Heat Shrink Tubing

About Heat Shrink Tubing

Heat shrink tubing is an indispensable component for electrical work, providing reliable insulation and protection for wires, cables, and connections across domestic, automotive, and industrial applications. When heated with a heat gun, this specialist sleeving shrinks to approximately half its original diameter, creating a secure barrier that protects against moisture, abrasion, and environmental damage whilst maintaining excellent electrical insulation properties. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks heat shrink tubing from trusted brands including Sealey, Draper, and Steinel, ranging from compact assortments to individual rolls in various colours and specifications.

Available in both standard and adhesive-lined variants, heat shrink tubing suits everything from basic cable repairs to professional installations requiring waterproof seals. Adhesive-lined options feature an internal hot-melt layer that creates a complete environmental seal when heated—ideal for marine, outdoor, and automotive applications. Most assortments come in organised storage cases with multiple diameters, making them perfect for mobile electricians and workshop environments where variety and convenience are essential.

Applications

• Electricians and Electrical Contractors: Insulating wire joints, cable repairs, and creating professional terminations in 240v domestic and commercial installations
• Auto Electricians: Protecting automotive wiring, ECU connections, and circuits from moisture and vibration damage
• Marine Engineers: Waterproof electrical connections requiring superior corrosion resistance in harsh saltwater environments
• Electronics Technicians: Circuit board repairs, component insulation, and cable management in electronic assemblies
• Maintenance Engineers: Industrial equipment repairs, cable identification, and preventative maintenance programmes
• Audio Visual Installers: Professional cable terminations, strain relief, and colour-coded circuit identification
• DIY Enthusiasts: Household electrical repairs, appliance fixes, and garden lighting installations

Choosing The Right Heat Shrink Tubing

Diameter and Shrink Ratio: Measure your cable diameter and select tubing with an expanded size approximately 20-30% larger to ensure easy application. Standard 2:1 shrink ratio tubing halves in diameter, whilst 3:1 ratio offers greater flexibility for irregular shapes or large connectors.

Adhesive-Lined vs Standard: Standard tubing provides excellent insulation for most applications, but adhesive-lined variants create waterproof seals essential for outdoor, marine, or underground installations where moisture ingress is a concern.

Colour Coding: Black tubing suits general applications, whilst coloured options help identify circuits and comply with UK wiring regulations—making future maintenance considerably easier for yourself and other tradespeople.

Assortments or Individual Rolls: Starter assortments from Sealey and Draper offer excellent value with multiple sizes in convenient storage cases, whilst individual rolls suit specific projects or high-volume work. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks both options to suit different requirements.

Safety Information

Always isolate and de-energise electrical circuits before working with heat shrink tubing, following proper HSE electrical safety guidelines. Use voltage testers to confirm circuits are dead before proceeding. Heat guns reach extremely high temperatures—direct heat away from yourself and others, work in well-ventilated areas, and never use naked flames which can damage cables and create fire hazards. Ensure tubing is correctly rated for your application voltage; using undersized tubing on 240v circuits creates serious shock and fire risks. Wear safety glasses when cutting and heat-resistant gloves when operating heat guns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size heat shrink tubing do I need for my cable?

Measure your cable's diameter at its widest point and choose tubing with an expanded diameter 20-30% larger. For example, a 10mm cable typically requires 12-13mm expanded diameter tubing with a 2:1 shrink ratio for proper fitment.

Can I use a hair dryer instead of a heat gun?

Hair dryers typically only reach 60-80°C, insufficient for most heat shrink tubing which requires 90-120°C. A proper heat gun from MyToolShed.co.uk ensures even shrinkage and proper adhesive activation on lined tubing for professional, reliable results.

Is heat shrink tubing waterproof?

Standard heat shrink tubing offers moisture resistance but isn't fully waterproof. For genuine waterproof applications—outdoor installations, marine environments, or underground cables—always specify adhesive-lined heat shrink tubing, which creates a complete environmental seal when heated.