Heat for Heat Shrink Newbie

[Mark]

I need to do some heat shrink sleeving for a friend for the first time. What's the best thing to use to heat the sleeving ? I've seen electric hair dryer/paint stripper type guns - Maplin do a 2kW one for just over £20. I've also seen small butane torches that run on lighter fuel on eBay for under £10. Any advice would be welcome.

Thanks

Mark

[Greg.]

Generally I use a short blast from a Black and Decker heat (paint stripping) gun. Hair dryers are more gentle so you have more time to work on the shrinkage but you may not get the full shrinkage you desire depending on the properties of the shrinking component you are heating. Butane torches are equally effective but probably very fast on heat application. All your suggested options will work. You need to suck and see what you like to use best. You can't go wrong with the careful use of DIY heat gun.

[pre65]

I also use a Black & Decker paint stripper hot air gun, cos I have one.

I have tried miniature gas torches but prefer the hot air type. Not tried hair driers because I don't have (or need) one.

[bob orbell]

Are we to take it that you wear a syrup then Philip.

[pre65]

Originally Posted by bob orbell

Are we to take it that you wear a syrup then Philip.

Oh no, not a syrup.

Just a general lack of thatch, and what's left gets a number 1 every couple of weeks (in the summer) so when wet a 3 second rub with a towel soon dries it.

[Clive]

Not the best thing but you can use the side of you soldering iron bit, the thicker part which covers the element. It may mark the heatshrink a little but it's effective and free.

[vinylspinner]

Heat gun for me also, Wickes and BQ do some cheap ones at about £15 each, all it takes is a quick short blast, just take care if you are using fancy braiding over the cable, it will melt easily if too hot.

Nigel

[Shane]

I use a hairdryer, but it's only just hot enough, so I often have to block the inlet airflow to over-heat it a little. Probably not very good for the hairdryer.

[Dik Dolan]

I just use a cigarette lighter. Makes a mess of white heatshrink though, unless you like the sooty look=)