Heat Shrink Tubing Selection Guide

Step 1: Measure What You Are Covering

Measure the largest OD of the object being covered and the smallest OD for a tight fit. The tubing’s recovered ID must be smaller than the smallest OD, and its expanded ID must fit over the largest OD.

Step 2: Choose Shrink Ratio

2:1: standard, covers most applications. 3:1: for connectors with large diameter differences. 4:1: for extreme transitions. Higher ratios cost more but offer greater flexibility.

Step 3: Select Wall Type

Single wall: basic insulation and strain relief. Dual wall (adhesive-lined): waterproof environmental seal. The inner adhesive melts during shrinking and bonds to the substrate.

Step 4: Choose Material

Polyolefin: standard, 135C max. PVC: flexible, lower temp. PTFE: chemical resistant, 260C max. Viton: oil/fuel resistant. Silicone: medical, flexible. Choose based on temperature and chemical environment.

Step 5: Consider Certifications

UL 224: North American standard. MIL-I-23053: military/aerospace. AMS-DTL-23053: aerospace. RoHS/REACH: EU compliance. Railway EN 45545-2: fire safety for rolling stock.

Quick Tips

Use a temperature-controlled heat gun — open flame damages tubing. For adhesive-lined, heat until adhesive visibly flows from both ends. Allow 5 minutes cooling before stressing the connection.

FAQ

What if my application does not fit these categories?

Contact our engineering team with your specific requirements. We provide free application consulting.

Need Help Choosing the Right Product?

Our engineers can help you select the optimal cable tie for your application.