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Glueing Heat Shrink Tube — Parallax Forums

Glueing Heat Shrink Tube

NWCCTVNWCCTV Posts: 3,629
edited 2013-10-31 18:05 in General Discussion
I need to glue some heat shrink tube that are covering servo wires to a metal tape measure and I need to make sure that it never comes off. What can I use that will accomplish this without any damage to the heat shrink tubing? I have some 3M spray adhesive but I am not sure it would be a good permanent solution.

Comments

  • Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) Posts: 23,514
    edited 2013-10-30 20:56
    My stock suggestion for gluing X to Y is JB Weld. But, seriously, I think this takes the prize for most unusual forum request of 2013! :)

    -Phil
  • NWCCTVNWCCTV Posts: 3,629
    edited 2013-10-30 21:01
    So what is the prize???? I was thinking JB weld but it needs to be flexible since the tape and cable will wind on to a wheel. This is for a Tripod arm I am working on for my Wild Thumper. It will make much more sense after I am done and post pictures.
  • Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) Posts: 23,514
    edited 2013-10-30 21:06
    Why not cut holes in the tape at fixed intervals and lace the cable back-and-forth through them? Or cut hole pairs and lash the cable to the tape with waxed thread?

    -Phil
  • ElectricAyeElectricAye Posts: 4,561
    edited 2013-10-30 21:13
    I've used heat shrink tubing that has an adhesive lining and my impression is that the adhesive is a thermoplastic, maybe like hot glue??? One spec I saw seemed to suggest it was PPS, which is used in various thermoplastic applications and unmentionable toys. Maybe use hot glue?

    Is there any way you can slip a sleeve of heat shrink tubing over the entire assembly and shrink it on? (If so, be careful the metal edge can't cut the tubing.)
  • NWCCTVNWCCTV Posts: 3,629
    edited 2013-10-30 21:54
    Is there any way you can slip a sleeve of heat shrink tubing over the entire assembly and shrink it on?
    This actually might work. I have some 3/4" heat shrink tube that should fit. I might have to use something over the edges to keep from cutting through.
  • WBA ConsultingWBA Consulting Posts: 2,934
    edited 2013-10-30 22:29
    Do a Google search for "expandable braided sleeving". There should be a size available that would fit over both, it will remain flexible, and it can be glued at intervals to permanently secure it to the tape.
  • W9GFOW9GFO Posts: 4,010
    edited 2013-10-30 22:56
    NWCCTV wrote: »
    This actually might work. I have some 3/4" heat shrink tube that should fit. I might have to use something over the edges to keep from cutting through.

    This was my first thought too. You could put some electrical tape (kapton would be my first choice) or similar on the edges first to prevent it from cutting the heat shrink.

    For a gluing solution I would use Goop - super tough and flexible.
  • Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) Posts: 23,514
    edited 2013-10-30 23:03
    I would definitely not glue the cable to the tape. The reason is that it will have to either compress or stretch when the tape is coiled, depending upon which side it's glued to. That will eventually cause the glue bonds to break. If you must glue it, just do it in spots along the length, not continuously.

    -Phil
  • AGCBAGCB Posts: 327
    edited 2013-10-31 15:23
    W9GFO wrote: »
    For a gluing solution I would use Goop - super tough and flexible.

    I use Goop AKA Shoe Goo for everything. There's only a few plastics that I've found it doesn't stick to.
  • GenetixGenetix Posts: 1,754
    edited 2013-10-31 15:29
    If you want something to be permanently then use Epoxy but from what Phil says you should probably put a Strain Relief around your wires and then epoxy the Strain Relief to your tape. That way the wires have some play so they won't break at the joint.
  • NWCCTVNWCCTV Posts: 3,629
    edited 2013-10-31 18:05
    I think I will try the heat shrink over the entire tape and wire. The wire is currently housed inside braided nylon and I can tape the edges like Rich mentioned to avoid the metal cutting in to the heat shrink. Thanks for all the advice.
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