A little tough to use heat shrink on T type connections like feeder to a bus line. I would NEVER use liquid electrical tape (or the tape kind) in a loco as part of a decoder install - apprirate size heat shrink for the wire connections and Kapton tape exclusively. I really don't like using vinyl electrical tape anywhere - it ALWAYS gets gooey after a few years. And if you've never had the pleasure of working with the old cloth type - consider yourself lucky.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Hello All,
wjstixIn recent years I've been using heat-shrink tubing and like that better.
Yes, I agree heat-shrink tubing is a better option.
If it's not put in place during the initial installation disassembly might not be an option.
Also, in some situations using a heat gun might not be possible.
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
Seems reasonable, if the connection to the switch is at an angle and the tubing would slip over it before 'shrinking' -- and the join between switch and wire was sufficiently 'bulging' to keep the shrunk tubing "located" without sliding down.
Probably careful discipline required to cut and thread all the little pieces of tubing over the wires before soldering to the switch -- something I was never good at. Remember those 'Murphy's Laws'
After the last of 32 hold-down screws has been removed from an access cover, it will be discovered that the wrong access cover has been removed.
After the last of 32 hold-down screws has been secured on an access cover, it will be discovered that the gasket has been omitted...
I've used the black 'liquid tape' and it works fine but it can be a bit messy. In recent years I've been using heat-shrink tubing and like that better.
Yes, I use it.
Bought it at Lowe's.
As has been stated it has a strong odor which might be a deal-breaker for some.
I paint it on the interior of frames to provide an electrical barrier when isolating motors for conversions from DC to DCC.
Even after fully curing it still is a bit tacky to the touch.
Over time the volatile chemicals; acetone and MEK, evaporate thickening it.
I use acetone to thin it back to a usable consistency.
There is a brush attached to the lid for large-area applications. I have also applied it with a toothpick when a more precise application in needed.
Yeah, I've used it. I think I bought it at Lowe's. As stated, it has a strong odor. Be careful, it can get everywhere, including your fingers. Initially, I bought it for decoder installations and LED/resistors since finding heat shrink for such small wires is almost impossible and to reduce space. I use a toothpick to apply and spread.
Like Randy, under the layout I stagger the connections on the buss so they don't come in contact with one another.
Terry
Inspired by Addiction
See more on my YouTube Channel
Only place I've used it is for bus to feed conenctions, and I didn't even do that on my last layout - I just kept them offset enough that they couldn't touch. It is stinky until it dries - very stinky, that melted vinyl smell.
My go to is Amazing Goop. I use it for all kinds of things, keeping wires in place as well as insulation, great for strain relief too. Mel My Model Railroad http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/ Bakersfield, California I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
I've used the cheap black stuff with great success. It works fine on under-layout bus lines after I solder in a new feeder, and it was particularly useful to protect the wiring on a many LED signal bridge.
It smells when it's curing, but that goes away.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
rrebell,
I've used Testors Clear Parts Cement & Window Maker to insulate the contacts on SMD LEDs so that they won't short inside brass headlights. It's liquidy enough to get in-between small openings and coat parts then shrinks down and around them when it dries. I've been very happy with the results and the long nozzle makes application in tight spaces very convenient.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
I use it all the time. You can paint it on with a small paintbrush or Q-tip for finicky work.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
Have you used this? I have a few SPST switches soldered up for the layout and want to insulate the conections as they are fairly close together on the switch being micro's.