Cheap tools for shrinking heat shrink tubing - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: adam1213
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2013, 10:10:27 pm
content: How well do cheap heat guns work for shrinking heat shrink tubing?e.g. how well might this $35 one work?http://www.bunnings.com.au/products_product_heat-gun-ozito-2000w-var-temp-ozhg2000wak_P6290113.aspxAlternatively how well do hair dryer work? I might be able to borrow one for this purpose - though not sure if a hair dryer is in the right temperature range for this.

author: DavidDLC
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2013, 10:11:18 pm
content: I just saw a Ben Heck video using a lighter to do this, you may want to try.David.

author: ve7xen
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2013, 10:12:51 pm
content: I've used a hairdryer. Not quite as hot as a heat gun, but it's hot enough to work. Cigarette lighter works too but it's pretty easy to burn the heatshrink this way, also often leaves soot on nearby insulation. Not my favourite way.I use this cheap one that I got on sale for $10. It works fine, though stank up the place the first couple times I used it...:http://www.princessauto.com/pal/product/8259210/Dial-%26-Switch-Controls/Electric-Heat-Gun

author: PaulAm
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2013, 10:20:11 pm
content: I use a little mini propane torch with a builtin igniter. A few quick flicks and the stuff is shrunk. No soot.Course, you don't want the flame to linger on anything for any length of time.

author: jeroen74
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 08, 2013, 10:30:06 pm
content: Use a heatgun, it's the proper tool for it. Especially if you use hot melt lined shrink tubing.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2013, 12:12:23 am
content: A hot air gun like the ones used for paintstripping is fineas long asit has a power control, as full power is nearer to "Incinerate" than "Shrink"

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2013, 12:42:01 am
content: Most hot air guns have two settings. The lower is ideal for heat-shrink tubing. I use the high setting to get the BBQ started within 5 minutes.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2013, 01:15:41 am
content: i just use a small butane blowtorch. Ya just have to keep the right distance or you char grill the wires

author: Alana
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2013, 01:20:12 am
content: I already have hot air rework station so this is my main tool for heatsrinks. But before i got it simple cigar lighter was more than OK, especially when i tweaked it a bit to have longer flame.

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2013, 03:17:17 am
content: Sparkfun Heaterizer XL-3000 (aka random no-name Chinese heat gun re-badged and sold through Sparkfun). Seriously, it's $10USD. It gets hot enough to rework SMD too if you get really close and wait a while. Sparkfun made their own box and instruction sheet, which are really funny, so check that out. I got one just as a cheap add-on while checking out one time. Turns out I used it all the time. Perfect for heat shrink.https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10326

author: adam1213
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2013, 03:28:40 am
content: Thank you for all the suggestions.I might try using a flame (e.g. lighter / candle) at this stage.If I was to get a hot air gun it would need to be suited for use in Australia e.g. ~240v.

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2013, 04:20:04 am
content: I went to a local craft store and bought one for doing Embossing. Works fine on heat shrink. I have a hot air station now but still use this cheap one most of the time. $15 U.S.http://www.widgetsupply.com/product/XSS8-1199-10.html?gclid=CM3U7aCvqLUCFYdT4AodZmoAqAI'm sure most craft stores carry them.

author: Rerouter
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2013, 04:41:02 am
content: at my work i have to use a-lot of heat-shrink, and i also use a small butane lighter, as a recommendation, if you really want your joints to last, look into "double wall" or "adhesive lined" heat-shrink, the glue activates at the same temp the stuff shrinks and it makes a very very good seal, and even after years in a hot engine compartment i have never seen it swell and fail,

author: amspire
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2013, 04:51:12 am
content: I have a temp controlled hot air gun, but most of the time, I use a gas soldering torch with a hot air attachment. The actual one I got was from Aldi so it probably cost $20-$30 - I doubt I would have paid more.With the hot air attachment, there is no flame at the nozzle. It is near instantaneous, it is compact so I can move it around the wire easily, it needs no electricity, and the torch can also solder so it is great for quick field repairs.The maximum air temp from the hot air nozzle of the torch is 500 degC, but is is easy to turn the gas down for 350 degC at the nozzle and 130degC at a distance of 2cm. By regulating the distance of the torch from the heatshrink, there is no risk burning of wires or heatshrink.The temperatures needed to shrink heatshrink goes from about 90degC for polyolefin, 100 deg for PVC up to 250 degC for Teflon TFE.I have also used the very cheap "Gas Soldering Pencil Torch" that you can get on ebay for $3 inc postage, but they do have a significant flame, they have no igniter and the gas flow control is very erratic.

