The solder connector set from Baurix made a very good overall impression in our test. The set consists of 120 solder connectors in four different sizes and an assortment box. Helpful operating instructions are also included. The set was also fully convincing in the practical test. Cables can be connected very quickly and easily with the set. No prior soldering with a soldering iron is necessary. The resulting insulation holds the cables firmly together and is still flexible. The solder connector also fits snugly to the cable and creates a watertight connection thanks to the additional adhesive inside.
Advantages
✅ Four different sizes
✅ Practical assortment box
✅ High shrink rate
✅ Fast insulation of cables
✅ Good stiffness in the shrunk state
✅ No soldering iron required
✅ Waterproof connection
Disadvantages
❌ Address information only available to a limited extent
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 solder connector set from Baurix was delivered together with other products in a single shipping box. The shippingbox was compact and the individual products had no room to slip. The shipping box contained an assortment box that also served as product packaging . Thanks to the appropriate size of the shipping box, the assortment box could not slip inside. The assortment box was undamaged and in perfect condition. Both the shipping box and the product packaging were easy to open without tools.
The assortment box was shrink-wrapped in a transparent plastic film. The film prevents the assortment box from being opened unintentionally and provides additional protection against soiling and damage during transportation. As the assortment box is sufficiently robust and has a solid locking mechanism, we believe that the film could have been dispensed with. A positive aspect is that the assortment 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 | Solder connectors with different diameters and assortment box | 100 points |
| Instructions for use | On the label of the storage box in German | 100 points |
| Contact information | Can be found on the assortment box, neither e-mail address nor telephone number given | 70 points |
| Total | 90 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
The set consists of an assortment box in which different colored solder connectors in four different sizes are sorted. According to the manufacturer, the set contains a total of 120 solder connectors, whereby the number of individual sizes differs. There are 30 of the smallest size and ten of the largest. There are forty of each of the two medium sizes. A random check confirms this manufacturer’s information.
Instructions for use are printed on the inside of the label of the assortment box. It explains how to use the solder connectors in three simple steps. The text is written in German and is supported by illustrations. In addition, the key data for the solder connectors is given on the assortment box.
The contact details can also be found on the assortment box. They are on the outside and include the company name and address. Unfortunately, there is no e-mail address or 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 | Apart from the inconsistencies, good workmanship | 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 connectors have been used up | 100 points |
| Total | 98 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
The assortment box is made of transparent plastic and has a two-part design. The upper part serves as a lid and has a label printed on both sides. On the outside, there is a list of the contents with the relevant key data in addition to the contact details. On the inside are the instructions for use and a copy of the list on the outside. There is also a buckle on the lid with which the lid can be opened and closed again.
The lower part of the box is divided into seven individual compartments in which the solder connectors are sorted by size. Apart from the smallest size, each size occupies two compartments. Overall, the assortment box is sufficiently sturdy, well made and very practical.
The solder connectors are essentially soft, transparent plastic tubes. There are three rings inside the tubes, which divide the tubes into four sections of equal length. The two outer rings are colored, with each color being assigned a specific size. The middle ring contains solder and is not quite as soft as the rest of the tubes. The solder joints are not quite even and some of the rings are a little crooked. However, this should not be a disadvantage for the functionality . Otherwise, the workmanship is not objectionable.
The size of the solder connectors depends on the cable cross-section for which they are suitable. The smallest size can be used from a cable cross-section of 0.2 mm², the largest up to a cable cross-section of 6 mm². It should be noted that there are gaps between the sizes, so solder connectors are not available for certain sizes. For example, the second largest solder connector is only suitable up to a cable cross-section of 2.5 mm², while the largest solder connector can only be used from a cable cross-section of 4 mm². The length of the individual solder connectors is 26 mm for the smallest version and 40 mm for the other three sizes.
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 | High shrinkage rate of 2:1 | 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 |
| Strength | Cables are firmly connected to each other, very good hold of the solder connector on the cable | 100 points |
| Watertightness | Solder connectors enclose the affected area watertight | 100 points |
| Total | 100 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
First, we test the solder connectors without cables to check the shrinkage rate and the change in material properties . Heating softens the colored rings, which are made of adhesive , and the solder of the middle ring. The transparent plastic tube contracts like a shrink tube. Our test shows that the diameter of the solder connector is halved by the heating.
In addition to the diameter, shrinking also changes the stiffness of the solder connectors. This is significantly increased for all sizes after shrinking. However, this is entirely in the interests of the user, as bending forces can be absorbed from the area to be insulated, thus reducing the load on the actual cable. Nevertheless, the solder connectors remain flexible even when shrunk. Our test also shows that the solder connectors are waterproof .
In a further test, we use the solder connectors in practice. A typical application is a cable break. Thanks to the sorting in the assortment box, the right size can be found quickly. The solder connector can be easily pushed onto the cable. Not only can a hot air gun be used as a heat source, as recommended in the instructions for use, but a standard lighter can also be used in an emergency. When heated, the solder connector contracts as much as the cable inside allows. This causes the solder to adhere to the cable insulation and create a seal. In addition, the soft solder is pressed against the exposed wires in the middle of the connector and soldered together. In contrast to conventional heat-shrink tubing, it is therefore not necessary to solder the wires with a soldering iron beforehand.
The resulting insulation sits firmly and does not slip through the adhesive. It is also stiffer than conventional cable sheathing and yet still flexible. The cable ends are firmly connected and can no longer be pulled apart. With the solder connection set from Baurix , cables can be insulated quickly, easily, watertightly and carefully.
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 lower price segment | 90 points |
| Rating cut | 4.4 out of 5.0 on Amazon | 70 points |
| Total | 80 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
On the Amazon platform, consumers have given the product an average rating of 4.4 stars. One common criticism is that the solder does not melt and therefore does not create a strong connection. Other customers, however, are very satisfied, as the solder connectors create stable and watertight connections. In our practical test, the melting of the solder worked perfectly, so we can only confirm the impression of the satisfied customers.
Prices of up to €22.99 are charged on the Internet for equivalent products. Very inexpensive products are available for as little as €6.99. The solder connector set from Baurix is currently in the lower price segment with a price of €11.99. The price ratio is very good for the quality and scope of services you get.
Overall result
| Weighting | Score achieved* | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. packaging & labeling | 10% | 97 points |
| 2. package contents & instructions | 10% | 90 points |
| 3. product processing & appearance | 20% | 98 points |
| 4. in the practical test | 40% | 100 points |
| 5. price/performance & consumer ratings | 20% | 80 points |
| Total | 93 points |
