But, if you are working with very thin wires or delicate components, you may want to consider a 3:1 shrinkage ratio - this will provide a tighter fit and more protection. The most common shrinkage ratios are 2:1 and 3:1, meaning that the tubing will shrink to half or one-third of its original size, respectively.įor most applications, a 2:1 shrinkage ratio is sufficient. The higher the shrinkage ratio, the more the tubing will shrink. Shrinkage ratio refers to the amount that the tubing will shrink when heated. You can always trim the tubing down to size if needed, but you can’t make it bigger once it has been cut. If you’re unsure of the size you need, it is always better to err on the side of caution and go with a larger size. This will ensure that the tubing shrinks down enough to provide a snug fit. The rule of thumb is that the tubing should be at least twice as big as the object you are trying to cover. Buying the Perfect Shrink Tubing Diameterįirst of all, you need to take into account the diameter of the tubing. Allow the tubing to cool completely before using or handling the protected object.Īnd that’s all there is to it! Using heat shrink tubing is a quick and easy way to protect your electronic devices and components from the outside world. Once you have the right size and length of tubing, simply slide it over the object you want to protect and apply heat.Again, this will vary depending on your needs, but ensuring the tubing is long enough to cover the entire area you want to be protected is crucial. Next, you need to cut the tubing to the desired length.This will vary depending on the application, but it is vital to ensure that the tubing is large enough to fit over whatever you are trying to cover. First, you must select the right tubing size for your needs.Once cooled, the tubing will remain in its new smaller form, providing a long-lasting and durable protective layer. Heat shrink tubing works by shrinking to a smaller diameter during heat exposure, allowing it to conform to the shape of whatever it covers and providing a snug fit. This can be anything from abrasion and UV damage to dust and moisture. As we mentioned, heat shrink tubing is used as a physical barrier to protect your electronic devices and components from the outside world.

Heat shrink tape