author: nukie
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2013, 06:27:47 am
content: Check out butane powered Iroda flameless hot air gun, there are also a lot of cheaper cloneshttp://www.pro-iroda.com/MJ600.htmhttp://www.pro-iroda.com/MJ950.htmThis might not be cheap but it has lasted me quite a while, size and portability is a plus. For me, it work out to be quite cheap in the long run. I used to char heatshrinks with butane micro jets, I learn how to move the flame quickly to avoid the problem but these offer better control.SMD hotairgun takes a while to heat up, and thermal cycling reduce the heater life. These are really instant and I use them for what they are built for. A great tool indeed if you deal with heatshrink regularly.

author: jaqie
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2013, 06:48:21 am
content: proper practiced usage of a standard disposable butane lighter will never burn or char quality heatshrink tubing, and any soot that is deposited on it is easily removed with a damp paper towel.Very cheap, completely portable, ubiquitous, totally non-harmful to target materials, and completely economical in every way. I personally see nothing better than this for this use...

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2013, 12:43:33 pm
content: Quote from: adam1213 on February 09, 2013, 03:28:40 amGet one from Bunnings ,they're so cheap it's not worth trying to get one online.They are a bit hotter than the ones expressly sold for this use,but you just have to cut the time you heat the tubing a bit.A hairdryer works OK,but takes longer.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2013, 06:17:24 pm
content: Quote from: SLJ on February 09, 2013, 04:20:04 amThis. I have one too for the same purpose. The craft store embossing heat guns are smaller and more precise than the bigger and more powerful paint stripping guns.

author: Jon Chandler
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2013, 07:03:16 pm
content: Another vote for the embossing heat tool.Here's a link to many available on Amazon for about $20:http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=heat+gun+embossing&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=16980624707&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1628509379480396236&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&ref=pd_sl_2gz6am3nz9_b

author: Mediarocker
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2013, 07:05:17 pm
content: Personally, I just use a butane torch. I can direct the heat where it needs to go easily, but sometimes when I'm out of fuel or can't seem to find my torch I just use a lighter. I keep both in my bench.

author: Rick Law
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2013, 07:50:33 pm
content: I used to use a hair drier. I don't like the hot air blowing on other electronic parts which prefer to be cool; (and most of all, my hands. Heat guns pump out too much heat). These days, I prefer to use a cigarette lighter. Quick and convenient.As to burning and soot darkening other wires (or the color tubing), I came up with an easy way to avoid that: I wrap the tubing area with a small piece of aluminum foil before applying the flame to it. There is no soot and reduce (not eliminate) the chance of burning the wire.Make sure the foil wraps at least once around, or the flame can get in between the wrappings and burn the wire.Very portable, very cheap, very quick, and very convenient.

author: Spawn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2013, 08:51:19 pm
content: Quote from: jaqie on February 10, 2013, 06:48:21 amCan't agree more, we use Wurth heat shrink tubes at work and it comes with a butane lighter, I don't see any problem using a lighter:See here

author: david77
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2013, 10:23:23 pm
content: The cigarette lighter method works good for me, too. You have to keep moving the lighter, don't stay under one section of the tube too long or it wil start to melt. Also don't touch your work with the naked flame as this will leave soot.I recommend BIC lighters, they're superior in any way to cheap brands.

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2013, 10:32:16 pm
content: I've used lighters but the embossing heat guns can be used at any angle. It's sometimes tough using a BIC lighter inside a chassis and close to other components.I have a new Weller portable butane soldering iron with a heat shield for heat shrinking but have not tried it yet. It's about $45 though but it is a nice working soldering iron.

author: Spawn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2013, 11:12:42 pm
content: Quote from: SLJ on February 10, 2013, 10:32:16 pmI got the old blue and the new red one SLJ, the thing is, it too much hassle to change the nozzle every time specially if you are outside and just used the soldering iron and want to shrink, the soldering is too hot to take out.

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 10, 2013, 11:45:18 pm
content: Quote from: Spawn on February 10, 2013, 11:12:42 pmI agree. The embossing heat gun is easy to use. Probably will never use the heat shrink adapter on the butane soldering iron unless I'm out in the middle of nowhere with no power and no lighter.

author: poorchava
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2013, 08:45:50 am
content: I'm using 3 different things depending on which one is at hand:-harbor freight style pen torch like this one:http://www.harborfreight.com/pencil-torch-94185.html-850D hor air station-ordinary lighterLighter is the worst, because it leaves black residue on the heatshrink.

