Solder Sleeves

Solder sleeves are heat-shrinkable sleeves that;provide strain relief, insulation, moisture resistance and protection for terminations from certain damage. These sleeves are primarily used to attach a ground wire (lead) to the shielding braid of a shielded cable by means of a shrinkable tubing assembly having an integral solder preform. They can also be used to splice two or more conductors together in a parallel configuration. Solder sleeves simplify product assembly and come pre-assembled with an outer heat-shrinkable jacket, pre-fluxed solder, thermoplastic sealing rings, and pre-installed ground leads that ensures completely insulated and strain relieved connections.

Solder sleeve kits contain an assortment of different sized solder sleeves– clear, heat-shrinkable tubing used to insulate and contain wire connections without the need for soldering irons or crimping tools.

Why are solder sleeves important?

Solder sleeves form connections between two wires protecting them from moisture, strain and environmental damage.

How does a solder sleeve work

Solder sleeves are made from a heat-shrinkable jacket, a pre-fluxed solder ring in the middle and two outer thermoplastic sealing rings. The solder ring in the middle melts to make a mechanical connection, while the outside waterproof rings prevent water from coming in.

First, strip the insulating coating from the ends of your wires. Then feed one wire in one end of the solder sleeve, so that the stripped end is in the centre under the solder ring. Then put the other wire in the other end so that the stripped ends are overlapping. Finally, use a device like a slow-output blow torch to heat the solder sleeve. It will shrink around the two wires and ensure the connection is secure.