wrapping 18650 batts with heatshrink tubbing

is it ok to wrap batteries in heatshrink tubing ? if so i need to wrap my new Callie custom 18650 batteries but im looking for the thinnest size so its not thick when i put them into my lights

any one no what size will work and where to buy ?

I wouldn't use regular tubing. I would use the shrink for battery packs. It's a lot tougher. You use a hair dryer on the stuff and it's slick, like a normal battery cover.

Here's a size chart from one seller. Remember it's for battery packs, but you get the idea, from the dimensions. They have links to the sales there too.

Lots of places sell it.

http://www.batteryspace.com/diypvcshrinksglue.aspx

http://www.all-battery.com/pvcshrinkwrap.aspx

http://www.srbatteries.com/hrdshrnk.htm

and be careful what you do choose, some heat shrink has a glue on the inside that can make a mess. one more reason to get the stuff OL linked

thanks for the tips ill have a look at the sites

do they come in different sizes ? i need 19mm = 3/4’ but im looking for the thinnest piece i can get like 1mm

Can someone tell me exactly which shrink wrap will work ? And the thinnest. I tried repairing a few 18650 cells and a 26650 and all the shrink wraps were to thick. Whats the best method of applying the wrap so it doesn't look like an old sock?

Thanks in advance

>>>>>>Can someone tell me exactly which shrink wrap will work ?

I use this clear stuff all the time for all my pack pulls to cover any tiny nicks that could lead to short circuit. Every once in a while, I will get a battery that gets too big with the shrink tube, but 99% of batteries fit fine eve with the shrink tube and the original label. Once again, I use the CLEAR, so can’t comment on the colors.

If the link below doesn’t work, search for battery shrink tube on flea bay. Or the battery size, like 18650 and shrink tube. This seller has a bunch of different sizes. I use it on 14500s also, but they can be more problematic size-wise.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/12ft-50MM-HEAT-SHRINK-TUBING-TUBE-Wrap-RC-18650-Battery-Make-/320896847110?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=510062420681&hash=item4ab6f14d06

Hope this helps!

I've bought heat shrink from this same guy and very happy about the product and service. I received the package 16 days from the date of purchase.

The 29.5mm is perfect for 18650 batteries. If one is worried about it getting too thick just make sure you remove the original wrapper. I always use a sharpie and write the age of the battery and it's periodic desc capacity. This seller does 25ft lengths I believe.

That should work great. I don't think the color will matter. Usually it's all made by one Mfg and each run is done with different color in the manufacturing. It should all be the same thickness.

If this stuff ends up being too thick for anyone, I would suggest simply spray painting the outside of the battery with a clear enamel paint, to keep it from shorting. You might need to experiment with the paint, but you should be able to get full coverage with 2 to 3 mill thickness. I've done it before. If you are worried about coverage, just use black or some other color, so you can see the thickness. Paint will chip easier, but if you have zero tolerance in the light, you might have to try it.

Only why I need tubing is because my batteries has a lil protection circuit board on the top and I need it to hold it down

Try to get the one that says Trustfire Flame on the outside! Impress your friends.

>>>>Try to get the one that says Trustfire Flame on the outside! Impress your friends.

Hahahahah!

Or design your own label.

Have your very own 10,000 mah battery! Have the label say it’s guaranteed to survive a camel’s digestive tract! Use a photo reproduction of a TNT label as a party icebreaker! Simply HOURS of fun!

I’ve had good results w/ AA and 18650 size shrink from this seller.

http://stores.ebay.com/Atop-Authentic-Auction/\_i.html?\_nkw=18650&submit=Search&\_sid=879188535

Tip - if the cell is protected you’re more likely to heat the shrink enough for it to split - ie wherever there is an air gap under the shrink….like next to the pcb or the leads that goes to the anode/cathode. I have (had, before it ‘walked’) a variable heat gun, tuning that properly made it a non-issue.

With bare cells I’d use a pencil torch w/o a problem (it was quicker).

I have a reel for 18650 from eBay. Good stuff for replacing cracked wrappers!

Feel free to PM me if you need samples to test, no charge & shipped free… :bigsmile:

I always KNEW this was going on, so I checked. Here is a source for UltraFire Shrink wraps for Blue and Silver. They are 3 cents each. I would presume that the TrustFire Flames would be about twice that. :wink:

UltraFire Wraps

and HERE