Heat Shrink for Flying Wires?

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Johnny C!
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Heat Shrink for Flying Wires?

Post by Johnny C! »

Hey,
 Did you guys & ladies use heat shrink tubing
over your crimps? I want to use the kind with
temperature activated adhesive to help seal
out the water. Should I buy something special
for AS, or will anything from the electrical
supply house work OK?

Thanks gang!

John
There are many things that happen really fast when you are
flying an airplane. There is no sense in rushing any of the others.

I would much rather be looking down at the runway, than up at it.

Duane Sorenson & Rick Norton Gone West 6/8/09. Godspeed
b1x4nqb
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Post by b1x4nqb »

Seems most just use regular heat shrink.  When I replaced mine the 2nd go around, I left it off so I could observe there condition.  Also to keep water from laying up inside.  Probably just fine either way. I do want to use something to keep the actual sharp tips down though.  Sort of a highbrid but not covering all the way down to the thimble

Paul, PA
Dave Krall CFII SEL SES
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Post by Dave Krall CFII SEL SES »

Some use stretch activated "Rescue Tape" with its ionic bonding properties.
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stede52
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Post by stede52 »

Dave, have you actually tried the stuff on the wires, I've used it on other stuff and it doesn't hold like I thought it should even stretching it per the instructions. It's also not nearly as clean as the heat shrink.  If worried about water or condensation in the heat shrink buy the sealing type with heat activated glue, pricey but it works well.

Steve
Dave Krall CFII SEL SES
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Post by Dave Krall CFII SEL SES »

stede52 wrote:Dave, have you actually tried the stuff on the wires, I've used it on other stuff and it doesn't hold like I thought it should even stretching it per the instructions. It's also not nearly as clean as the heat shrink.  If worried about water or condensation in the heat shrink buy the sealing type with heat activated glue, pricey but it works well.

Steve
Good to know.
I've used the tape on just a few places, and I'll recheck & see how it's holding.
I may finish up with heat shrink if problems are evident with tape.
scubarider
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afterthought

Post by scubarider »

I thought of something "after" putting on the heat shrink on the wires.  I thought about putting the heat shrink on then shooting some clear silicone inside then heating and shrinking it down.  Clean up the mess then...a watertight seal.  Just a thought.
Dennis
Living life on the edge makes me dizzy.  I love Dizzy!
Dave Krall CFII SEL SES
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Post by Dave Krall CFII SEL SES »

That sounds like it would be almost watertight Dennis.
Cable being what it is, muti-stranded & flexible, I don't know if true watertight is possible. That's one reason I went to all stainless steel cable holders, holder bolts & nuts, thimbles, & cable throughout the empenage, then just something to hold down the cut edges.
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Johnny C!
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Post by Johnny C! »

I was thinking of using RTV or something prior
to shrinking, but I was nervous about getting
Silicon near my aircraft. However, I won't be
covering/painting for some time, so I might
go ahead & try the sealant. I can always cut
it off later. But it does bring up a good point
about leaving them bare for inspection...

Thanks!

Johnny C!
There are many things that happen really fast when you are
flying an airplane. There is no sense in rushing any of the others.

I would much rather be looking down at the runway, than up at it.

Duane Sorenson & Rick Norton Gone West 6/8/09. Godspeed
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