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2013, 02:39:45 pm
content: I just use my Hakko 850 hot air station. Nice and precise.

author: Rick Law
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2013, 06:30:43 pm
content: Quote from: poorchava on February 11, 2013, 08:45:50 amUse some typical food wrapping aluminum foil. I wrap a bit of it around the tubed area, just enough to completely loop around the tubing. No soot, no blackening.It doesn't solve the burning/melting of the wire if you overheat. If you stay in one area for too long, the cabling can melt, but the soot/blackening problem is certainly solved.Rick

author: Mediarocker
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2013, 10:11:25 pm
content: Quote from: poorchava on February 11, 2013, 08:45:50 amI used to have that happen until I learned how to distance the flame from my work.

author: Jon Chandler
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2013, 11:38:23 pm
content: Wow, so many people stuck on a lighter or torch...Raychem, the people who make much of the heatshrink tubing in question, recommend aheat gun.But you don't have to spend over a hundred bucks to get the Raychem recommended unit. Wagner makes a heat gun that works very well for less than $30 that's evenavailable at WalMart.The heat guns for embossing are nearly identical to the Wagner unit, and can be had for $20 or less.No burnt tubing to worry about.

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 11, 2013, 11:57:19 pm
content: I got a 220V Atten 858D for 20 bucks. Enough said

author: Mediarocker
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2013, 03:13:55 am
content: Quote from: Jon Chandler on February 11, 2013, 11:38:23 pmWell, not really stuck on it. Just granting that this discussion is about cheap tools for HS tubing, I find that a lighter is a cheap as it gets. Works all the time in remote situations and does not require a power source to be nearby.With that being said, in the even of use on a bench or if there are large amounts of HS to do, I would prefer and recommend a heat gun.That being said I do prefer a heatgun over a lighter, but in my experience a lot of my work is done in the field and I don't always have mains to plug in to. So cheapest option with most flexibility goes to a torch/lighter in my opinion.

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2013, 10:25:59 pm
content: I mostly use an adjustable heat hot air gun sometimes a micro butane blow torch and in a jam just holding the soldering iron a couple of mm away will do the trick.

author: The_Penguin
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2013, 10:03:44 pm
content: Am I the only one who just uses the side of my soldering iron?I don't use the tip 'cause I don't want to leave bits of solder on the heatshrink.

author: Rick Law
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2013, 10:24:38 pm
content: Quote from: The_Penguin on February 21, 2013, 10:03:44 pmNope - you are not alone. Great minds think alike.I dislike occasional black soot with the lighter. Some time ago, I tried using my soldering iron. That and it didn't work out well for me - Soldering iron's wire get tangled with the wire the tubing is on, so forth.So I went back to the cigarette lighter method. One time, an idea struck me and I try it out - using a tiny piece of aluminum foil to wrap it before applying lighter-flame to avoid black marks and soot. That worked so well I have not use other method since. (That I am a smoker means I usually have a lighter on me... That factored into it too, I suppose.)

author: amspire
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2013, 04:00:45 am
content: I was at Aldi's today (Australia) and I noticed they had a good quality butane Soldering Iron/Hot air torch for about $34. That is probably under half the price of similar butane torches.

author: peter.mitchell
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2013, 05:50:51 am
content: I use a weller butane soldering irons' exhaust/regulator hole, it is the prefect heat and heats up quick.

author: adam1213
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2013, 02:43:54 am
content: I just tried using a lighter for shrinking heat shrink and it worked out well. Though applied too much heat to part of the heat shrink on the first wire I did. Most of the black marks wiped off with paper towelling. Next time I will try using aluminium foil as suggested by Rick LawThe_Penguin.

author: kaptain_zero
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2013, 03:30:51 am
content: I have a similar unit, sold by the local electronics shop... The one I have, has a different label, but it's the same blue color, same shape and same nozzle and it works just fine for heat shrink purposes. Mine is marked "HG-300D" HEAT GUN and has two heat settings. I have mine plugged into the mains and whenever I need to shrink something, I just grab it, hit the switch and shrink to my hearts content and then turn it off again. Low power is fine most of the time, unless I'm in a hurry or it's a large section of heat shrink. I wish for nothing else in the heat shrink dept.RegardsChristianQuote from: SLJ on February 09, 2013, 04:20:04 am

author: Rufus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2013, 04:05:29 am
content: Quote from: adam1213 on March 03, 2013, 02:43:54 amA lighter is fine for wires where you have enough access (like your photograph).Use a moderately large flame and engulf the sleeve in the bottom (blue part) of it. That heats the sleeve all round and no soot.

author: mathsquid
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2013, 12:54:02 pm
content: I usethisheat gun from harbor freight.

