I've never used the shrink tube to secure the handle, best to save it until you have the paddle at the correct length, as you can only use it once. I have however had a lot of success with electrical tape as a fix, allowing you to paddle for quite a while, whilst working out the paddle length. No damage to the paddle and holds real well if you do it correctly.
I wrap the handle (the thinner insert section only) so that it is a very tight fit in the shaft. this only usually needs one complete wrap as the fit is usually pretty snug anyway. Then insert the handle in the shaft. Align correctly with the blade and tape the outside join really well. You don't want the handle moving or the paddle taking on water.
When you've decided on correct length, you can use the 5 minute epoxy with the heat shrink over the top. I have a paddle that I've been paddling with for about 6 months, still only attached with electrical tape, so the longevity of this method is fine.
Hope this helps.

Good hot glue is the go then if you find you want to trim a bit more length off you heat it up and out pops the t piece. Much more elegant solution then epoxy

DavidJohn said...
The heat shrink is usually only there to hide a messy glue job..

DJ

Always good to have a plan b. Paint is my plan b for a botched hull. Fortunately I haven't had to go down that path yet.
Cheers

I use the same process as Jasonprosser and use 5min araldite once it is the correct length, but you can still get it off just by heating it with a hair dryer as this softens it, works with the 5 min stuff but not all of the long cure brands, they take a lot higher heat to soften it.

Pete