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Cutting Tools
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Several tools are available for professionally cutting and sealing the ends of this product. If cut improperly, fraying of the ends may occur. To prevent this, the experts cut it with a hot knife, a soldering iron with a sharp tip or a professional rope cutter. If these tools are not available, wrap the sleeving with adhesive plastic insulation tape at the point where it is to be cut. Then cut through tape and sleeving with sharp scissors or shears.
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Size Selection
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Size selection is easy because of the expandable nature of the material. For a tight and rigid fit, a smaller size than your application should be selected. Hoses look great with Flexo applied tightly.
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For a more flexible application such as wires, a size close to or slightly larger than the subject should be used. This will ensure that the application is able to move smoothly and easily.
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Cutting and Flaring
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With your hot cutting tool, slice the braid with even pressure leaving an evenly sealed edge on the material.
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While the end cools, you can flare it using something shaped like a small cone to hold it open. With practice, this technique can help perfect your results.
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Installation
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Installing braided sleeving over your application is fast and easy because of its ability to expand and contract. The sleeving can be passed easily over long hoses or cables using a push and slide technique. For example, if installing from right to left, push a few inches of flexo over the end of the cable or hose. Grip the application through the flexo with your left hand so that end cannot move. With your right hand, push a few more inches of flexo onto the cable or hose so that it bunches up into a bulge.
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Now grip the application tightly through the flexo with your right hand and release your left hand grip to allow the bulge of flexo to slide further along the application to the left. As it advances, it flattens out and the process can be repeated. With a little practice there is no limit to the length of cable or hose you can cover with this technique.
An alternative method is by folding the flexo over itself. Start by pushing about half an inch of flexo onto the cable or hose. Tape the end firmly into place. Now push the braid forward so that it first bunches up and then folds forward over itself. Continue pushing forward so that the flexo turns inside-out and rolls forward, advancing smoothly over the application. This method has the side benefit of producing a very neat end termination at the outer end. Because the braid is folded back over itself, the cut surface of the end is not visible.
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Termination
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Many styles of termination can be used such as Cable Ties, Heat Shrink Tubing, Hose Clamps, Rubber Boots, Tapes and Plastic Dips.
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With a little practice and experimentation you will be able to choose the termination that works best with your application.
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