madbeanpedals::forum

Projects => How Do I? Beginner's Paradise. => Topic started by: greyscales on February 24, 2012, 12:59:02 PM

Title: Heatshrink
Post by: greyscales on February 24, 2012, 12:59:02 PM
Obviously this is a pretty wide open question, but it's one that doesn't get discussed much.

Where do you all source heatshrink and what size do you use?

A lot of the more professional builds use it, and it is something I want to start using.
Title: Re: Heatshrink
Post by: Haberdasher on February 24, 2012, 01:03:32 PM
If there's a fry's near you they have loads of it in lots of different sizes and colors.  That's where I usually gets mines.
Lowe's has it in black in much shorter sections, like in a pack.
Radioshack even has packs of it but of course quite overpriced.
Title: Re: Heatshrink
Post by: Om_Audio on February 24, 2012, 03:36:01 PM
+1 on what size?
thx
C
Title: Re: Heatshrink
Post by: lloyd17 on February 24, 2012, 04:45:36 PM
harbor freight is cheap for shrink tube
Title: Re: Heatshrink
Post by: Haberdasher on February 24, 2012, 05:19:32 PM
the stuff I have isn't labeled and I no longer have the packaging.  I'd get some 1/8 and 1/4 & see what you like to use.  The 1/8 might be a little tight for some things but just right for the smaller lugs of dc jacks, say.  In fact the 1/8 will probably be too small for most things so maybe just try 1/4.  it's just going to be a preference thing I guess, sorry i don't have more info.

if you want to make the pot condoms I think you use 5/8 (16mm), which I can't find in stores.  you'd have to hit ebay up for that.
Title: Re: Heatshrink
Post by: Haberdasher on February 25, 2012, 08:26:54 AM
Here's (http://www.ebay.com/itm/290634070160?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%3A80%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dp5039.m570.l1313%26_nkw%3D290634070160%26_sacat%3DSee-All-Categories%26_fvi%3D1&_rdc=1) a link to an ebay seller out of Las Vegas (no affiliation w/ me).  It looks like you can buy the # of 5' sections you want and then send him a note saying what colors and sizes you want.  $1.90 for shipping and then 50 cents more shipping fee for each additional item.  That's not too bad.  I think I'm going to order some myself.
Title: Re: Heatshrink
Post by: bigmufffuzzwizz on April 27, 2012, 05:15:20 PM
I bought the stuff I'm still using from Futurlec. It's really cheap and sold by the meter (3 feet). Been doing the job for me!
Title: Re: Heatshrink
Post by: jimijam on August 28, 2012, 09:29:51 AM
veroboard.com has the best prices and lots of colors and sizes
Title: Re: Heatshrink
Post by: pickdropper on August 28, 2012, 12:35:53 PM
McMaster Carr has the largest selection I've seen, but is probably not the absolute cheapest.
Title: Re: Heatshrink
Post by: GermanCdn on August 28, 2012, 12:48:23 PM
I use the 2.5 mm and the 6 mm (roughly 1/8" and 1/4"); 1/8" on the solder tabs on pots/toggle switches, and 1/4" on the lugs on the jacks (provided you're using open frame).  I bought all of mine from musikding when I was overseas, they have an assortment pack with case for under $3, a ridiculously good deal, especially if you build your own cables, as you can use the bigger sizes on those.