Help - Looking for Heat Shrink without Adhesive

wdlvwdlv · « **on:** 4 Nov 2020, 04:55 pm »

Hello,

I'm looking at possibly making my own cables or if I chose to not follow that road I may want to bind two singular cables together with heat shrink. Note, heat shrink with adhesive makes for more of a permanent bond, I'd ideally like to make a secure bond but by no means something permanent.

When looking online at least on Amazon, all of the heat shrink stock seems to come with adhesive. How do I know if the heat shrink has adhesive? If not purchasing on Amazon, where should I look? Note, this is strictly for hobby so, I will not be buying huge volumes.

Thanks in advance,
Walt

Peter J · « **Reply #1 on:** 4 Nov 2020, 05:17 pm »

Walt, in my experience, heat shrink tubing without adhesive is the normal, but I've never shopped for it on Amazon. A quick Google netted this:

https://www.heatshrink.com/content/products.asp

Any number of electronic supply places or wire suppliers should be able to provide. Mouser, Del City etc.

ArthurDent · « **Reply #2 on:** 4 Nov 2020, 05:19 pm »

Most any real hardware store will have varieties of heat shrink tubing in their electrical dept, and Home Depot shows it. Unless specifically noted as having an adhesive layer for special waterproof applications, that I'm aware of, most don't. I do see what you're talking about on Azon though. Best option is to talk to your local hardware store folks.

+1 to Peter J's experience.

wdlvwdlv · « **Reply #3 on:** 4 Nov 2020, 05:41 pm »

Quote from: Peter J on 4 Nov 2020, 05:17 pm

Walt, in my experience, heat shrink tubing without adhesive is the normal, but I've never shopped for it on Amazon. A quick Google netted this:

https://www.heatshrink.com/content/products.asp

Any number of electronic supply places or wire suppliers should be able to provide. Mouser, Del City etc.

I will definitely follow-up on this if I decide to order online. Thanks.

Quote from: ArthurDent on 4 Nov 2020, 05:19 pm

Most any real hardware store will have varieties of heat shrink tubing in their electrical dept, and Home Depot shows it.

+1 to Peter J's experience.

I appreciate this response as well, I've got Home Depot and Lowes plus local Ace Hardware stores to check out. I figure I can't go wrong with one of those. Strangely it did not occur to me to check these places out in the first place… Thank you.

richidoo · « **Reply #4 on:** 4 Nov 2020, 06:34 pm »

3M FP-301 heat shrink tubing is available is small quantities from Mouser Electronics. It has no internal adhesive and comes in several colors.

https://www.mouser.com/3M/Heat-Shrink-Tubing-and-Sleeves/FP-301-Series/_/N-1z0zp4dZ5ggzZ1z0vrwt

https://www.mouser.com/datasheet/2/1/3M_3f_Heat_Shrink_Tubing_FP_301___Data_Sheet___78_-30939.pdf

There is another product called "tech flex" which speaker cable makers use for the outer layer of speaker cables to protect and make it look a little better. I don't know who makes it or how it's spelled.

JakeJ · « **Reply #5 on:** 4 Nov 2020, 09:32 pm »

Richidoo! I'm surprised at that response.

https://www.techflex.com/

Escott1377 · « **Reply #6 on:** 5 Nov 2020, 01:55 pm »

I buy my tech flex and heat shrink in bulk from Wire Care. If you are only looking for a few pieces, search Amazon for this:

Ginsco 270Pcs 3:1 Shrink Ratio Dual Wall Adhesive Lined Heat Shrink Tubing

It is inexpensive and ships Prime if you are a member. IMO, it is superior to what I have found at the Depot, Lowe’s, etc.

Pulling it off cables is easy with a pair of snips or even kitchen scissors. I never even noticed the Amazon option is labeled as adhesive.

I know a lot of people use a lighter to shrink the stuff, but a heat shrink gun will save some burnt fingertips if you are doing it over and over.

Good luck and have fun!