author: The_Penguin
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2013, 05:01:18 am
content: Quote from: adam1213 on March 03, 2013, 02:43:54 amWasn't me. I'm the guy who uses the side of my soldering iron

author: westfw
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2013, 05:07:51 am
content: The ideal tool would be got enough to shrink the tubing, without actually melting the PVC insulation on most wires... If that's even possible. :-(

author: JuKu
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2013, 08:59:37 am
content: Quote from: adam1213 on February 08, 2013, 10:10:27 pmPerfectly.

author: goesfast
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 11, 2013, 04:23:41 am
content: For me, a cheap gas station thumb lighter works just fine. Just remember not to hold it too close or it will burn and get soot on the tubing. If your careful it doesn't burn the cable insulation.

author: The_Penguin
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2013, 02:19:16 am
content: Quote from: The_Penguin on February 21, 2013, 10:03:44 pmWell, I may never do that again anywhere near my workbench.Today I was making some cables, and had to shrink a piece on a small connector that I couldn't really get to properly with my iron.I thought I'd try me (relatively) new hot air SMD station.Holy crap does that work well!!To paraphrase our fearless leader, It's the duck's guts!

author: David_AVD
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2013, 03:01:01 am
content: We use heat guns (paint strippers) here at work. They are about $30 or so for a reasonable unit that's not too noisy to use many times a day.

author: gnif
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 15, 2013, 03:23:56 am
content: Quote from: The_Penguin on March 15, 2013, 02:19:16 amI found exactly the same, set it to about 100-150C and the result is awesome. I also have found that it works great when making semi-potted things. Just insert the finished product into the heatshink, get a stick of hot-glue and cut it all up into small bits and pack in around the part... then heat it with the hot air, and once all melted inside, use some tweezers to pinch shut the end of the heat-shrink before it cools. You end up with a very professional looking well sealed device ready for putting outdoors/in your fish tank, etc. And it is cheaper then buying the heat shrink with the glue in it already.

author: SteigsdB
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2013, 08:15:08 pm
content: Quote from: Rufus on March 03, 2013, 04:05:29 am

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2013, 08:51:33 pm
content: All this lighter talk does seem a little puzzling. It's like telling people to use a blade screwdriver as a chisel. I mean ya it works kind of, but it's not the first thing you recommend to people.There are so many good hot air solutions that really don't cost much and work WAY better.

author: kripton2035
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2013, 09:30:05 pm
content: proxxon does a nice small heat gun perfect for this - it's not the cheaper anyway. the MH550 around 30 euros.details :http://www.proxxon.com/eng/html/27130.php

author: SteigsdB
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2013, 10:27:15 pm
content: Quote from: Smokey on March 15, 2013, 08:51:33 pmIf I was doing some kind of production run or shrinking up all the pins on a MASS connector, I'd reach for the heat gun.If I just need to zip a couple pieces, out comes the lighter. It's just way easier/faster for me.

author: Rufus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2013, 10:59:38 pm
content: Quote from: Smokey on March 15, 2013, 08:51:33 pmFor jobs where you have suitable access a lighter produces results as good as any other solution. Additionally a lighter is dirt cheap, portable, very small, and very fast. With a lighter I could shrink sleeves on 3 bits of wire before you even plugged in a hot air gun never mind wait for it to warm up.

author: peter.mitchell
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 26, 2013, 03:52:21 pm
content: Quote from: Smokey on March 15, 2013, 08:51:33 pmNo way, flat head screwdrivers and a nice big pair of pliers to use as a hammer and you're set!

author: ConKbot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 26, 2013, 04:49:45 pm
content: Quote from: Smokey on March 15, 2013, 08:51:33 pmThen get a butane micro torch, since thats designed for heating stuff and not just lighting a cigand even faster then a lighter.

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 26, 2013, 09:40:36 pm
content: Quote from: peter.mitchell on March 26, 2013, 03:52:21 pmI recommend large vice-grips(tm) as they have a big flat(ish) side and some heft. Channel locks also work in a pinch

author: americanhacker1
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 30, 2013, 04:06:31 am
content: I tend to just use a bbq lighter when the iron isn't hot but don't put the heat shrink in the orange flame if you don't want it all sooty just hover the piece over the lighter it will just use the heat from the flam not the flame its self its much better unless your iron is heated to then by all means just crank it up and clean your tip and it will be perfect

author: peter.mitchell
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 30, 2013, 05:39:24 am
content: On portable butane soldering irons, the catalyst often exhausts very hot air, which I use - I don't use an iron, as I often solder terminals to batteries, so if the iron goes through the shrink, I may short the battery.