how to dress the legs of a transistor or LED?

[monkeyxx]

I've seen guys like DAM and Plum Crazy put cool colored tubing on the legs of their transistors.  seems eminently practical as well for preventing shorts.  how do I do this?  I can't figure it out.  is there tiny heat shrink tubing out there, or, strip a certain kind of wire in a certain way?

here's an example


also what's a good clear rubber gunk you can use to hold stuff down inside a pedal like Throbak?  seems like a good idea for a rugged permanent installation.  the LED and battery clip just look to be held with epoxy to me, for a permanent strong bond.  can't identify this clear rubbery stuff though, hot glue?  it's softer than that though, more bendable, seems good for gluing a circuit board or wires

here's an example

[blooze_man]

I just use leftover wire insulation for the leads. At one point I had a can of Brush On Electrical Tape which was really cool that worked for securing wires and things.

[Joe Hart]

Yup. Wire insulation.
-Joe Hart

[deadastronaut]

and silicon maybe....

[monkeyxx]

beautiful! thanks.  now I've got a whole new use for my pile of colored wire.

silicon.  is there a specific kind that's suitable?  like something you could buy at Home Depot might work? and might have a convenient applicator tip.

I have some silicon adhesive but it's kind of wet and runny and not very goopy, and it dries white not clear.  there's probably a better kind of silicon for this type of job

[deadastronaut]

i'm not saying it is!...but it sure looks like it...

the clear waterproof stuff...like the window/mirror/ bathroom type gear!...

[Johan]

you can buy that tube at better electronic suppliers. it's made for that purpose.
J

[spargo]

I just use small shrink tubing for the positive leg of LEDs.  But stuff doesn't really move around in the box.  I've built plenty of pedals with LED wires just bare and no issues.

[pjwhite]

You can use wire insulation removed from a wire to cover the legs of an LED, or heat shrink, or teflon tubing, which is what I like.  It doesn't melt like some insulation, and doesn't require shrinking.
http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p5197.m570.l1313&_nkw=teflon+tubing&_sacat=See-All-Categories

The goop looks like silicone (not silicon) aquarium sealer.
http://www.amazon.com/AG-SILICONE-SEALANT-10OZ-CLEAR/dp/B0002ASD34

[boogietone]

You should find silicone at the local hardware (Lowes or HomeDepot if you are in the US). It typically comes in a foot long tube and is dispensed using a "grease gun." It can be clear or white and does not dry to a hard state. I do not know its electrical properties.

[petemoore]

  Yupp, looks pretty that way, might as put the insulation to some use !
   Otherwise 'box' jacks [the outside is sealed outside] can be used to prevent Jr. from inserting pens and needles into the device.

[bluesman1218]

Heat shrink, without shrinking, works. I used to shrink it, but it's a pain if I have to access the lead for testing or want to add a component for a later mod.
I have also used leftover wire insulation, but it may not slide on easily, depending on the length. I recently scored a 50' roll of red silicone tubing at a surplus store, for $1, with a perfect i.d. for this. 

[amptramp]

Most silicone caulking compound is unsuitable for electronics use as it generates acetic acid (vinegar) as it cures.  Acetic acid is both conductive and corrosive, which is why non-acetic materials like Dow RTV-3145 are preferred for high-reliability applications like avionics or medical equipment.

As for the OP's question of transistor/LED legs, you can use heat-shrink or ordinary non-shrinkable tubing of whatever colour you need.

[Mike Burgundy]

Looks like hotmelt glue to me.
Works like a charm, just make sure you don't touch anything plastic (ie wire insulation) with the gun tip.