shrink tubing for 26 AWG wire

[ejseider]

Where can I find shrink tubing for #26AWG wire (I believe that it should be 1/32" ID shrink to 1/64" ID)?

[prr22]

I've ran into the same problem as you... on my layout I had to settle with electrical tape.  But, honestly, you may not need to insulate your wires depending on what you're doing.  If its contacts for a really small signal, yeah I'd insulate it, but if its soldering a joint from a bus line into a feeder wire, it may not have to be insulated.

[WoundedBear]

Small diameter shrink tubes aren't hard to find. I use these ones from Princess Auto. They are our version of your Harbour Freight.

https://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/24-pc-1-mm-colour-coded-heat-shrink-tubing/A-p8826190e

https://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/24-pc-2-mm-colour-coded-heat-shrink-tubing/A-p8826208e

They even have most of the colours used for DCC installation.

Sid

[rich1998]

I Bought mine some years ago online from a DCC supplier.. Don't remember which one, Sorry. DCC colors and wire also. They had the Kapton tape. Far better the sticky electrical tape.

Rich

[Len]

I usually get smaller size heat shrink tubing at either Ace or Town & Country hardware stores. If all else fails, theirs always Amazon.

Len

[ejseider]

Have tried Ace, Home Depot, Lowes, Amazon, Walthers.  Smallest that any of them have is 3/32" shrink to 3/64"  and then it comes in an assortment which includes sizes that I don't need.  When shrunk 3/32" is still loose and slides on #26 wire.  If I can't find then I'll just use electrical tape.

[James in FL]

Hi ejseider,

I get the 3/32 from Digi-Key and Ngineering.
Have not found smaller.
Don't bother with electrical tape, it gets gooey.
Instead try the liquid tape. Dries hard.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Gardner-Bender-1-in-x-1-ft-General-Duty-Electrical-Tape/3385480

Good luck

[Len]

Quantities are limited, but Amazon has 0.6 mm and 0.8 mm diameter, which is very close to 1/32", heat shrink tubing:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=.6mm+heat+shrink+tubing&ref=nb_sb_noss_2

It comes in fairly long pieces 4, 5, 10 and 15 meters. Which could be a lifetime supply, but the prices aren't bad.

Len