heat shrink butt connectors

[torcano]

I have to splice some wires together for an upcoming project. What is the best method to heat shrink the butt connection? I do not own a heat gun and there is no power on my boat right now whille on blocks. Can I use a cigarette lighter to do the job? Is it safe? Doe the flame actually touch the wire? Is it OK to just put some silicon at the ends of the but connector and forget about the heat shrink?
Thanks

 

[jpmurphy]

Re: heat shrink butt connectors

Been awhile since I use it but I just used a cig lighter. Hold it about 1/2 inch away from the tubing and move it back and forth until you see the tubing start to shrink. Make sure you have ventilation so there are no gas fumes where you are working.

 

[zibzer]

Re: heat shrink butt connectors

A lighter will work fine, i use a propane torch half the time at work because its most easily accessible. dont let it sit too long or it will char up. put the lighter underneath and move it back and forth. really easy stuff

 

[NSBCraig]

Re: heat shrink butt connectors

Put a dap of dielectic grease in it.

 

[torcano]

Re: heat shrink butt connectors

Dielectric grease instead of heat shrink?

 

[dingbat]

Re: heat shrink butt connectors

Dielectric on the connections before you apply the heat shrink

 

[NSBCraig]

Re: heat shrink butt connectors

my bad yep that's what I meant.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: heat shrink butt connectors

You can buy crimp connectors (butt, spade, ring) with heat shrinkable jackets and a "glue" on the inside of the housing that melts and provides a 100% waterproof connection when you shrink it in place.

They cost about 3x the regular crimp type connectors but are worth it for a marine environment. Its all I use on my boat or vehicles.

 

[marquette]

Re: heat shrink butt connectors

a cheap rechargeable soldring iron works well when you don't have power where you need it. after i shrink the tubing i always coat mine with liquid tape if i know that they are in a place they will get wet.

 

[mailman2]

Re: heat shrink butt connectors

Can you solder the wires and do you need special flux and solder?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: heat shrink butt connectors

You can buy what I like to call "electric fire sticks" which are used to light charcoal grills and anything else you want to set ablaze. They are small torches that you pull the trigger to light. I use them for heat shrink work all the time. You can adjust the flame very low so as not to burn the insulation. They are about a buck at any dollar store.