PVC Heat Shrink Tube for Battery Wrap — RC, LiPo, NiMH, NiCd | 15mm–130mm, Black/Blue/Clear

Measure the circumference of your battery pack and divide by 2 to get the required flatten width. For example, a cylindrical cell with a 32mm diameter has a circumference of roughly 100mm, so a flatten width of 50mm (φ32mm) is typically the right fit. When in doubt, size up slightly — the tube will shrink down to grip the cell snugly. Common reference points: 18650 cell → 29.5mm (φ18.5mm); 26650 cell → 31mm (φ20mm); sub-C cell → 27mm (φ16mm).

PVC heat shrink tubing generally has a 2:1 shrink ratio, meaning it shrinks to approximately half its original diameter when heat is applied. The φ value listed in each variant name (e.g., φ18.5mm for the 29.5mm flatten width) is the recovered inner diameter — the size the tube will be after shrinking. This is the measurement you should match to your battery's outer diameter.

PVC heat shrink tubing typically activates at around 70–90°C (158–194°F). A heat gun on a low setting is the most reliable tool. A hair dryer on its highest setting can also work for smaller sizes. Avoid open flames — they can scorch or melt the PVC unevenly and may damage the battery cells underneath.

PVC heat shrink provides a moisture-resistant barrier that is generally suitable for indoor and light outdoor use — for example, RC cars and planes used in normal weather conditions. It is not rated for continuous submersion or prolonged exposure to standing water. For marine or fully weatherproof applications, a dual-wall adhesive-lined heat shrink would offer better long-term protection.

Yes. PVC is chemically inert and does not react with the outer casing of LiPo pouches, NiMH cylindrical cells, or NiCd packs. It is widely used by RC hobbyists and DIY battery builders for rewrapping and protecting all of these cell types. The tubing provides electrical insulation and abrasion protection without affecting cell chemistry or performance.

Black and Blue give a clean, finished appearance on RC packs, power-tool batteries, and e-bike cells. Transparent (Clear) is the best choice when you want to keep the original cell label, capacity rating, or a custom printed wrap visible after sleeving. All three colors shrink to the same recovered diameter for a given size, so the choice is purely aesthetic.

For a single 18650 cell (≈65mm / 2.6" long), the 1M length is more than enough for multiple wraps with material to spare. For a full RC battery pack or a series string of 6–10 cells, the 2M or 4M lengths are more economical. As a general rule, add roughly 10–15mm (≈0.5") extra on each end to allow for overlap and a clean, sealed edge after shrinking.