Replace battery terminals

[majcd213]

Hi All, Having been working on my car for some time now I got pretty tired of connecting and reconnecting the battery. I decided to fit some quick realease terminals from Halfords to replace the worn and suspect ends on mine... Mistake !! The Halfords terminals fit the battery quite well but the cable connection is a weak looking screw-down clamp apparently intended for a thicker cable and it won't hold the cable. I've also read that this sort of contact is potentially problematic. So assuming that my cable is still long enough, I was going to refit a more normal terminal.
My question is how do others attach their battery cable terminals (both clamps and eyes). There are several different approaches video'd on YouTube; Solder is presumably the gold standard, but is the type that clamps to the cable with two bolts good enough for a permanent solution? How does anyone crimp these terminals? I can replace the whole cable but I see this as a "teach a man to fish" situation and I'd like to know how best to do this myself.
Cheers
Mike

[Hawaiis0]

Sounds like your screw clamp is the type that secures either side of the conductor and not one that screws "above" the conductors. Cant tell without seeing one. I would try and get one that uses the screw to bind into the conductor. Return to Halfords anyway if the size is wrong. A crimped terminal would be perfect.

[majcd213]

Yes you are right. The halfords terminal is a squeeze clamp and the screws don't contact the copper wires. Not impressed! I won't be using this type again. I've orded some more bty wire (50 mm2) as my cable is now annoyingly some 10cm too short, and some crimp-or-solder terminals. Still not whether to crimp or solder them though.

[Hawaiis0]

Could you work any forward slack back towards the battery?

[chrisw2811]

Some battery connectors have a bolt-through fitting that allows addition of a solid conductive bar, to which the cable can be bolted. This might provide the extra length needed.

[KevW]

Hi All, Having been working on my car for some time now I got pretty tired of connecting and reconnecting the battery. I decided to fit some quick realease terminals from Halfords to replace the worn and suspect ends on mine... Mistake !! The Halfords terminals fit the battery quite well but the cable connection is a weak looking screw-down clamp apparently intended for a thicker cable and it won't hold the cable. I've also read that this sort of contact is potentially problematic. So assuming that my cable is still long enough, I was going to refit a more normal terminal.
Cheers
Mike

B***er ! Guess what arrived in the post for me last week? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/231744502565

I presume these are the same as the Halfords ones. From your experience I think I might leave well alone and chuck them into the parts box.

[don.hasi]

I have in some cars this type which works brilliant and is cheap too

[Lotus-e-Clan]

I have in some cars this type which works brilliant and is cheap too

Exactly.

I've been using this type on the negative terminal for years with no problem. you can remove the screw completely for extra security - but never have. Just a quick turn and the power is off without disturbing/stressing cables.
You don't have to screw it down tight for good contact either!

[KevW]

I used to use those Dis-Car-Nect screw things too but took them off my cars in frustration as often I'd get into the car, try to start the engine and the electrics would all go dead. I'd then have to get out, go into the boot and re-tighten the screw (and replace the inline fuse). I think when fitted to a car in frequent use the normal in car vibrations causes the screw to slacken of its own accord. I didn't need the mild anti-theft aspect of the thing as I have other more secure immobilisation.

[Lotus-e-Clan]

Sounds like yours was the low current fused bypass version - purpose to keep the radio memory when unscrewed and the fuse is designed to blow if you try to start it ...confuses the crim ..or indeed the owner!

I can see how that would frustrate - turn on the ignition and you think you have a connection ...then whooops the fuse blows because you forgot to re-tighten the screw.

That's why I opted for the non-bypass fuse-less version (as in the picture).

When it's off, it's off - no fuse to blow ..but you then have to retune the radio (minor irritation). I use it more for battery preservation (stop drain during inactive periods) or as an isolation switch when maintenance is required or as an emergency-off if something badly shorts.

I haven't had an issue with the screw tightness ..unless that's the source of my current random misfire!

[Lotus Jim]

I've just fitted one of these little jaspers. Mine has been ok and hasn't vibrated loose, however I haven't done many long journeys!
Jim

[don.hasi]

I think when fitted to a car in frequent use the normal in car vibrations causes the screw to slacken of its own accord.

I have it in my daily driver M100 as well. No probs since years.

If you are searching something remote, I have the right thing for you... have to dig this out. Stay tuned

[don.hasi]

found it: will do this in my VX220 and Riviera soon

http://www.batterybrain.co.uk/shop/

[majcd213]

Thanks guys thats really helpful. I have ordered some new cable but I might get the non-fused version of the screw isolator terminal anyway... My radio is the primitive variety and isnt bothered by power loss!

[KevW]

found it: will do this in my VX220 and Riviera soon

http://www.batterybrain.co.uk/shop/

Thanks for the suggestion Don. I might re-fit my Dis-Car-Nect screw gadgets and give them another chance before I do anything else.