. Makes a beautiful connection.
I'll send you a few if you'd like to try them. Send me a PM with your information and I'll drop a few in the mail.
I bought them at Gateway Electronics in St. Louis. They carry a lot of surplus items so things come and go.
Gary
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GaryM
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Re: Torch For Shrink Tubing
[re: MikePA]
07/22/03 02:54 PM
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That unit looks like it puts out hot air and not a flame. If that's the case it would work fine. But if you already have the heatgun, and have AC power available, I'd save the $28.
Well, probably not, it looks like a nice little unit!
Gary
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MikePA
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Where do you get the weatherproof stuff?
Waterproof heat shrink tubing source
Here's a pretty neat kit that includes everything you'll need, including connectors that contain the solder as well as the sealant. Just stick the wires in at each end, heat and you're done.
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GaryM
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Re: Torch For Shrink Tubing
[re: MikePA]
07/22/03 08:41 PM
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I happened to be at Advance Auto Parts this evening and noticed that they had the crimp butt splice connectors with the shrink sleeve and adhesive. They had the yellow, blue, and red for the three major wire ranges. They were marked as "waterproof connectors".
As I mentioned in an earlier post, the heat shrink tubing with the adhesive will be shiney inside rather than matt finish like the outside of the tube. Gayeway Electronics sells bags of short pieces that range from 1" to maybe 4" lengths. I'm sometimes able to sort through the pile and select a package with a high proportion of pieces that have the adhesive.
Gary
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Stoneheartfarm
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Re: Torch For Shrink Tubing
[re: MikePA]
07/24/03 12:12 PM
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Shoot, Mike. Here I thought it had to be shrink tubing. (See what I get for thinking?  ) That's why I was asking where you get the waterproof stuff, because I've never known it was available.
What I do is brush on some Starbright. I buy it at Home Depot in the electrical dept in little cans. Usually takes a couple of coats, but gives you a real nice covering over your connection, with no worry about torches. I suppose you could also use the liquid coating for tool handles that you can buy at wally world, but I've never tried it.
When I leave wires unconnected and exposed to the air for any period of time, I just dip them in the starbright. Seems to do a good job.
Steve
PS. Thanks for the links guys!
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GaryM
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I use the Starbright to provide a seal on the coax connectors for my ham radio antennas. It will peel off from mecanical abraision. The heat shrink tubing or the butt splices with the shrink tubing and sealant are, I believe, more resistant to wear.
The Starbright does peel off cleanly when you want to remove it. At least on metal connectors.
Gary
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Stoneheartfarm
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Re: Torch For Shrink Tubing
[re: GaryM]
07/24/03 08:27 PM
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I've never had to use it anywhere where it might get rubbed on. I wonder if you could coat over it with some of the tool handle dip. That stuff can be next to impossible to get off.
Steve
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