Shrink tube size for wire gage recommendations

Model Railroader Electronics and DCC
1

Hello All,

Any thoughts on shrink tube sizes for various wire gages and applications?

I’m installing decoders with 30 gage wire. I’m butt soldering two and three conductors; end to end as opposed to twisted like a wire nut.

I’m also looking at shrink tubing for LED shielding after installing the resistors.

I’ve seen shrink tubing in 1/16”, 3/32”, ⅛”, 3/16” and ¼” sizes.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

2

I’ve got 3/64 in my supply drawer. So 1/16 should be OK. You might want to get a piece or two of 3/32 too just to have. I have some of that as well but don’t use it as often.

Martin Myers

3

I get my shrink tubing at allelectronics.com. I bought a 100’ role of the size I use the most 3/16". They also have an assortment with several sizes which I might pick up too. I don’t like the assortment from Radio Shack.

4

I usually buy the assortment packs of the smaller sizes. 1/16 and 3/32 get used up the most. If you are neat with your connections, it doesn’t take a huge piece of shrink tube to fully cover up.

–Randy

5

I have tried them all, and 3/32" works best for me when just protecting soldered wire connections.

If I am trying to protect an in-line resistor, then I need to use 3/16" tubing.

I have a supply of 1/16" heat shrink tubing, but I find it too small for most applications.

Rich

6

I picked up two cases of these from Menard’s. Comes in snap-lock plastic case. Six different sizes, starting at 1/16 which you get 60x3’’ inch lengths and up to 3/8 tubing:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Gardner-Bender-3-in-Length-Assorted-Heat-Shrink-Black-Tubing-160-Kit-5-Kits-per-Case-HST-ASTB/202797328?N=5yc1vZbm9i

Menard’s also carry’s them, same thing.

E-bay has the ones I have…six different sizes in the case. I paid about the same price at Menard’s:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/291258695403?lpid=82

I never cover the resistor with heat shrink tubing…always leave it exposed,so you know what value it is, also keeps it cooler.

Take Care! [:D]

Frank

7

I used to buy that product, but it is a waste of money because the larger sizes are too big for most model railroading applications and go unused.

Rich

8

Larger sizes are great for power transformer wires in control panel, repaired lamp cords, extension cords, many item’s around everyday households, garages etc., unless of course, You don’t do that kind of work. LOL They eliminate the need for electrical tape in many applications.

Take Care! [:D]

Frank

9

I buy it this way from menards

10

That Menards product is much more economical and useful than that Home Depot product.

Rich

11

I use mostly 1/16" for the #30 wire.

If there is a little space, I cut a piece of Vero PC board for soldering wires together.

I have a heat gun. Some use a hair dryer with a tapered tube to concentrate heat into a narrow stream. Some use a soldering iron with small tip but watch out for any plastic.

Rich