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MobilePCWe may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links. The newsroom or editorial staff was not involved in the creation of this content.Join Electrical Wires With the Best Heat Shrink Tubing
Last updated: 27 Jul 2022Do you often have to struggle connecting wires even after applying multiple layers of adhesive tape? If your answer’s yes, get your hands on the great heat shrink tubings of 2022 and overcome this issue. When exposed to heat, heat shrink tubing goes down to half or one-third of its original diameter and tightly seals the wires with no gap. It can also withstand abrasions and tears, offering a strong connection or insulation for a long time. While finding heat shrink tubing seems simple, the market is already pretty saturated with various options that can make buying one a little overwhelming. So, to help, we have introduced some of our top picks to help you select the finest product that meets your needs.Show ContentsBuying Guide: Heat Shrink Tubing
Heat Shrink Tubing vs. Adhesive Tape
- A heat shrink tubing forms a tight seal around the cables, while adhesive tape cannot offer such a good seal.
- Most heat shrink tubing packs conform according to wire shapes. On the other hand, tape leaves gaps when wrapping wires of different shapes and sizes.
- Heat shrink tubing prevents abrasions and tears, but you won’t be able to find any adhesive tape with these features.
Key Factors To Consider
Number of pieces
As heat shrink tubing packs come with varying amounts of pieces, you should get one that matches your needs. For instance, a pack of 720 items can help you complete large electrical projects where you need to set up a wired network in an entire house or large servers. A set with 275 pieces, on the other hand, is ideal for standard electrical work like repairing, soldering, insulation, and grouping. You should also ensure the tubing comes in various colors so that you can easily identify wires and cables.
Diameter range
Electrical wires, valves, connectors, and other components have varying diameters, so you cannot use a single size of heat shrink tubes to seal or connect them. This is why you must check if your chosen pack comes with tubes of different diameters or not. Also, make sure their diameter matches the requirements your project demands.
Material
Most pieces of heat shrink tubing are made of polyolefin, an extremely strong polymer that’s made to last. It is also durable and won’t form cracks or age with time, so your electrical connections will remain safe for a long while.
Adhesive
Some heat shrink tubing comes with a heat-activated adhesive lining on the internal surface. When exposed to heat, the adhesive melts and pushes out the air to form a strong, airtight seal. A good-quality adhesive should be waterproof and must not leave any gaps, even when you use the shrink tube around a bunch of wires.
Shrink ratio
The shrink ratio is defined as the ratio of the original diameter to the shrunk diameter. If a heat shrink tubing has a 2:1 shrink ratio, it will shrink to half its original size. Similarly, pieces with a 3:1 shrink ratio shrink to one-third of the size of their original diameter on heat application.
Temperature range
You must check the operating temperature range of the heat shrink tubing pack. Most products can withstand a low temperature of -58˚F and a high temperature of 248˚F on average. They can resist damage due to heat without cracking or melting over time.
Detailing Our Favorite Heat Shrink Tubings of 2022
Wirefy Heat Shrink Tubing – Best Overall
1Available in seven sizes and five colors, this pack of heat shrink tubing is excellent for color-coding wires, creating thermal insulation, protecting surfaces, and grouping loose cables. Its high shrink ratio provides a strong, flexible seal around different electrical wires. Meanwhile, its heat-activated inner adhesive lining adheres tightly to any surface and fills in the gaps to create a tight seal, making a waterproof connection.
And, with its double-walled structure, this heat shrink tubing protects the wires from abrasion and corrosion. It is also flame retardant and prevents sparks or any other electrical mishaps. Owing to its 3:1 shrink ratio, excellent adhesive strength, and variety of colors, this pack is easily the overall best on our list.
