Why Raychem WCSM Is the Field-Proven Choice for Splicing HDD Drill Wire and Repairing Cable Jackets
In the world of horizontal directional drilling (HDD), you don’t always get ideal working conditions. Mud, weather, tight timelines, and constant mechanical stress are part of everyday life on a drill site. When it comes to wireline—also known as HDD drill wire—any splice or cable repair has to be fast, repeatable, and strong enough to survive the forces of going underground.
That’s exactly where Raychem’s WCSM heavy-wall heat shrink tubing has earned its reputation.
A Heavy-Wall Heat Shrink Designed for Tough Jobs
WCSM is built with a thick, rugged polyolefin heat-shrink sleeve and a fully bonded internal sealant layer. As it shrinks with heat, the material conforms tightly to the cable, and the sealant flows into every gap, creating a durable, watertight, dirt-tight seal.
This combination makes WCSM a go-to solution for two important HDD applications:
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Splicing HDD drill wire / wireline
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Repairing damage to cable jackets
These are high-consequence tasks. HDD wireline carries location data, communication signals, and power to the downhole tools. A weak splice or exposed jacket can lead to downtime, signal failure, or even full pullback interruptions—none of which anyone wants in the middle of a bore.
Fast Installs—With No Complicated Prep Work
One of the biggest advantages of WCSM is how quickly it can be installed. Crews don’t need specialty tools or extensive surface prep. A propane torch or industrial heat gun is all that’s required.
Once the sleeve is positioned over the splice or damaged jacket:
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Apply heat evenly.
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The sleeve shrinks and the sealant activates.
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Within seconds, the splice is fully sealed and protected.
When the sleeve cools to ambient temperature, the cable can immediately handle the rigors of an HDD pullback. And if the job demands speed, the sleeve can be quench-cooled to get drilling operations moving even faster.
Built for High Voltage and Harsh Environments
WCSM is rated for use on electrical lines carrying 1,000 volts or more, which gives crews confidence when working on critical power-carrying cables and specialty drill wire. When used in jacket repair applications—without direct exposure to conductor voltage—the safe operating range increases even more.
This voltage rating, combined with the mechanical strength and environmental sealing of the product, makes WCSM suitable for a broad range of industries:
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HDD and trenchless construction
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Underground utilities
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Power and electrical contractors
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Industrial cable installers
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Field service and maintenance crews
Any Size. Any Length. Ready When You Are.
Another reason WCSM is such a widely used field solution is its flexibility. It comes in multiple diameters to match everything from small communication lines to larger power cables. And because it’s cut-to-length, crews can order exactly what they need:
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6-inch sleeves
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12-inch sleeves
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24-inch sections
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48-inch sections
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Or custom lengths beyond that
No wasted material. No improvising on site. Just the right size for the splice or repair.
A Simple Product That Solves a Big Problem
In HDD operations, small issues can quickly turn into big headaches—especially when underground cable integrity is at stake. Raychem WCSM is one of those straightforward, reliable products that saves time, reduces rework, and gives crews confidence that their splice or repair will hold up under pressure.
If your team regularly splices HDD wireline or repairs field-damaged cable jackets, adding WCSM to your standard toolkit is a smart investment. If you need help selecting the correct size or want lengths pre-cut for a particular project, we’re always here to help.
