Need heat shrink tubing? First, you need to know the size! In this video, we show you the proper way to measure for shrinkable tubing so there's no more guesswork.

Most heat shrink tubing specs list a shrinkage ratio in one of two ways: #:# ratio, as in 2:1 or 3:1, or as a percentage. They mean the same thing: a 2:1 shrinkage ratio means a shrink percentage of 50%, 3:1 means the finished diameter will be just 30% of the expanded diameter. The higher the number in the ratio, the great the shrinkage.

To choose a shrinkable tubing size, you need to take some measurements: the diameter of the smallest part you're covering and the diameter of the widest part. By knowing how big the heat shrinkable tubing has to be to start, you can choose how big the tubing has to be at its expanded diameter. Then, you need to choose tubing that will successfully slide onto your material and shrink down enough for a snug fit. That is where the smaller measurement comes in handy.

If you don't measure properly, your heat shrink tubing could slide off if it's too big or rip if it's too tight. The best way to measure is with a caliper, but if you don't have one a ruler works just fine. Just make sure you lay the ruler over the material and measure just the diameter. Don't use a flexible tape measure and take the circumference!

Once you have the diameter measurements, check out the sizes of the heat shrinkable tubing you want to purchase and choose one that is 20%-30% larger than the biggest measurement you took. This could be a connector, or your two measurements might be the same if you're simply covering a splice. After you select the proper heat shrink tubing size, make sure you order enough length to cover your project. Most manufacturers and suppliers will enforce minimums if you only need a small amount, but if you have a big project don't order too little. Some tubing shrinks longitudinally, so make sure to get a little extra.

For more information about the products you've seen in this demo or any other heat shrink products, contact Allied Wire & Cable today. Call 1-888-325-1788, or visit our website at www.awcwire.com.