An alternative to heat-shrink tubing

[RedBaronX]

I was out picking up some electrical wire and solder, and saw a product some might be interested. I have not actually tried any of this since I already have shrink tubing, but if you don't have a heat gun, using this will look better on soldered connections than just wrapped tape.

Liquid Tape

 

[MikeJ]

Yes, this liquid tape works pretty good. It is about as aromatic as airplane glue, so use with ventilation. If you use flux with a solder joint (this makes for great solder connections), clean the flux off well. Rubbing alcohol is a good solvent, use vodka if you don't have rubbing alcohol.

 

[ibdennyak]

Yup, great stuff. For bullet proof connections in really nasty conditions (implement trailers, boat trailers backed into salt water, etc) I solder, use liquid tape, and then heat shrink. Can't remember a bad connection since doing that.

Red, you don't need a heat gun for the shrink wrap, a propane torch, lighter, or even a kitchen match will work. Never tried a hair drier, although that would probably work too.

 

[goodtime65]

I use hockey tape and than coat it with the liquid tape. It soaks right into the tape and makes a nice sealed connection that will not come loose

 

[RedBaronX]

Red, you don't need a heat gun for the shrink wrap, a propane torch, lighter, or even a kitchen match will work. Never tried a hair drier, although that would probably work too.

I did a couple shrink tubes with just a lighter, so I know it works like that. I don't have a heat gun either, actually, but I just assumed that it would be easier than trying to point fire where you want it... I've got a couple torch lighters, though.

Hair dryers don't get hot enough. Heat shrink tubing is resistant to heat up to a minimum of about 350 F... I don't know how hot hair dryers are, but they don't go up to cookie-baking temperatures

 

[Dave C]

I just use the soldering iron and rub it up and down the heatshrink tube.

There's another product that might be of use if you can find any and thats self-vulcanizing tape. It comes in a roll with a layer of clear tape you take off then apply. The tape bonds to itself and after a while good luck with taking it back off. It's made for waterproofing submersible well pump electrical connections:helmet:

 

[RedBaronX]

There's another product that might be of use if you can find any and thats self-vulcanizing tape.

that's very logical, Captain.

 

[DuctTapedGoat]

While liquid tape is the topic - have you used wire glue? It's the same premise as liquid electrical tape - but it's conductive.

 

[RedBaronX]

While liquid tape is the topic - have you used wire glue? It's the same premise as liquid electrical tape - but it's conductive.

haven't even heard of it... would it be an alternative to soldering a connection if it is conductive?

 

[DuctTapedGoat]

Exactly what it does, it works fairly well - nice for a quick fix.