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Favorite shrink tubing?
- Thread starter bigcat93
- Start date
atwoodnative
Member
I bought some at Harbor Freight if you have one of those near you. 8' for something like $2-3. Seems okay but not heavy duty.
Why don’t you want adhesive backed? For putting over line I like that, holds it more securely. For making electrical cables and such keeps the water out.
this in whatever size you need to fit over your rope. It sticks and adds a nice bit of mass to the end of the rope.
Personally, for 99% of my stuff, I prefer adhesive lined... If you're not looking for clear, I would also throw this criteria out there: double-wall, and 3:1 or 4:1 shrink ratio. I have switched to the adhesive-lined clear rubbery stuff for most rope work anymore, either from Wespur or Arbsession.
Think of hot glue. If you're putting it on metal, it's not much more difficult to remove than regular, and no mess left behind...
Buy it by the length, not the pre-cut pieces, unless you're doing a lot of little stuff (wire connections, etc.).
Non adhesive lined. 3:1 shrink ratio or larger if you can find it. Have used it for everything from climbing stick main posts and steps to tree stands. Bought a heat gun along the way.
To encourage the SH effect, I’ll add this: Never thought I’d have much use for a glorified $45 hair dryer but it really works well for many things! Pick one up!
To encourage the SH effect, I’ll add this: Never thought I’d have much use for a glorified $45 hair dryer but it really works well for many things! Pick one up!
Definitely recommend a heat gun...
Knotorious
Active Member
Heat guns for shrink tubing go together like ketchup and fries. Don't mess around with a hair dryer...you'll never quite meet the proper heat level.
Key factors affecting shrink speed:
Important points to remember:
Key factors affecting shrink speed:
- Shrink ratio: Higher shrink ratios (e.g., 3:1) indicate a larger diameter reduction when heated, which can appear as a faster shrink, but the actual time might be similar to a lower ratio tubing.
- Material type: Different materials like polyolefin or PVC have different shrink temperatures and speeds.
- Wall thickness: Thicker walled tubing will take longer to shrink completely.
Important points to remember:
- Heat source matters:
Applying too little heat will result in incomplete shrinkage, while excessive heat can damage the tubing or the item being covered.
- Even heat distribution:
For consistent shrinking, ensure the heat source is evenly applied across the tubing.
- Check manufacturer specifications:
Always consult the datasheet for the specific shrink tubing you are using to determine the optimal shrink temperature and time.
- Joined
- Feb 4, 2021
- Messages
- 5,447
What are you using it for? If it’s for a tether to cover the seen eye, you want adhesive backed. Otherwise any ol cheap stuff from Home Depot or harbor freight will do
Nevermind I see it’s for your platform… summit has replacement tubing for the climber straps they sell. It’s great for a thin tubing just for noise dampening
Nevermind I see it’s for your platform… summit has replacement tubing for the climber straps they sell. It’s great for a thin tubing just for noise dampening
Iron_llama
Well-Known Member
I generally just get whatever they have at Menards or Ace. I think it's Gardner Bender. Heavy-duty adhesive-lined is my preference. But I also have a few of the Hyper Tough kits from Walmart and they work just fine.
If you're heat-shrinking the ends of ropes, I use an "overkill whipping". Use a heavy-duty needle (I prefer sailmaker's needles) to stitch a whipping through the line. Put enough wraps to form a knob for the heat shrink to key on to. I use an extra-long piece of heat shrink, about 1.25" or so. Leave it about 1/16" or so past the end of the line, to form a little cup after it's shrunk. Fill the cup (carefully!) with superglue, this will soak about 1/4" into the end of the line. The end result is a dully- pointed "needle" that makes tying knots a bit easier. And stays on no matter what. With the superglue, it doesn't matter whether ot not rhe heat shrink has an adhesive lining.
If you're heat-shrinking the ends of ropes, I use an "overkill whipping". Use a heavy-duty needle (I prefer sailmaker's needles) to stitch a whipping through the line. Put enough wraps to form a knob for the heat shrink to key on to. I use an extra-long piece of heat shrink, about 1.25" or so. Leave it about 1/16" or so past the end of the line, to form a little cup after it's shrunk. Fill the cup (carefully!) with superglue, this will soak about 1/4" into the end of the line. The end result is a dully- pointed "needle" that makes tying knots a bit easier. And stays on no matter what. With the superglue, it doesn't matter whether ot not rhe heat shrink has an adhesive lining.