Just switched to heat shrink over electrical tape for cable housing ends

For years I used electrical tape to finish off cable housing ends on builds. You know, just a quick wrap to keep them from fraying. But about 6 months ago I read a post on here about using heat shrink tubing instead. I picked up a pack of assorted sizes from the local hardware store for like 8 bucks. Now I cut the housing, slide the heat shrink on before installing everything, then hit it with a lighter. It looks so much cleaner and I haven't had a single cable end start to split since. Plus it takes less time than wrapping tape around each one. Has anyone else made this swap and noticed a difference with dirt getting into the housing?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_harper6d ago

I heard about this from a guy at the bike co-op in town. He said he switched after getting tired of tape residue on his hands and tools. The heat shrink definitely seals tighter than tape, so less crud gets in there over time. I started using it about a year ago after seeing a video where a mechanic compared both side by side. The tape always left a sticky mess when I had to re-cable something later. Heat shrink just peels right off with a knife and doesn't leave any gunk behind.

finley_gonzalez495d ago

Started using heat shrink on my touring bike last summer and it's been a game changer for sure. Tape always seemed to get loose after a few months of rain and road dirt, but the shrink wrap stays put no matter what. Plus when I had to swap out a shifter cable last week, the old stuff just sliced off clean with zero mess.