Description SUMITUBE W5DL is a semi-rigid, dual wall, polyolefin heat-shrinkable tubing. Useful for insulating splices, using as cuffs to end a run of DR-25 or Braid, supporting and strain reliving spliced or repaired wires. W5DL is a great substitute for Raychem SCL, it meets the same AMS-DTL-23053/4 specifications. It also has the same sizing and shrink ratios. Sizing Guide Sizes for as supplied and recovered (shrunk). One size per line, Imperial and Metric. Size (in) Dimension (mm) Recovered (mm) 1/8 3.2 0.6 3/16 4.8 1.5 1/4 6.4 2 3/8 9.5 3.4 1/2 12.7 5 3/4 19 8 1 25.4 10.2 Choosing the right W5DL for your project. To select the correct size W5DLfor you project, you want the tightest fit that will fit on your harness before it’s recovered. So if your harness is 5.8mm in diameter, choose 1\4″ (6.4mm) so the W5DL will recover very tightly on your harness. Don’t choose a size so tight you need to force it on, the glue will mark your harness and not stay in the tube. Getting the best result To get the best result consider the following Cut your W5DL to length with sharp, sturdy scissors that are not serrated and can cut the W5DL in one cut. Cut the W5DL perpendicular and square. Measure the length of W5DL to be used on your branches, and ensure all branches have the same length W5DL cuffs to ensure a professional look. 25mm is a good cuff length to start with. Maybe longer for larger diameters. Recover the W5DL fully, it can take longer and slightly more heat that you could be expecting, dimpled surface on recovered W5DL indicates incomplete recovery. For larger diameters of W5DL, begin recovering the W5DL from the middle and work your way out, recovering all the way around as you go, if you heat up just one side, it can turn inside out, ruining the W5DL. The W5DL Glue is very hot when it’s recovering, it will stick to your skin and burn you. Don’t touch the W5DL until it’s fully cooled, fingerprints and tools will leave a lasting impression on it, spoiling it smooth appearance. Use a tool like the Knipex Telephone pliers to pinch the end without leaving a texture. Consider the order of installing and recovering the W5DL, will you be able to get the right size W5DL past other features on the harness after you’ve completed branching or terminating? You might need to install your main trunk branch W5DL before you start branching your harness. The best tip though, make a test piece! Get your process and heat source dialed in. The small investment in some wire offcuts and 3cm of W5DL will be worth it before your spoil your project! Have more questions or something to add? Let us know! We love to chat about wiring harness materials and construction.
