In our test, the heat shrink tubing set from Baurix made a very goodimpression overall. The set consists of many shrink tubes in twelve different sizes and a storage box in which they are sorted. Although there are no instructions for use and the number of tubes supplied does not match the specifications, the set was fully convincing in the practical test. The set can be used to insulate solder joints very quickly. The shrink tubing even exceeds the manufacturer’s specifications in terms of shrinkage rate and adheres well to the relevant areas.
Advantages
✅ Twelve different sizes
✅ Practical storage box
✅ High shrink rate
✅ Fast insulation of cables
✅ Good stiffness in the shrunk state
Disadvantages
❌ No instructions for use available
❌ Number of hoses 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 | Carton is sturdy, product sufficiently protected | 100 points |
| Sustainability Packaging | Item was packed compactly, the plastic film could have been dispensed with | 90 points |
| Packaging convenience | Packaging can be opened easily without tools | 100 points |
| Total | 97 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
The heat shrink tubing set from Baurix arrived 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 storage box, which also serves as the product packaging. The storage box arrived undamaged and in perfect condition. Both the shipping box and the product packaging were easy to open without tools.
The storage box is shrink-wrapped in a transparent plastic film. The film prevents the storage box from being opened unintentionally and provides additional protection against dirt and damage during transportation. As the storage box is sufficiently robust and has a solid closing mechanism, we believe that the plastic film could have been dispensed with. On the positive side, the storage box itself serves as product packaging and no additional packaging is used.
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 | Shrink tubes with different diameters and storage box, not all colors complete | 70 points |
| Instructions for use | Not available, although particularly helpful for first-time users. However, key data can be found on the storage box | 50 points |
| Contact information | Can be found on the storage box, no telephone number given | 90 points |
| Total | 70 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
The set consists of a storage box in which different colored shrink tubes in twelve different sizes are sorted. The set contains a total of 850 tubes, whereby the number of individual sizes varies. The smaller the tube, the more pieces there are. While there are 200 of the smallest size, only 30 of each of the four largest sizes are included in the set. Unfortunately, the specified number of hoses is not exactly correct. Counting the hoses with a diameter of 4 mm results in 46, and also two half hoses instead of the stated 50. However, due to the high total number of hoses, this can be overlooked. Thanks to the many different sizes, the customer nevertheless receives a comprehensive set for insulating a wide range of cable diameters.
Unfortunately, there are no instructions for use . Although the handling of this heat shrink tubing set does not differ from other heat shrink tubing sets, instructions for use would be helpful, especially for first-time users. At least key data on the shrink temperature, operating temperature and maximum voltage can be found on the storage box.
Contact information can therefore only be found on the storage box. It is located on the front and includes the company name, address and e-mail address. In the event of faulty copies or other concerns, you are explicitly asked to contact us. Unfortunately, there is no telephone number.
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 | 100 points |
| Processing | Good workmanship apart from the hose ends | 90 points |
| Stability | Storage box is sufficiently stable | 100 points |
| Sustainability of the product | Product can be used for repairs, and the storage box can also be used after the tubes have been used up | 100 points |
| Total | 98 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
The storage box is made of transparent plastic and has a two-part design. 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 hinges and two buckles on the lid, with which the lid can be opened and closed again.
The lower part of the box is divided into twelve individual compartments, in which the shrink tubing is sorted according to size. Overall, the storage box is sufficiently sturdy, well made and very practical. The storage box can still be used once the shrink tubing has been used up.
The shrink tub ing has a material thickness and surface quality typical of shrink tubing. Four of the twelve sizes also have an imprint. The ends of the tubes are not cut exactly vertically, but this is merely a visual aspect.
The sizes of the shrink tubing start at a diameter of 1 mm and continue in 0.5 mm increments up to 4 mm. Above this there are diameters of 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 10 mm and 13 mm. Each size has a specific color, but some colors are used for several sizes. The length of the individual shrink tubes is identical for all sizes at 45 mm.
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* |
|---|---|---|
| Shrinkage rate | Consistently above the manufacturer’s specification of 2:1 in our test | 100 points |
| Stiffness | Stiffer than conventional cable sheathing, yet flexible | 100 points |
| Application | Can also be used with a standard lighter without any problems | 100 points |
| Stop | Firm hold on the area to be insulated | 100 points |
| Total | 100 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
First, we test the shrink tubing without the cable to check the shrink rate and the change in material properties. We use a commercially available lighter as a heat source. Our test shows that the diameters of the heat-shrink tubing in the initial state are slightly above the specified values. For example, we measured a diameter of over 4 mm for the 3.5 mm tubing. However, the shrinkage rate is also consistently above the specified values. For example, we measured a ratio of the initial state to the smallest possible diameter of 2.6 for the 2 mm tubing and a ratio of 2.3 for the 10 mm tubing. This means that all the test specimens in our test managed to exceed the specified shrinkage rate. The target diameters of the individual hoses are therefore achieved, even though the hoses are larger than specified in their initial state.
In addition to the diameter, shrinking also changes the stiffness of the hoses. This is noticeably increased for all sizes after shrinking. However, this is entirely in the interests of the user, as it allows bending force to be absorbed from the area to be insulated, thus reducing the load on the actual cable. Nevertheless, the sleeves remain flexible even when shrunk.
In a further test, we use the shrink sleeves in typical applications. One such application is, for example, a cable break. The right size is quickly found thanks to the sorting in the storage box. When repairing with heat-shrink tubing, it is important to remember that the tubing must be pushed onto the cable before soldering it together, unless one of the cable ends is free. After soldering, the heat-shrink tubing can be easily pushed to the affected area, provided the diameter is not too small. A standard lighter is perfectly adequate for heating the heat-shrink tubing to the right temperature. Even with a little practice, it is possible to heat the tubing so that it adapts to the surface contour of the solder joint without black soot marks forming or the tubing melting or even burning.
The resulting insulation is tight-fitting and does not slip due to the positive fit to the solder joint. It is also stiffer than conventional cable sheathing and yet still flexible. Cables can therefore be insulated quickly, easily and carefully with the heat shrink tubing set from Baurix.
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 | 4.7 out of 5.0 on Amazon | 85 points |
| Total | 83 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
On the Amazon platform, consumers have given the product an average rating of 4.7 stars. Various aspects are criticized, some of which we were able to confirm in our test. Many customers like the fact that the shrink tubing works as it should. We were able to confirm this in our practical test.
Prices of up to €13 are charged on the Internet for equivalent products. Very inexpensive products are available for as little as €7. The heat shrink tubing set from Baurix is currently priced at €9.99, which puts it in the middle price segment. The price ratio is reasonable for the quality and scope of services offered.
Overall result
| Weighting | Score achieved* | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. packaging & labeling | 10% | 97 points |
| 2. package contents & instructions | 10% | 70 points |
| 3. product processing & appearance | 20% | 98 points |
| 4. in the practical test | 40% | 100 points |
| 5. price/performance & consumer ratings | 20% | 83 points |
| Total | 93 points |
