How to Apply Heat-Shrink Tubing

Heat-shrink tubing, or heat shrink, is an excellent item to keep on hand if you make even minor electrical repairs. From splicing together an accidentally mown outdoor extension cord to repairing an antique light fixture, heat shrink is up to the job. It works better than and in place of electrical tape and is simple to use. In addition to being an electrical insulator, it also protects wires from weather, abrasions and day-to-day wear.

• 1

  Strip 1/4 inch of plastic coating from the two wire ends that will be spliced. Trim any stray strands of wire using the wire cutters. Twist each end of the bare wire to create a rope-like strand.

• 2

  Cut a piece of heat shrink tubing that will allows for at least 1/4-inch overlap at either end. Slide the heat shrink over one of the bare wire ends, sliding it down far enough that all the bare wire is exposed.

• 3

  Twist one bare wire strand into another so you end up with one large, continual piece of wire with a bare metal area. Ensure the bare area is compact and tightly wound to ensure the heat shrink can slide over it. Apply solder to the bare wire if desired, using the hot soldering iron and the solder. Melt off any excess solder.

• 4

  Slide the heat shrink tubing over the bare wire area, centering it. Make sure the entire bare area is covered and that the tubing overlaps the existing plastic coating by at least 1/4 inch on either side.

• 5

  Apply heat to the tubing with the heat gun, starting at one end of the tubing and slowly moving to the other end. Rotate the wire gently to ensure all areas of the tubing melt equally. Continue until the tubing has shrunk snugly over the wires and cannot move.