2007Brackets/Widgets forum
Techniques for soldering small connectors with shrink tubing without premature shrinking
19 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- Using shrink tubing larger than the wire diameter reduces heat conduction to the tubing and lowers the risk of premature shrinking.
- Shorter pieces of shrink tubing allow better positioning away from the solder joint during soldering.
- Pre-tinning the wire before final soldering to the connector speeds up the process and reduces heat transfer to surrounding materials.
- Sliding back the outer insulation of the cable before soldering allows the tubing to be positioned farther from the solder joint.
- A higher soldering iron temperature applies heat more locally and for shorter duration, reducing unwanted heating of nearby shrink tubing.
- A wet paper towel wrapped around the wire acts as a heat sink to protect shrink tubing from premature shrinking.
- Quality shrink tubing from established suppliers shrinks properly and remains flexible, while cheap tubing may not shrink adequately and becomes stiff.
- A fine soldering iron tip with quick work prevents excessive heat buildup near the tubing.
- Liquid alternatives like Plasti-Dip can seal connections against corrosion but are difficult to remove if rework becomes necessary.
- A proper soldering station with temperature control, various tip sizes, and a heat gun produces superior results compared to improvised equipment.
Depends on
- The techniques described work for small connectors and tiny wires but may need adjustment for different scales.
- Plasti-Dip use was limited to one application type mentioned (current sense modules) and may have different outcomes in other contexts.
- Some solutions like wet paper towels are time-consuming workarounds rather than ideal permanent approaches.
- The advice assumes access to appropriate tools and materials from specialty suppliers.