Pros
- Offers excellent rigidity
- Creates an airtight seal
- Includes 275 pieces
- Multiple sizes for versatile application
Cons
- The pack may not include ¾-inch tubing
Innhom Heat Shrink Tubing – Safest Option
2This pack of heat shrink tubing comprises 650 pieces for versatile and long-term use. And, with no heavy metal or toxic materials, it is completely safe for different electrical applications. It is also compliant with multiple safety standards like UL224 and RoHS, so you need not worry about short circuits, overloading, or any other accidents When exposed to heat (a minimum temperature of 157˚F), it quickly shrinks to half the original diameter and forms a tight seal on cables.
Best of all, this heat shrink tubing can survive exposure to extreme temperatures without cracking or catching fire. It is also highly durable, anti-aging, and resists damage from acid or alkali. On top of that, you can easily bend this tubing, owing to its soft and flexible construction.
Pros
- Doesn’t require high temperatures
- Pack includes seven sizes
- Anti-aging and durable
- Excellent tensile strength
Cons
- Might leave air gaps
Eventronic Heat Shrink Tubing – Budget-Friendly
3This affordable set of heat shrink tubing is ideal for different purposes, from bundling wires to repairing them. Made from polyolefin, it offers excellent resistance against abrasions and tears for a long time. Even better, because this tubing is flame retardant, any electrical wire connections will be safe from fire damage.
This set also features a 2:1 shrink ratio, allowing you to create strong connections while grouping wires. It is also quite strong and doesn’t break when exposed to heavy weight or tension. Thanks to its multiple diameter configurations, you can use it to cover wires of different sizes. Lastly, since this heat shrink tubing is available in five colors, this pack allows you to easily identify wires.
Pros
- Shrinks down quickly
- Safe and flexible
- Available in 12 sizes
Cons
- Isn’t waterproof
Ginsco Heat Shrink Tubing – Most Versatile
4From connecting wires to creating insulation, this versatile heat shrink tubing helps you easily complete any electrical project. It comes with 580 pieces in 11 sizes and six colors, enabling you to handle different wires, valves, and other electrical components. With a 2:1 shrink ratio, it seals the air gap by applying heat and forms a tight seal. It also lasts for a long time without cracking or melting when exposed to extreme temperatures of -67˚F to 257˚F.
The best part is that this product is made from polyolefin, which offers excellent resistance against tears, abrasions, and corrosive damages. So, your electrical connections will stay safe for a long time. For additional convenience, you’ll also get a slotted plastic case for storing these heat shrink tubes in an organized manner.
Pros
- Insulates electrical wires for maximum safety
- Carrying case for portability
- Multiple colors for classification
Cons
- Not too flexible
Koowin Heat Shrink Tubing – Largest Quantity
5If you need to insulate multiple wires or form an entirely new electrical connection, this pack with 720 pieces can make your job easy. Thanks to its 2:1 shrink ratio, this heat shrink tubing offers a strong connection between wires when heated at a temperature of 183.2˚F to 248˚F. It can also withstand extreme cold and heat without cracking or melting, allowing you to use it for various applications.
With strong and high-quality construction, this heat shrink tubing kit provides excellent insulation while keeping abrasion and corrosion at bay. Meanwhile, the storage case allows you to easily organize all the pieces based on their size for easy identification.
Pros
- Also suitable for use with USB cables
- Different sized tubes for versatile application
- Can withstand voltages of up to 200V
Cons
- Doesn’t come in different colors
People Also Asked
Can I use heat shrink tubing with a USB cable?Yes, you can use heat shrink tubing to protect a USB cable, provided the pack has a piece whose diameter matches the cable.
Will the heat shrink tubing melt if exposed to high heat?Every heat shrink tubing pack is made to withstand high heat up to a limited range. So, it won’t melt until the surface temperature increases beyond the allowable operating temperature range.
Should I use a matchstick with heat shrink tubing?Although you can use a matchstick with heat shrink tubing, it is better to go for a heat gun for better results and easier application.
The Tech Junkie Reviews Team’s product reviews and in-depth guides are here to help you choose the best tech products for work, home, and play. The content is created by The Tech Junkie Reviews Team. Tech Junkie’s editorial staff is not involved. Tech Junkie is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.