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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

Shrink Tubing Heat Gun

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Hi,

Although you folks probable know about this mini heat gun, but for those who never used one it's a great asset to us builders. I know most of us just rub the tip of the iron over the tubing to shrink it. But with this it doesn't burn or get any solder on the tubing, a nice clean job and it won't heat the solder joint under the tubing. You can get this at any craft store, many of you most likely have one built into your soldering station. But those who don't this is the ticket to a nice clean job. It shrinks all size tubing around any size wire, Well i figured i would throw this the mix. Now a few pics...

Rich:)
 

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diachi

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Cool! Looks like a handy little tool.

Just to throw in another option that works rather well (with enough power), at least on black shrink wrap, LASERS! :D
 
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Hi Diachi,
This will work on the tough stuff to any size or color. I'll do a few builds over the week end were getting a big snow here so i'll have some time to use it and post. Thanks for looking at it.

Rich:)

@ FU,
Thought so to no more burning or wondering if the tubing will hold on tight. Thanks pal for checking it out ..

Rich:)
 
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Like many others, I use a lighter. Costs 25 cents, does a fine job, is reliable, is available everywhere, requires no electrical power, and is of course very small and portable.
 
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About half the time I am one step above a lighter = propane torch because of larger connections/wraps. You cannot dilly dally though. You have to fan the tip back and forth rather quickly.
I have used a heat gun many times though also and you are right Rich, a heat gun is a very handy tool to use. No mess and no burn marks or holes unless you hold it in one spot for a long time as some heat guns do get very, very hot!
 
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Hi Chick,
Hey i used the small butane torches once , it worked great like you said you have to be swift with applying the heat. When i used the tip of the iron i would get some traces os solder on the shrink as clean as the tip i could get. And you are correct about holding it to long in one spot it will melt the shrink. That's why i tested it a few times to get the feel for it.
But i still use a lighter to light some candles when i'm in the hot tub after a hard days work.
Thank you Chick for your reply on this much appreciated..

Rich:)
 
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Not sure if anyone else does this, but I usually just use the heat from my soldering iron to heat up the tubing. I just put it right underneath so the heat rises onto the tubing. :)
 
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Hi Elec P,

I did that with all my builds up to now yes it works great but i always either burnt or the shrink didn't shrink evenly for me . Hey you a better man than me i see at this, sometimes i'm a little spastic you got it down pat my brother. Thank you for the response pal awesome.

Rich:)
 
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Hi Elec P,

I did that with all my builds up to now yes it works great but i always either burnt or the shrink didn't shrink evenly for me . Hey you a better man than me i see at this, sometimes i'm a little spastic you got it down pat my brother. Thank you for the response pal awesome.

Rich:)

True, it's not the best way to do it but it does work! :D I also have a pair of one of those helping hands sets, which does indeed help a lot. It's not for all people to use this method, some soldering irons might not even be strong enough! Mine is 80W which gives off a nice speedy heat-up for the heat shrink, I never touched the tubing with the iron to make sure it doesn't burn, but I did have to do a little make-shift spinning to get it to evenly shrink. Good for me, too lazy to go out and get a lighter :p Cheers man!

-Sean
 
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Bics are OK but I like the long butanes for lighting grills etc-or that cheap nearly worthless soldering iron I got LONG ago it does not solder well but shrinks the tubes very neatly and quickly..

never had any solder heat up either- I move it too fast for that to happen--
 
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Hi Hak,
I'm always trying something new and trying to get better results all the time. your a seasoned veteran i get a little antsy so i try not to screw up the works. Cost to much in this hobby i'm a sap for gadgets but if they workout it's a plus for me. I like to figure things out first before i have to ask for help as a last resort. Why thank you so much for checking out my thread honored buddy..

Rich:)
 
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happy anytime to help anyone..

I will be 69 next july and even if I try VERY hard -I learn at least one new thing everyday..

still looking for a new GF..
wore the last one out..

hak
 
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[/U Hi ,Hak
Your always a help when you check out my thread Pal. Gives me encouragement to do better
Hey ill be 57 next month and i wouldn't change a thing loving it. Well i might change a few LOL.. Hey about you finding a GF there's a saying i use ( There's a lid for every pot ) be patient happy hunting brother..
Oh i read your post on AixiZ and it blew me away tons of info about an awesome company that i didn't know about. i'm always hungry for solid info and that was tops pal . Just responded to that one.

Rich:)
 
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I use my breath to shrink the tubing, :crackup:

Jk lol, I put it under over a heater and it automatically shrinks itself over some time.


Thanks
 
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