[TowerTalk] Sealing Coax Connections

[Art Greenberg]

I have been using adhesive lined heat shrink tubing to seal connectors 
outdoors for some time. The HST I've been using is made for the CATV 
industry by DSG-CANUSA. CFTV 1100 works well for connectors on .405 OD 
coax. Its especially handy in tight places where its just not possible 
to get a continuous wrap of electrical tape around the connection.

https://www.dsgcanusa.com/product/medium-and-heavy-wall-tubing-cftv/

I have had occasion to remove the stuff. I was seduced by the 
manufacturer's videos showing how easy the HST is to strip off of a 
connection. I soon discovered that while the glue doesn't adhere very 
strongly to unjacketed aluminum CATV cable and smooth connectors, it 
sure holds on well to jacketed coax and knurled connectors. It does come 
off quickly with lacquer thinner. Denatured alcohol also works and won't 
damage the coax, but requires a lot more patience. Lately I've taken to 
putting a wrap of electrical tape over the connection first, and making 
sure the HST extends beyond the tape a bit on both ends.

Once removed, I have seen no evidence of water intrusion in connections 
that have been out in the north-central Florida weather for 5 years.

The manufacturer's video shows using a propane or butane torch to shrink 
the stuff. I use a high temperature hot air gun. I was concerned about 
melting the coax under the HST, but I've seen no indication of that 
having happened in any of the connections I've taken apart.

I am tempted to try cold shrink. Unfortunately, its expensive at around 
$15 (or more) per application.

https://gammaelectronics.net/collections/cold-shrink-tubing
https://www.dsgcanusa.com/product/cold-seal-splice-kits-css-series/

On 4/18/25 18:12, Brian Beezley wrote:
> Has anyone tried this method?:
> 
> https://tinyurl.com/mr3n2htx
> 
> Brian
> 
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-- 
Art Greenberg
352.363.9002
art at artg.tv