[TowerTalk] shrink w/adhesive

[Patrick Greenlee]

If the shelf life is only two years then how long would it last out in the 
harsh environmental conditions???  Since experience proves it lasts outside 
OK then storage in too high of temps is about the only failure available to 
comprise storage failure.

I store some "rubber" products such as the little bands (for neutering bull 
calves into steers) in the freezer and they last essentially indefinitely. 
I suggest shrink in the freezer would store OK for generations and in the 
refrigerator for years and years. Stocking up but using cold storage should 
work fine.  No shrink creep.

Insulated butt splices where the insulation is shrink plastic with adhesive 
have a pretty good shelf life without refrigeration as I stock them in fair 
assortment and quantity and have never had a "pre-shrink" problem. They are 
good for extending wires in underground conduits as they are waterproof 
(routinely used in water wells hundreds of feet deep.)  Available at various 
sources including Harbor Freight where I found the best small lot prices.

Patrick AF5CK

-----Original Message----- 
From: David Robbins
Sent: Friday, August 09, 2013 5:42 AM
To: towertalk at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] shrink w/adhesive

If it is stored in a not too hot place it will probably last much longer
than that on a shelf.  I think the problem is if you store it too warm it
seems to start shrinking very slowly so it may not meet the original size
spec, but it should still melt and shrink to the end size.  I was given a
box of it that was 'expired' probably 10 years ago and it still seals up
just fine.

Just remember, it is fairly easy to put on, but almost impossible to take
off... and it does require significant heat to properly melt and shrink, the
cigarette lighter you use for plain little shrink tube won't do it, think
more like propane torch or professional heat gun.

David Robbins K1TTT
e-mail: mailto:k1ttt at arrl.net
web: http://wiki.k1ttt.net
AR-Cluster node: 145.69MHz or telnet://k1ttt.net


-----Original Message-----
From: K8RI [mailto:K8RI-on-TowerTalk at tm.net]
Sent: Friday, August 09, 2013 07:57
To: towertalk at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] shrink w/adhesive

On 8/9/2013 1:00 AM, Ron W8RJL wrote:
> I've been water proofing coax connectors for years the old school way
> (with no problems). I'm ready to try the new shrink tube with adhesive
> which seems l
ike a good way to go. I just measured a PL-259 shell diameter at about
0.7 inches. I see the shrink rate is about 3:1 so I assume 1" diameter
should work for a PL-259 with RG-213. I also noticed on eBay some
manufacturers state that the shelf life is only about a year or less so it
might be wise to buy just
  what you need as opposed to stocking up. I've seen references to 3M and
Molex brands. Any comments/recommendations appreciated. If this topic has
already been beat to death you can reply direct 73, Ron W8RJL email (w8rjl
at
arrl.net)

I've had no trouble using the two sizes of 3m carried by the local
electrical supply. I've been using it for some years and not noticed any
shelf life problems. Some has to be close to 5 years old, or older.
http://www.rogerhalstead.com/ham_files/connectors.htm


73,

Roger (K8RI)

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