Single Wall vs Dual Wall Comparison

Contemplating heat shrink coverage, levels of protection, or which wall is right for you?

Get the fast facts about single vs dual wall heat shrink for smarter choices and better results on your next project. Performance expectations and protection provided by heat shrink is predominately related to its wall. What's in the walls of your heat shrink?

Keep reading to learn more (or skip straight to the concluson) to find out why it matters.

Similarities

Since these products are both types of heat shrink, they share the same basic purpose–to protect, seal, and insulate your cables, wires, and cords. They are also both heat-activated, which initiates a chemical reaction deep within the internal makeup of each material, causing the hollow tubes to shrink down and snug up around your surfaces. The result is a smooth, plastic coating that covers and protects your wires and connections.

Single wall and dual wall heat shrink are widely popular and wildly versatile among professionals, enthusiasts, DIY-ers, home owners, fand pretty much anybody who needs to "fix stuff". That's because heat shrink has been around for a long time, and it is well known for being incredibly cost-effective, easy to work with, and an easy way to add an extra layer or two of protection where you need it most.

Differences

Just like each name suggests, single wall heat shrink has only one "wall", while dual wall heat shrink has two "walls". Here's what that means.

Wall Construction

In the heat shrink world a "wall" is an external covering that is applied to a wire, cord, cable, connection, or something similar. This "wall" provides an additional layer of security and shielding around electrical components and important parts.

Just like the walls of your house are a physical barrier against the assaults of the outside elements like wind, rain, snow, and the beating UV and rays of the sun, walls also act as insulation against the cold. The walls of your heat shrink are responsible for pretty much all the protection you can expect.

Heat shrink walls also increase the strain relief of your applications. Providing extra mechanical support and stress relief that keeps everything looking, moving, and performing in tip-top condition. In turn, all these benefits add up to longer lifespans, safer and steadier electrical performance, and all-around better output.

Single Wall: means that the heat shrink tube is made up of just one "layer" or wall of protection: the tube itself.

Dual Wall: means that the heat shrink tube itself is the first wall or layer of protection (the outside one) and then it also includes an additional second layer/wall of protection (on the inside) made from hot melt adhesive.

Top Selling Points

When it comes to heat shrink, both single wall and dual wall will bring you lots of braggable benefits, but the winner by far is dual wall heat shrink with its interior layer of hot melt adhesive.

4:1 polyolefin, single wall heat shrink gives you one, strong layer of coverage in quick, convenient, and tool-free installations. The black is great for outdoor projects becaue it's UV resistant, and if you opt for a 3:1 heat shrink ratio, you'll find it available in a bright selection of rainbow-coloree hues.

If you're looking for a superior level of protection with enhanced electrical insulation, advanced mechanical protection, and the ultimate upgrade to completely waterproof coverage–you need dual wall, adhesive lined heat shrink. Dual wall heat shrink and "adhesive lined" heat shrink are used interchangeable for the same product. Any heat shrink with an adhesive lining has two layers of protection, so it's called dual wall and it delivers a tour de force performance on all fronts.

Intended Use and Location

As you're browsing single and dual wall varieties of heat shrink, be sure to checkout the differing levels of protection provided by varying the thickness of the exterior wall itself.

• Single Walls:
  • Ultra-thin wall heat shrink
  • Thin wall heat shrink
  • Medium wall heat shrink
• Dual Walls
  • Thin wall heat shrink
  • Medium wall wall heat shrink
  • Heavy wall heat shrink

Still unsure about selecting the appropriate amount of protection for you heat shrink? Try considering each option in regards to it's location and expected use. For guarding against daily wear and tear and life's general abrasions and uh-ohs, opt for a single wall heat shrink. When you're facing heartier, heavier, dirtier, vibrations, climates, or any possibility of waterlogging, you'll find the safety you need in a dual wall heat shrink.

Conclusion

Walls tend to be important for keeping this standing, strong, and providing its all around structure. Heat shrink walls work the same way.

Single wall heat shrink is thinner, faster, and a bit flexier with an edge to colors and customer conveniene.

Dual wall heat shrink has two walls, thanks to the spectacular addition of a preapplied layer of hot melt adhesive to the inside of the tubing. Dual wall, adhesive lined heatshrink installs, cures, and cools to use in 2-5 minutes with brute force and truly relentless stay.

Find which wall you'll want only at BuyHeatShrink.com.