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shrink tubing for 26 AWG wire

Started by ejseider, May 19, 2020, 07:47:50 PM

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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.
Modeling the rolling hills from Baltimore to Pittsburg

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
If at first you don't succeed, throw it in the spare parts box.

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
If at first you don't succeed, throw it in the spare parts box.