In our test, the Hektor cable lug pliers incl. cable lug assortment from Baurix made a very good impression overall. The set consists of the cable lug pliers, a sorting case and an assortment of 27 different types of cable lugs. Unfortunately, the number of cable lugs does not match the specifications, but the set was fully convincing in the practical test. The high-quality pliers can be used to crimp cable lugs very quickly and easily. The cable lugs hold well in the appropriate places and, depending on the type, also provide electrical insulation.
Advantages
✅ High-quality pliers
✅ Low force required for crimping
✅ 27 different cable lug types
✅ Practical sorting case
✅ Good hold of the cable lugs
Disadvantages
❌ Unnecessary packaging elements
❌ Number of cable lugs is not correct
The first impression
Packaging and labeling
ℹ️ Here we take a closer look at packaging. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor. In addition, adequate protection of the product must of course also be ensured.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Product protection | Cartons are sturdy, product more than adequately protected | 100 points |
| Sustainability Packaging | Item compactly packed, could have done without the plastic film and the cardboard box of the pliers | 80 points |
| Packaging convenience | Packaging can be opened easily with a knife | 90 points |
| Total | 90 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
The Hektor cable lug pliers with cable lug assortment from Baurix came together with other products in a single shipping box. The shipping box was compact and the individual products had no room to slide around. The shipping box contained the product packaging made of white cardboard. The product packaging was undamaged and in good condition. The shipping carton could be opened easily without tools. The product carton was sealed with a fixed sticker, so a knife is recommended to open it.
The product box contains a sorting case with the cable lug assortment, another box with the cable lug pliers, instructions for use, a discount voucher for the next order and a flyer with Internet addresses for warranty registration and an introductory video. It also contains an insert to prevent the box with the pliers from sliding around. Like the product packaging, the box with the pliers is also sealed with a fixed sticker. The sorting case is also shrink-wrapped in a transparent plastic film. Overall, the components of the set are excellently protected from damage during transportation thanks to the very extensive packaging. Unfortunately, this results in a lot of waste, which is why we believe that the plastic film around the sorting case and the additional packaging for the pliers could have been dispensed with.
After unpacking
Package contents and instructions
ℹ️ Most people’s first impression after unpacking is immediately memorable. Are the contents of the package complete and does the manufacturer make it as easy as possible for me to use the product straight away?
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Package contents & scope | Pliers and sorting case with 27 different types of cable lugs, but not all types complete | 70 points |
| Instructions for use | Comprehensible and in German, among other languages | 100 points |
| Contact information | Can be found in the product packaging and in the instructions for use, many contact options | 100 points |
| Total | 90 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
The set consists of the cable lug pliers and a sorting case, which contains 27 different types of cable lugs. According to the manufacturer, the set contains a total of 700 pieces, whereby the number of cable lugs of the different types differs. The cable lugs are sensibly arranged in the sorting case. Unfortunately, the specified number of cable lugs is not exactly correct. A count of the M6 ring cable lugs for 0.5 mm² to 1.5 mm² cable cross-section shows 47 instead of the specified 50. There are also only 19 of the insulated butt connector for 4 mm² to 6 mm² cable cross-section instead of the specified 20. However, this can be overlooked due to the high total number of cable lugs. The pliers and the many different sizes of cable lugs provide the customer with a comprehensive set.
The instructions for use are written in several languages, including German and English. They are clearly written and explain how to use the pliers and cable lugs.
Contact information can be found on the inside of the storage box and in the instructions for use. It includes the company name, address, website, telephone number, Whatsapp contact and e-mail address. If you need help, please contact us explicitly.
The first time in your hand
Product processing and appearance
ℹ️ Before we start the practical test, we take a close look at the product processing. How high quality are the materials used? Is the look and feel satisfactory?
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Visual appearance | Practical and product-oriented design, high-quality impression | 100 points |
| Processing | Good processing of pliers and cable lugs | 100 points |
| Stability | Pliers and cable lugs are very sturdy | 100 points |
| Sustainability of the product | Product can be used for repair, and the sorting case after the cable lugs have been used up | 100 points |
| Total | 100 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
The sorting case is made of transparent plastic. The upper part functions as a lid and has a label printed on both sides. On the outside, there is a list of the contents in addition to the key data and contact details. On the inside there is an assignment of the individual sizes to the respective compartment in the lower part of the box. There are also two buckles on the lid, which can be used to open and close the lid.
The lower part of the box is divided into 18 individual compartmentsin which the cable lugs are sorted. Overall, the sorting case is sufficiently sturdy, well made and very practical.
