1
Select the right tool for the size of the heat shrink tubing you want to expand.
Most smaller tubing is easy to stretch with needle-nose pliers. If possible, find a pair with extended ends to accommodate longer sections of tubing.
2
To stretch larger tubing, use a combination of two pliers to expand the tubing as shown in this illustration.
- Extremely small tubing calls for tweezers with needlepoint tips, such as LTD's Tweezerman models.
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3
Insert the tweezers or pliers into the tubing as far as possible. Make sure the tool used is completely closed.
4
Pull the pliers apart slowly to open up the ends. If using tweezers, use a jeweler's screwdriver to help pry the tweezers apart.
5
Stretch the tubing only a little at a time to avoid tearing or puncturing it.
6
Close the tweezers or pliers and rotate the tubing slightly.
7
Repeat steps 2 through 5 until you have rotated the tubing enough to return to your starting point.
8
Flip the tubing to so that the other end of it fits over the tweezers or pliers, and repeat the above steps.
9
The tubing is now ready for use.
