Gray PVC Heat Shrink Tubing — 17mm to 400mm Flat Width, Battery & Wire Insulation Sleeve

Measure the diameter of the object you want to cover, then multiply by approximately 1.57 (π ÷ 2) to get the minimum flat width needed. For example, a 10mm diameter wire bundle typically requires a flat width of about 17mm. When in doubt, size up — PVC heat shrink tubing generally shrinks to roughly half its flat width when heated. For battery cells, measure the cell diameter at its widest point (including any existing wrap).

Quick reference: 18mm diameter → 29mm+ flat width | 25mm diameter → 40mm+ flat width | 50mm diameter → 80mm+ flat width.

This gray PVC heat shrink tubing generally has a 2:1 shrink ratio, meaning it shrinks to approximately 50% of its original flat width when heat is applied. For example, a 50mm flat-width tube will shrink down to cover an object with a circumference of roughly 50mm (≈16mm diameter). The exact ratio can vary slightly by size — contact us to confirm for your specific width if tight tolerances are required.

PVC heat shrink tubing typically activates at around 90–120°C (194–248°F). A heat gun set to low or medium is the most reliable tool — move it steadily along the tubing to ensure even shrinkage. Avoid open flames (lighters, torches), which can cause uneven shrinkage, scorching, or damage to underlying components. A standard embossing heat gun or craft heat gun also works well for smaller widths.

PVC heat shrink tubing provides good moisture resistance for general indoor and light-duty outdoor use — for example, protecting wire connectors in an outdoor electrical box or covering cable entry points on a garden shed. For prolonged outdoor exposure, UV-heavy environments, or submersion, we recommend verifying suitability with your specific application requirements or contacting us for guidance. For fully waterproof sealing, consider adhesive-lined heat shrink tubing instead.

Yes. Gray PVC heat shrink tubing is widely used for wrapping lithium-ion (18650, 21700, 26650) and lithium-polymer battery packs, providing electrical insulation and a clean finished appearance. For a standard 18650 cell (≈18.5mm diameter), the 29.5mm or 31mm flat width is typically the right fit. For multi-cell packs, measure the assembled pack's circumference and divide by 2 to select the correct flat width.

Measure the total length of all items you need to cover and add 10–15% for trimming and overlap. For example, if you're wrapping 8 meters of wire harness, order a 10m length to give yourself working room. For large battery builds or bulk wiring projects, the 5m, 10m, or 20m options offer the best value per meter. The 1m and 2m options are ideal for single repairs or small prototyping runs.

Absolutely. PVC heat shrink tubing cuts cleanly with scissors or a utility knife before or after shrinking. For the cleanest end result, cut to your exact length before applying heat — this prevents fraying and gives you a neat, square edge. After shrinking, the material can still be trimmed with scissors if needed.