heat guns for shrinking elect connections

[Mr. Sandman]

I have one of these small butane flame-less guns by Anchor for shrinking those waterproof electrical connections. Personally I think they are lame. I use it because it is made by the same people who make the connections but it is slow and is a PIA dealing with these tiny cig lighter butane cartridges. Would a standard electric heat gun (110 volt) work or is it not hot enough? Is there an industrial or commercial tool to shrink these things tight? I was going to use a propane torch but I can't get a flame in there and don't want to damage any insulation on the wire.

[PRBuzz]

I used a standard 110V electric gun (cheap, brand?) and works fine on heat shrink tubing. Due to broad air nozzle sometimes heats too much!

[falkners]

Heat shrink tubing used in connectors typically shrink at temps between 212 -275 degrees. Hot air type guns work fine.Also, I make bulletproof (bluefish) sliders by cutting a small piece (the 212 degree type) and slipping it over the foam body and tossing it in boiling water. The polyolefin used in the shrink tubing has a low density and won't sink the fly and is easier than coating with epoxy. Hot air guns get too hot and tend to singe the bucktail or flash material. It comes in clear and other colors. I added this because I know you are a fly tyer.

[Mr. Sandman]

I try but I am not much of a fly tyer but thanks for the info!! Now that you told me that I may try it for bluefish flies. Just another thing to the list....

[likwid]

Bosch 1942

Can also use it to strip varnish.

G10 hijack.



Garboard drain backing plate.

[Raider Ronnie]

For the $ this is a very good heat gun.
11.6 Amp Dual Temperature Heat Gun-8975-6 at The Home Depot

[saltyric]

I've had good luck using a reducer on the end of a standard heat gun. Something like this:

Amazon.com: Steinel 07051 39mm Reflector Nozzle for Heat Gun: Industrial & Scientific


Can control the heat a bit better.

[deepsushi]

I have one from Harbor freight -- works great for shrinking connectors. You can get one for 9.99 when they are on sale (regularly 13.99). They also sell an accessory kit for it (6.99)that includes a deflector that evenly distributes the around the heat shrink tubing.

Its obviously not a Bosch but if your only using it for heat shrinking connectors you can use the money you save to buy more fishing gear or fuel for the boat!

[Mr. Sandman]

I have an old black and decker heat gun that I used to soften rub rails for installation and alike. It was cheap but it has not died so it still hangs around. I tried it last night as I made up a few new cables for my new alternator. Worked great nice tight uniform shrink. I think I will keep the little Anchor unit in the on-board tool kit and cease using it for regular jobs now. That deflector looks like a good idea as well.
Thanks

How did you cut the g10?

[likwid]

Shiny brand new hole saws that are no longer shiny nor new.

Mounted a chunk of G10 I had kicking around to a piece of wood so I could clamp it to the drill press.

Drilled the 3 small holes, holesaw'd the center, holesaw'd the whole thing out. Done in 15min.

Its good to have a big effing drill press.

[Mr. Sandman]

That stuff chews up bits big time. I used my floor standing drill press and it the shavings smoke and stink up the shop something fierce. I even had a small fire once. I now use a vac while drilling to suck up as we go. I have had to replace bits, and two saw blades because it dulls the carbide tips. I bet it wasn't pretty using that hole saw which is probably not much good anymore.

It would be sweet to have the outer skin of the hull made with that, you could drive up on rocks without breaking it.

[likwid]

Too much pressure. Way too much pressure if you're smoking it. Take your time, cut slow.

You'll actually ruin the material with too much heat, remember, its just fiberglass.

Holesaws are fine, just the paint is toast.

[Rockfish9]

the bigger butane mini torch works well..it is fast, but not smart where it could start a fire...The mini "pocket torch is best left for thawing door locks...

I have the heat gun Raider Ronny talks about.. it works fantastic...and is safer in builges where explosive vapors might be hiding.