Customizing cables and making my own extension cables. Please help?

[Judaeus Apella]

I'm making 3 pin fan extension cables and putting my own pins and connectors on fans that I'm getting from online electronic supply outlets. I know what molex pins and connectors to get, but that's it.

If someone knows where I can get a black multi-conductor cable, containing stranded red, black, and yellow in what ever gauge it is I need for PC fans, then the next two paragraphs can be completely ignored!

For the wire, I don't know what to get or where to get it. I'm guessing its copper 24 gauge stranded (in black, yellow, and red of course) right? Problem is I get spammed to hell if I search for that. The most powerful fan I'll be using is a 12 watt Delta. Normally it will be tamed down a bit. So if 24 gauge isn't enough, please let me know.... not that I know what I'm getting.

I'm also going to cover the entire length of the cables with heatshrink since its more functional and easier to hide than sleeving (which I don't even like). I'd like to order it by the foot or a small spool of it, but I'm not sure what size I need. Once I order it, that's it. I'm stuck with it or I have to pay for shipping if I get the wrong thing, most likely. So please I need someone to verify I'm getting the right thing.

I'm thinking of getting this: http://www.qualtekusa.com/Catalog/Sh...-PDF/Q2F3X.pdf
The size I'm looking at is 1/4" (0.6mm), 3 to 1 shrinkage (I'm guessing that means (1/3 original size???), Polyolefin, and its listed as "tubing, flexible". I *think* that's the right one.

If I could find some fabric heat shrink that doesn't cost a lot more than standard black heatshink, I'd love to use that! I can't find it though. Anyone ever seen it for sale online? That stuff is nice!


These are the parts I've selected... though I haven't chosen where I'm buying them yet. I'll look for the best prices when I sort it out.

Connectx™ Female 3-Pin Fan Housing Black
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catal...oducts_id=1167

Molex 08-52-0123 CONN TERM FEMALE 22-30AWG TIN
http://www.digikey.com/product-detai...0123/WM2758-ND

FrozenCPU 3-pin Male Shielded Fan Connector - Black
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/12...l=g51c389s1348

FrozenCPU ConnectRight 3-Pin Male Shielded Fan Connector Pins - Set of 3
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/12..._Set_of_3.html

Qualtek Polyolefin Black Heatshrink Tubing, Flexible, 1/4" (6.4mm), 3 to 1 Shrinkage Ratio
http://www.qualtekusa.com/Catalog/Sh...-PDF/Q2F3X.pdf

Also I'd like to get a proper molex crimper, but I haven't quite narrowed down what to get. I'd like to buy a crimper that works with all pins related to PCs, including series 8981 power connectors, series KK 2695 3-pin fan connectors, ATX, and SATA. I hope there's a crimper that does all that, I'd rather not be buying multiple crimpers.

Also, I don't suppose anyone knows where to get black 3-pin male shielded fan connectors a little more fairly priced? Or even better, a bag of them? This is all I could find:

FrozenCPU 3-pin Male Shielded Fan Connector - Black
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/12...l=g51c389s1348

I have a couple concerns though. How much does heatshrink, shrink vertically along the length of the cord? And is it effected by its shrinkage rating, as in 2 to 1 and 3 to 1. Will that mean that I need 3 times the length of the wire, and slowly go from one end of the wire to the other, so it doesn't end up coiling up the wire?