What size braid do you use to cover your servo wires?

[hicks451]

Hi all, Just need a heads up on the best size braid to use for HS65MG servo wire? Also the best size heat shrink? Ive never used any before so im totaly new to it and any help would be greatly appreciated!!! Cheers all!!!

Please leave links if you know good places to buy both braid and heat shrink or good threads to read more on how its done? Thanks

[Eckchaz]

I use the 2-6mm for everything.. it keeps it nice/tight and neater than the bigger sizes Fast Lad Performance

For the heat shrink i use the 3.5mm or 5mm from maplins HeatShrinkable Sleeving : Sleeving : Maplin

The best way imo to braid wires is to take the connector off, put on the braid to where you need it and then pull it tight (fingers in the middle of the braid and pull outwards) then thread the heatshrink on and use a hairdryer and not a naked flame etc.. this saves burning it and it gives good even heat to finish the job.. then put your connector back on.. job done

[paulsouthport]

As above, except I singe the end of the braid to stop fraying and put the plug on before shrinking

[RcRotaryMadness]

I use 4mm braiding and 6mm adhesive lined heatshrink with a 3:1 shrink ratio.

The 4mm braiding is perfect for servo leads and the 6mm heatshrink will fit over the rubber grommet on the servo lead output...

My method is this:

Take servo lead and lay it flat on a table

Measure up some braid against it, and cut it about 1-2cm short at each end, than the servo wire itself.

Take the braid and using a fag lighter just gently melt the end fibres to stop them fraying (only just singe it tho!)

Remove servo plug

Cut two 1 inch lengths of heatshrink, thread one piece down the servo lead to the servo

Using a straight metal rod (or a modified coat hanger in my case), insert the rod inside the braiding, then tape the servo wires to the rod, and pull the wires through.

Push the braiding under the heatshrink, position it all, and then shrink the heatshrink (I use a fag lighter at a distance - but a hairdryer will work also).

Once the servo end is done, then using your fingers, pull the braiding tightly down the servo lead, slip on the other piece of heatshrink and again, shrink it to hold it in place.

Refit the servo plug and your done.

I get my stuff from here:

The ebay seller is JLB Electricals:Braided cable sleeving, braiding, braid BLACK 4mm x 10M items in JLB Electrical store on eBay!

This is the heatshrink I used from heatshrink Online (on ebay)


Matt

[zoombolt]

I used to use the braid & heatshrink, it does look nice and neat when your canopy is off.
However, after a few crash repairs, the tidiness becomes a chore you can live without.
It adds nothing to the flight characteristics, nobody can tell the difference when in the air & NOT using it aids crash repair turn around time.

[anyw]

i ordererd mine from here
Protective Cable Braiding - RC Screws

[hicks451]

Thanks for all your help and advice!!! Much appreciated!!! Just ordered some of both and cant wait for it to arrive so i can crack on and finish my heli!!! Thanks again!!!!