The cable lugs are made of plastic on the outside and metal on the inside. The plastic surface is matt and the metal is shiny. The cable lugs are stable and can hardly be deformed by hand. The workmanship is good.
The cable lugs are available in nine different designs. These are M4, M5 and M6 ring cable lugs, butt connectors, round plugs as pins and sockets, and flat plugs with associated fully and partially insulated plug sleeves. The nine designs are available for three different cable cross-section ranges between 0.5 mm² and 6 mm². The cable cross-section ranges are marked by color and can therefore be distinguished at a glance.
The cable lug pliers are made of black metal and have an orange plastic handle to make it easier to squeeze. The pliers consist of four parts, which are connected by a joint. The receptacles for the cable lugs differ for the cable cross-section ranges, but are also labeled accordingly and marked with the corresponding color. The pliers also have a latching mechanism which ensures that the cable lug is sufficiently pressed. There is also an associated emergency release. The crimping force can be adjusted using an adjustment mechanism, for which a Phillips screwdriver is required. Overall, the pliers make a high-quality and robust impression.
This is what our practical test showed
Does the manufacturer keep its advertising promises?
ℹ️ Our practical test is the most relevant and therefore the most important. Here, the product has to undergo a wide range of criteria and tests. We check the functions and product promises of the test article.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Pressing process and pliers | Easy handling and little effort required | 100 points |
| Variability of the set | Different cable lug sizes for a wide range of cable cross-sections | 100 points |
| Retention of the cable lugs | Cable lugs hold firmly together with the cable | 100 points |
| Quality of the ring cable lugs | High-quality look, ring can be bent easily | 90 points |
| Quality of the plugs | The plug connections can be easily connected and disconnected. | 100 points |
| Total | 98 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
First, we test the crimping of the ring cable lugs with different cable cross-sections. First, the cable in question must be stripped to such an extent that the exposed wires pass through the metal eyelet of the cable lug. The cable lug can then be fitted and the cable placed in the corresponding receptacle of the pliers. The pliers holder has a wide and a narrow side. The cable lugs start with a plastic sleeve. After about half their length, the plastic sleeve narrows and the metal eyelet begins. When inserting into the pliers, make sure that the metal eyelet of the cable lug is in the narrow part and the plastic sleeve is in the wide part of the pliers holder so that the crimp connection holds well. The pliers can now be closed.
Only a little force is required for crimping. The pliers also make a stable impression here. The pliers continue to lock into place during the crimping process, so that the pliers can be released again during the crimping process, for example to re-grip. However, this was not necessary in our test. The emergency release of the latching function also works perfectly. If the cable lug is crimped, the pliers can be opened again without the emergency release. There are no differences between the different cable cross-sections when crimping.
The result is also impressive. The cable lugs are firmly connected to the cables and can no longer be pulled off. The plastic sleeve covers the transition between the metal ring and the cable insulation, giving it a high-quality appearance. Only the material thickness of the ring could be slightly thicker, as the ring is easy to bend.
Next, we test the butt connectors and plugs. When crimping, there are no differences to the ring cable lugs. These are also easy to crimp and hold well. However, the plastic sleeve fulfills an additional function here, namely that of insulation. With the exception of the semi-insulated blade terminals, the plastic sleeve covers all metal parts. This means that butt connectors and plug connections are perfectly insulated when plugged in. The plugs themselves fit well into their respective counterparts and hold firmly in place. The plug connections can also be easily disconnected again.
Price/performance ratio
and ratings from consumers
ℹ️ Finally, we look at how the product compares to the competition. Can it keep up with the competition in terms of price and quality? Would we generally recommend buying it? We also examine consumer ratings and check whether the critical and positive reviews are actually justified.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Price / performance ratio | Very good performance in the mid-price segment | 80 points |
| Rating cut | 4.6 out of 5.0 on Amazon | 80 points |
| Total | 80 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
On the Amazon platform, consumers have given the product an average rating of 4.6 stars. One common complaint is that the material thickness of the ring cable lug is too thin, which we can also confirm. Many customers like the quality and functionality of the pliers. We were also able to confirm this in our practical test.
Prices of up to €78 are charged on the Internet for equivalent products. Very inexpensive products are available from as little as €24.89. The Hektor cable lug pliers with cable lug assortment from Baurix currently has a price of €39.99 and is therefore in the middle price segment. The price ratio is reasonable for the quality and scope of the product.
Overall result
| Weighting | Score achieved* | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. packaging & labeling | 10% | 90 points |
| 2. package contents & instructions | 10% | 90 points |
| 3. product processing & appearance | 20% | 100 points |
| 4. in the practical test | 40% | 98 points |
| 5. price/performance & consumer ratings | 20% | 80 points |
| Total | 93 points |
