Heatshrinking

[DaJe]

Where would I be able to find all the necessary things for heatshrinking? I assume I'd need some heatshrink tubes of varying diamters, and some sort of heat gun. This could be useful if I do my own wiring jobs.

[Bucko]

Heatshrink you can get at any electronics store and a heat gun can be bought at a hardware store. My heat gun is a cheap one at under AU$20.
I also use a cigarette lighter for smaller jobs. I just run it back and forth without leaving it in one spot too long so it doesn't burn.

[DaJe]

What about a hair dryer?

[Bucko]

they normally don't go hot enough to shrink it fully.

[jdbnsn]

I've always used a lighter, and no a hairdryer is not hot enough.

[Ticien]

They sell heatshrink at Home Depot too, in the lighting section

[dfigravity]

Where would I be able to find all the necessary things for heatshrinking? I assume I'd need some heatshrink tubes of varying diamters, and some sort of heat gun. This could be useful if I do my own wiring jobs.

I like this (http://www.arcticmod.com/computer-cooling-mod/heatshrink-standard/) site for all things sleeving and heatshrink.

As far as the heatgun goes...you should be able to find one at Home Depot...if you plan on doing more than one project involving heatshrink, BUY A HEATGUN. Lighters are a pain in the a$$:evil: and hairdryers just plain don't work.

[nil8]

If you're going for colored HS tubing, it's more expensive.
If you want grey, go to harbor frieght.

Actually, here.
Here's a 10 dollar heat gun that will do everything you need.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=35776

And a good assortment of dark grey HS tubing for cheap.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=9639

Start with that stuff. Get yourself an old PSU that doesn't work anymore, a molex removal tool and clean up some of the wires to get an idea of how to use your heat gun & HS tubing properly before you test it on your 100 dollar PSU or real project.
Doing this will give you a good idea of how both work and how damn hot a heat gun really gets.

[dfigravity]

Is there a particular 20pin ATX removal tool that you guys prefer? I bought one from arcticmod.com and it broke after just one sleeving job. It could just be my gorilla strength though... ;)
Also, I used one of the molex removal tools..but still bent several of the "wings" on the pins. Is that pretty much inevitable?

[Airbozo]

Is there a particular 20pin ATX removal tool that you guys prefer? I bought one from arcticmod.com and it broke after just one sleeving job. It could just be my gorilla strength though... ;)
Also, I used one of the molex removal tools..but still bent several of the "wings" on the pins. Is that pretty much inevitable?

Normally the removal tool is _supposed_ to be small enough in diameter that it completely covers and compresses the "wings". If you are bending them, either the tool is too big or you are pushing them out before the tool covers them.

I also would recommend a heat gun. Heat shrink tubing is flammable and holding the lighter in one place too long will ruin a nice HS job (I have done this many times...). The same can be said for the heat gun too, just keep it moving.

This is the one I have;
http://www.uline.com/ProductDetail.asp?model=H-491&ref=2451
Expensive, yes, but I used to use it a lot!
When buying a heat gun try and get one with a base. This allows you to easily set it on a table and use both hands to hold the work.