Best source for teflon wire in multiple colors?

so I want to start modding some of my lights, but I think I need some Teflon coated wire for best results, right?

i checked McMaster and I didn't find any Teflon coated wire there in my search... I'd prefer to find a US source for quick delivery, etc. and one that carries a good selection of colors, as well

also, for flashlight purposes, should I use solid or stranded hook up wire?

try illumination supply.

I buy my teflon wire on ebay from the seller "navships". As far as stranded vs solid most of the time you would want to use stranded. Solid core wire is significatly less flexible compared to stranded, something to consider when the intended use is in flashlight modding.

McMaster should have Teflon wires! Sometimes they're called PTFE wire as well as Teflon wire. Navships is also a good supplier of these wires as well.

There are CAT 5 and 5e Ethernet cables that have PTFE insulation. They are usually 24-26 AWS gauge. I think CAT 6 is a slightly larger gauge.

I use high strand count silicone wire for all my builds. Very flexible even in larger sizes. You can find it in about any place that sells RC parts or accessories. I have order from hobbyking and EPbuddy. If I need it quick a go with EPbuddy in US. Comes in several different sizes and not all that expensive by the foot.

LilKevin715 said:

I buy my teflon wire on ebay from the seller "navships". As far as stranded vs solid most of the time you would want to use stranded. Solid core wire is significatly less flexible compared to stranded, something to consider when the intended use is in flashlight modding.

Click to expand...

+1 with navships. I buy all my teflon wire from there. I always used stranded, but I'm getting to like the solid wire. The smaller sized wire, (20ga and smaller) is easy to use and I feel it draws more amps thru a smaller size, with less resistance. Maybe that's just heresay.

gunga said:

try illumination supply.

Click to expand...

yeah man, i checked illumination supply first actually, but while the prices are great, i really want standard colors like red, black, etc.

LilKevin715 said:

I buy my teflon wire on ebay from the seller "navships". As far as stranded vs solid most of the time you would want to use stranded. Solid core wire is significatly less flexible compared to stranded, something to consider when the intended use is in flashlight modding.

Click to expand...

thanks for the suggestion, this could be our winner!

jufran88 said:

McMaster should have Teflon wires! Sometimes they're called PTFE wire as well as Teflon wire. Navships is also a good supplier of these wires as well.

Click to expand...

gotcha, i assumed it was either teflon or not lol. thanks for the pointer that it's called PTFE sometimes haha

lewong said:

There are CAT 5 and 5e Ethernet cables that have PTFE insulation. They are usually 24-26 AWS gauge. I think CAT 6 is a slightly larger gauge.

Click to expand...

good suggestion, but i think that'd be too thin for, say, 9 amps right? some of the builds i'll be doing are PT-54 mods that i'm gathering all the stuff for and can draw about 9 amps max lol

moderator007 said:

I use high strand count silicone wire for all my builds. Very flexible even in larger sizes. You can find it in about any place that sells RC parts or accessories. I have order from hobbyking and EPbuddy. If I need it quick a go with EPbuddy in US. Comes in several different sizes and not all that expensive by the foot.

Click to expand...

thank you. so is silicone wire better than teflon? are they about equal? i'm new to this lol

Old-Lumens said:

+1 with navships. I buy all my teflon wire from there. I always used stranded, but I'm getting to like the solid wire. The smaller sized wire, (20ga and smaller) is easy to use and I feel it draws more amps thru a smaller size, with less resistance. Maybe that's just heresay.

Click to expand...

thanks! i'll go with navships then!

Hi tobrien, from what I have read there pretty close too equal. The teflon may be more abrasion resistant. From what others have said, silicone is some what more flexible. This could be just a particular brand. Either one will work fine.

thank you. so is silicone wire better than teflon? are they about equal? i'm new to this lol

Click to expand...

Both are good. I think a lot of folks prefer silicone coated wire because it is more flexible. When you are trying to solder a 2" length of wire (That is already soldered to an emitter board, which is bonded to a heatsink/pill) to a tiny solder pad on a driver board without shorting out your board can be a challenge sometimes. Especially if you are dealing with multiple emitters/wires in a build. The teflon (PTFE) wire is quite stiff and difficult to strip (I use a utility knife razor blade) especially the smaller gauges. I started out using teflon, now I use silicone. The R/C community uses silicone. When it come to high amp applications, I trust their judgement. The flashlight build posts with pictures that I have seen use both, but probably more silicone. Hope this helps.