From providing electrical insulation to bundling multiple wires together, heat shrink tubing has innumerable applications in multiple industries. Heat shrinking is no longer a lengthy process, thanks to heat shrink terminals! Now, these terminals enable us to utilize heat shrink tubing as insulation on solder, crimp, or solder, and crimp terminals.
If you’re looking forward to using a heat shrink terminal, we have got you covered with everything you need to know about using heat shrink terminals. Ready? Let’s jump straight in.
Types of Heat Shrink Terminals
Heat shrink terminals come in many different types, shapes, and sizes. To understand how to use heat shrink terminals, it is important to know the various types of terminals and their applications. Listed below are the four major types of heat shrink terminals:
- First and foremost, we have the ring terminals. These are the most widely used terminals for heat shrinking. The ring heat shrinking terminal has a ring on the end which allows you to attach a threaded stud along with a nut that keeps it in place. The size of the ring depends on the different kinds of equipment. To explore through a wide variety of top-notch ring terminals, click here.
- The second type is the spade terminal that allows you to attach a stud without even removing the nut. All you gotta do is loosen up the nut before inserting the terminal. It is shaped like a two-sided fork.
- Disconnect terminals, as the name suggests, are used when the connection is temporary and is needed to be disconnected time and again. The on and off sliding is pretty convenient in this type of terminal.
- Next, comes the butt terminals. These are used to attach wires, mostly in cases of accidental cuts. In this, the two sides of the butt splice get inserted with the two pieces of wire, which are further crimped on each side. They help in bridging two opposite ends allowing the current to pass smoothly. Looking for high-quality butt splice terminals? Click here.
Tools Needed to Use Heat Shrink Terminals
When using heat shrink wire terminals, buying proper tools is inextricable. The use of wrong tools not only results in wasted time but also unreliable connections. So, here are a few tools you must definitely buy before getting started:
- Heat Shrinking Crimper:
A good quality crimper prevents damaging the insulation, resulting in creating a reliable connection. Do not compromise on it is the most important tool needed while using heat shrink crimpers.
- Wire Stripper:
This tool helps you to strip off the insulation from the ends of the wire before crimping. It can be a great investment for those who work regularly.
- Cutter:
If you’re not one of the regular workers, go for a cutter. It may serve the purpose well.
- Heat Gun:
Another important tool needed for using heat shrink terminals is the heat gun. Alternatively, a cigarette lighter can be used, however, it comes with a risk of burning the insulation or connector. Not to forget, it can be quite risky for you as well. The use of a heat gun for using heat shrink terminals facilitates a clean, dry, and controlled amount of heat. Most of all, it won’t burn a hole in your pocket!
Steps To Use Heat Shrink Terminals | Heat Shrink Terminals 101
Now that you have a generic idea of the different types of heat shrink terminals and their uses, let’s discuss the method to use these terminals.
- Measure the diameter of the wire. Buy an electrical terminal with a tube of perfect size, such that the terminal slides onto the wire smoothly. Remember, the gauge has to be on the terminal. (You never really know about the electrical tasks. So, it’s advisable to always be well equipped with a kit with all sizes available.)
- The length of the electrical terminal should be more than the stripped portion of the wire you want to connect. Make sure the cover is on top of it. It helps to create an amazing connection and provides sufficient insulation. Also, keep some extra length as it really helps. Why? Because, on the application of heat, the terminal sleeve length decreases by approximately five to fifteen percent.
- Next, cut the sleeve using a pair of scissors to the desired length. It is suggested to make measurements multiple times and cut accordingly. A bit of extra insulation is better than none at all. Insulation tape is what will help you in case of any mistakes.
- Further, move the sleeve onto the exposed piece of the wire until the metal meets metal.
- Using a heat gun, secure the connection well and provide it some rigidity. Smoothly run it over the length of the connector’s sleeve. Do not concentrate the heat on one part and ensure that all parts are well-shrunk.
- And, voila! It’s done.
Tips For Using Heat Shrink Terminals
- To reduce the chances of the conductor unraveling, twist the strands of the conductor slightly.
- In the case of butt splice terminals, find the seam in the metal. When using a crimper with flat jaws, make sure the seam is against either of the jaws. When using a crimper with a convex side on the male jaw, position the female jaw of the tool over the seam.
- In the case of fork, hook, or ring terminals, position the seam such that it remains on top when the terminal is mounted on the bolt's position.
Final Words
If you’ve come this far, you must know everything about heat shrink terminals. Now, the next step before using the heat shrink terminals is to get well-equipped.
For those of you hunting for the best quality tools to get started, Terminal Mart has to be your go-to. You can find a wide variety of affordable heat shrink terminals as per your need by clicking here today!
