How to Choose Heat Shrink Tubing and Tape for RC Builds
Choose heat shrink tubing and tape by size, shrink ratio, and heat. The kit shrinks 2 to 1 from 84C and covers 2.0 to 13.0 mm. Kapton tape resists heat to 400C in widths from 2 to 35 mm. Pre-cut tubing costs $1.99 a pack in 3, 4.5, 7, and 10 mm. Pick the size that covers the joint.
Quick facts
| Fact |
Value |
| Pre-cut tubing |
3, 4.5, 7, 10 mm, 20 pieces, $1.99 |
| Assortment |
4 sizes, 5 packs of 20, $15.95 |
| Kit |
2:1, 84C to 120C, 2.0 to 13.0 mm, from $5.13 |
| Kapton tape |
To 400C, 2 to 35 mm, 35 m, from $6.99 |
| VHB tape |
5 to 30 mm, 3 m, from $5.99 |
| Copper foil tape |
2 in by 50 ft, $24.99 |
What size heat shrink fits the joint?
Match the tube diameter to the joint before you shrink it.
The 3 mm tube fits signal wire and small plugs.
The 4.5 mm tube fits servo leads and ESC wires.
The 7 mm tube fits motor wires and mid-size joints.
The 10 mm tube fits battery leads and larger joints.
Each size costs $1.99 for 20 pre-cut pieces in red or black.
How does heat shrink tubing work?
The kit tubing shrinks 2 to 1 and starts to shrink at 84C.
Full shrink needs 120C, and the tube runs -55C to +125C in use.
Dielectric strength is 15 kV, and tensile strength is 10.4 MPa.
The tubing is flame retardant polyolefin.
The kit covers 2.0, 2.5, 3.5, 5.0, 7.0, 10.0, and 13.0 mm diameters.
When does Kapton tape fit instead?
Kapton tape shields parts from heat where tubing cannot fit.
It resists heat to 400C as a polyimide tape.
It comes in widths from 2 to 35 mm on a 35 m roll.
Thickness is 0.055 mm, and residue stays low on removal.
Prices run from $6.99 for 2 mm to $21.99 for 35 mm.
What tape holds parts and bodies?
Tape holds wires, parts, and bodies where screws do not fit.
VHB foam tape costs from $5.99 in widths from 5 to 30 mm.
It is waterproof, sound-dampening, and shock-absorbing on a 3 m roll.
Aluminum body tape costs $6.99 for 5 m and $11.99 for 10 m.
It is 50 mm wide with a glass mesh backing for strength.
Copper foil tape costs $24.99 for a 2 in by 50 ft roll.
How do you seal a solder joint?
Cover the joint with heat shrink and seal it with heat.
Slide the tube over the joint before you solder the wires.
Heat the tube until it shrinks tight around the joint.
Check that the tube grips the wire on both ends.
Tug the wire once to check the joint before you fly.
How the options compare
| Tubing or tape |
Size |
Spec |
Price |
| Heat shrink, 3 mm |
3 mm |
20 pieces |
$1.99 |
| Heat shrink, 4.5 mm |
4.5 mm |
20 pieces |
$1.99 |
| Heat shrink, 7 mm |
7 mm |
20 pieces |
$1.99 |
| Heat shrink, 10 mm |
10 mm |
20 pieces |
$1.99 |
| Assortment, 4 sizes |
3 to 10 mm |
5 packs of 20 |
$15.95 |
| Kit, 127 to 1600 pc |
2.0 to 13.0 mm |
2:1, -55 to 125C |
From $5.13 |
| Kapton tape |
2 to 35 mm |
To 400C, 0.055 mm |
From $6.99 |
| VHB tape |
5 to 30 mm |
3 m, waterproof |
From $5.99 |
| Aluminum tape |
50 mm |
5 or 10 m |
From $6.99 |
| Copper foil tape |
2 in by 50 ft |
Not listed |
$24.99 |
How do you seal a solder joint with heat shrink?
- Slide a piece of heat shrink onto the wire before you solder.
- Solder the joint and let it cool.
- Slide the tube over the joint so it covers the bare wire.
- Heat the tube with a heat gun until it shrinks tight.
- Check that the tube grips the wire on both ends.
- Tug the wire once to check the joint before you fly.
Parts that fit this guide
In-stock parts ship from the New York, USA warehouse in 1-2 business days. Prices below are the live store prices we verified on November 10, 2026.
Heat shrink assortment at $15.95. It covers 10, 7, 4.5, and 3 mm in five packs of 20 pieces for the joints most builds need.
Heat shrink tubing kit from $5.13 for 164 pieces. It shrinks 2 to 1 from 84C and covers 2.0 to 13.0 mm in flame retardant polyolefin.
10 mm heat shrink tubing at $1.99 for 20 pre-cut pieces. It fits battery leads and larger joints in black or red.
Kapton tape from $6.99 for a 35 m roll. It resists heat to 400C in widths from 2 to 35 mm at 0.055 mm thick.
Copper foil tape at $24.99. It measures 2 in wide by 50 ft long for shielding and repairs.
10mm red heat shrink tubing at $1.99 for 20 pre-cut pieces. Color-code your positive leads.
7mm red heat shrink tubing at $1.99 for 20 pre-cut pieces. For motor wires and mid-size joints.
3mm black heat shrink tubing at $1.99 for 20 pre-cut pieces. For signal wire and small plugs.
4.5mm black heat shrink tubing at $1.99 for 20 pre-cut pieces. For servo leads and ESC wires.
7mm black heat shrink tubing at $1.99 for 20 pre-cut pieces. For motor wires and mid-size joints.
3mm red heat shrink tubing at $1.99 for 20 pre-cut pieces. Color-code small signal and power leads.
4.5mm red heat shrink tubing at $1.99 for 20 pre-cut pieces. For servo leads and ESC wires.
Shop the full range: Heat Shrink and Tape at Quality RC Parts. See also: Related guide.
Frequently asked questions
What size heat shrink fits a battery lead?
Use the 10 mm tube for battery leads and larger joints. It costs $1.99 for 20 pre-cut pieces in red or black.
How hot must heat shrink get to shrink?
It starts to shrink at 84C and reaches full shrink at 120C. It runs -55C to +125C in use.
When does Kapton tape fit instead of heat shrink?
Use Kapton tape near heat that would melt tubing. It resists heat to 400C in widths from 2 to 35 mm.
What tape holds an RC car body together?
Use aluminum body tape inside the shell. It costs $6.99 for 5 m and $11.99 for 10 m at 50 mm wide.
Sources
Last updated: November 10, 2026.
