Did some searching but can't find my answer: I need to do a few wire splices in my S13, and of course I'd like to cover them up. If I use heat-shrink tubing, can I use a hair-dryer to shrinke 'em up or do I need a heat gun?

TIA

Hair dryer might work, never tried that, use a lighter, but carefully, you dont want to melt the heat shrink tubing.

I used a hair-dryer, took awhile but worked

I use either a lighter or my soldering iron. Just rub the iron on the tubing lightly, and use the part that you don't use to solder with.

Hair dryer works fine..I was wiring up a stereo once at home and didn't have all the tools I got at school, so I grabbed my mom's hair dryer..takes a bit longer but it works.

How long is "a bit longer?"

Maybe 3 times longer then a heating gun.

Just use a lighter. That works great.

a lighter will work a hell of a lot faster than a hair dryer. Just hold it a few inches below the splice and it'll shrink up real quick. Rotate the wire around so it shrinks evenly all around, and you'll be done in about 5 seconds. As long as you stay a few inches above the flame, you won't melt anything.

-patchy

The lighter works perfectly, and it looks really cool too. :biggthump I remember how excited i was when i first saw the heat shrink tubing while looking for elec. tape. i didnt even get that excited the first time i saw tits. :tongue:

I use a heat gun we got from Harbor Freight for like $20 and the thing works perfect. When I am in a tight spot and can't get in there with the gun, I use a pencil style Butane Torch. Those things are great! Usually $5 or something at hardware stores.

Brent

I use matches all the time since I'm not smart enough to have lighters handy in my garage. The problem with getting it too hot is that it ceases to shrink and actually starts expanding. I'm going to start buying the heat shrink tubing that has adhesive in it, it probably has a more weathertight seal. I also use Silicone tape. It's expensive but it you have a "T" splice then heatshrink tubing won't work, and the silicone tape seems to be the next best thing.