[jules]

What is the "proper" way to do this? I've always used a gas cigarette lighter which does the job but leaves unsightly soot on the job. Is there a simple alternative. [If it's  simple, great!!!]

jules

[Bob in St. Louis]

If I may be so bold, I'd like to add another question:
Are there differing qualities of heat shrink?
Meaning some that shrink more evenly (purty lookin') than others?
One of these days, I'd like to make some nice wires, but the heat shrink I've used doesn't look as nice as some I've seen. Is this the quality of heat shrink, meathod of heating, or both?

I use the "exhaust port" of my butane soldering pencil to shrink it.

Thanks Jules for letting me 'butt-in'.

Bob

[AB]

What is the "proper" way to do this? I've always used a gas cigarette lighter which does the job but leaves unsightly soot on the job. Is there a simple alternative. [If it's  simple, great!!!]

jules

Use a heat gun.

Like this;
http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1310859&cp=&sr=1&origkw=heat+gun&kw=heat+gun&parentPage=search&searchId=19895126973

[SteveH]

Heat shrink does require a technique to do it nicely without scorching the techflex etc. and getting it done evenly.

[some young guy]

If I may be so bold, I'd like to add another question:
Are there differing qualities of heat shrink?
Meaning some that shrink more evenly (purty lookin') than others?
One of these days, I'd like to make some nice wires, but the heat shrink I've used doesn't look as nice as some I've seen. Is this the quality of heat shrink, meathod of heating, or both?

I use the "exhaust port" of my butane soldering pencil to shrink it.

Thanks Jules for letting me 'butt-in'.

Bob

heat shrink tubing is manufactured from a thermoplastic materials such as polyolefin, neoprene, silicone elastomer, fluoropolymer (such as FEP, PTFE or Kynar), pvc, or viton. different materials look different. you'll also fund 4-1, 3-1 and 2-1 shrink as well as glue wall and differing thicknesses. i've been buying heatshrink from www.heatshrink.com for years and find them to have a fantastic product as well as excellent customer service. they also sell a great heat gun.

[SteveH]

heatshrink.com is also VERY expensive.

[Bob in St. Louis]

heatshrink.com is also VERY expensive.

Cool stuff on there. Can't find prices, I assume you have to call to find out?
I really like the "Home theater" package!  aa

Bob

[jules]

Wow ... what a range of applications/types. There's even a glow in the dark one for bike cables!

Thanks for the help everyone

jules

[JoshK]

your wife's hairdryer works just the same if you don't have a heat gun.  Heat guns are a bit more efficient at getting it done but hairdryers on the low setting work too.

I've always used the 3M brand of heatshrink because that is what the pro parts shop I frequent carries.  I haven't gotten so ambitious as to listen to differences in HS.