How to Expand Heat Shrink Tubing

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Select the right tool for the size of the heat shrink tubing you want to expand.

   Most smaller tubing is easy to stretch with needle-nose pliers.
   
   If possible, find a pair with extended ends to accommodate longer sections of tubing.
2. 2

   Step 2: To stretch larger tubing

   Extremely small tubing calls for tweezers with needlepoint tips, such as LTD's Tweezerman models. , Make sure the tool used is completely closed. , If using tweezers, use a jeweler's screwdriver to help pry the tweezers apart. ,,,,,
3. 3

   Step 3: use a combination of two pliers to expand the tubing as shown in this illustration.

4. 4

   Step 4: Insert the tweezers or pliers into the tubing as far as possible.

5. 5

   Step 5: Pull the pliers apart slowly to open up the ends.

6. 6

   Step 6: Stretch the tubing only a little at a time to avoid tearing or puncturing it.

7. 7

   Step 7: Close the tweezers or pliers and rotate the tubing slightly.

8. 8

   Step 8: Repeat steps 2 through 5 until you have rotated the tubing enough to return to your starting point.

9. 9

   Step 9: Flip the tubing to so that the other end of it fits over the tweezers or pliers

10. 10

    Step 10: and repeat the above steps.

11. 11

    Step 11: The tubing is now ready for use.

Detailed Guide

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