Heatshrink

[Steve]

This will no doubt be obvious to those in the know, but what type/source of heat should I use to shrink some heatshrink? Specifically, that which encloses the spade connector on my dynamo wiring. I don't have any spares so can't afford to experiment.

[Jdsk]

The easiest is a hot air gun. You can do it with direct contact with a soldering iron.

I suggest getting some spare to practise.

Jonathan

[Steve]

Ah, thanks, sounds like it's a good job I didn't try with a cigarette lighter!

[Jdsk]

I've never done it this way, but:

[youtube]4vnthybw0II[/youtube]

Jonathan

[mattsccm]

Lighters are fie but the ones designed for cookers etc are easier to use. Any naked flame. Hot air guns work.

[BerlinMatt]

Ah, thanks, sounds like it's a good job I didn't try with a cigarette lighter!

I've always used a lighter, just don't get distracted halfway through the job....

[6.5_lives_left]

I don't have a hot air gun. I used to have access to a hot air solder rework tool in work, which worked very well, but I no longer have access to that.

I also have my own soldering iron but I don't seem to get the heatshrink to work with that. Either the iron is too cool and the heatshrink doesn't, or the iron is too hot and the heatshrink burns on to the iron.

What does work for me is a cheap disposable butane cigarette lighter. You need to hold the heatshrink at quite a distance above the flame otherwise it burns. Also you have to stop every once in a while to allow the lighter to cool down because they are not built to burn continuously. If you were careless, the whole lot could blow up in your face! Be careful (maybe not such a bright idea).

[Jupestar]

I used a lighter.

[Squibnocket]

Not sure if you've shrunk the heat shrink yet but I've used a hairdryer on a couple of occasions.

[Psamathe]

Not sure if you've shrunk the heat shrink yet but I've used a hairdryer on a couple of occasions.

I've tried a hairdryer and it took and age and didn't shrink enough - I ended up using a lighter. Not a feeble hairdryer but I guess there is a wide range of power/speeds.

Ian

[NATURAL ANKLING]

Hi,

What does work for me is a cheap disposable butane cigarette lighter. You need to hold the heatshrink at quite a distance above the flame otherwise it burns. Also you have to stop every once in a while to allow the lighter to cool down because they are not built to burn continuously. If you were careless, the whole lot could blow up in your face! Be careful (maybe not such a bright idea).

This ^
The only thing to add here would be that when you use a lighter try using the flame by the side of the heat shrink not underneath.
Blistering is the worst thing that will happen in the direct flame.

[alexnharvey]

I've only ever done it with a lighter or a toaster! Start far below and gradually move closer, keeping the lighter moving back and for so no individual spot gets too hot and crispy.

[Steve]

Cigarette lighter worked a treat thanks, just had to approach with caution! Heat is heat I suppose, I daresay it's just a case of applying the right amount in the right place.

[Jdsk]

Well done.

; - )

Jonathan

[ClappedOut]

Glue filled heat shrink and a hot air gun not too hot