We just had to make a cable because one wasn't long enough with our new style battery posts. We did it at west marine, used one of those crumpets that you use a sledge hammer. Worked great!I'm still using the old OEM "clamping bolt" style battery terminals. Has anyone tried any of the new style terminal connectors, crimp style?
Those are for round posts which is not optimal for marine because they could vibrate off and arc which creates resistance. We had those style and had to buy the batteries with blades, luckily they used round post to bolt on stud converter, so we didn't have to break out the crimpers and battery cable.I like these. Best Place to buy Military Battery Terminals - Expedition Portal I stole this fromm FF on a previous "Battery Terminal" discussion
We just had to make a cable because one wasn't long enough with our new style battery posts. We did it at west marine, used one of those crumpets that you use a sledge hammer. Worked great!
True, we only needed one about 15"'s long, but big at 3/0.If you have a bunch more to do, Harbor Freight carries a big crimper for $50 that seems to do a better clamping job than the West one. But by the time you buy all the parts and the tools you might find it cheaper to order pre-made cables online.
If you have a bunch more to do, Harbor Freight carries a big crimper for $50 that seems to do a better clamping job than the West one. But by the time you buy all the parts and the tools you might find it cheaper to order pre-made cables online.
I agree Sunset. If you are doing a lot of wiring chages you can't beat having your own hydraulic crimper. Mine has paid for itself ten fold already. 8 Ton Hydraulic Wire Terminal Crimper Battery Cable Lug Crimping Tool 9 Dies | eBay
I agree Sunset. If you are doing a lot of wiring chages you can't beat having your own hydraulic crimper. Mine has paid for itself ten fold already.
8 Ton Hydraulic Wire Terminal Crimper Battery Cable Lug Crimping Tool 9 Dies | eBay
Dave, do you have one of these? If so, how is it holding up? Too bad it doesn't go up to 4/0. It sure is a good price for a crimper.
Ron
Here is where I learned a LOT about making battery cables: Making Your Own Battery Cables Photo Gallery by Compass Marine at pbase.com
Wow, I guess that blows the cheap hydraulic crimper tool out of the water.
Thanks for posting this.
I went for a really nice one. This was like $250 and works really well. The downside is that at 25" long, it's clumsy in tight spaces, but I just make them in the salon rather than in the ER. I really like it though. I never have to change dyes or anything. It's all built into the "chuck". Still, at $250, I will take it to my grave that it's the best think since sliced bread ;-) Draw your own conclusions, but now I know it will work forever without breaking.
Before you guys go to Harbor Freight for a crimper, read Page 3 & 4 of MainSail's new addition to his 'Making Your Own Cables' article. It's pretty telling how badly that HF hydraulic crimping tool is made, or at the very least, how poor a connection it makes if used as advertised. Certainly, YMMV, but I am a big believer in "the-right-tool-for-the-right-job" mantra ;-) But hey... That's just me.
Making Your Own Battery Cables Photo Gallery by Compass Marine at pbase.com
For anyone near (Groton) Southeastern CT, I have a crimper like Tom B's. Borrow it for free if you need it.
Rob
For anyone near (Groton) Southeastern CT, I have a crimper like Tom B's. Borrow it for free if you need it.
Rob
Tom, thanks for posting the info. I have the hydraulic crimper and I got my eyes opened by reading the link. I think it could be as good a tool as the manual crimp ( I also have a manual crimp tool) if the correct dies are used. The key is not to smash the the lugs and probably use larger dies. That said it burns me that the dies are wrong!
Dave, return it to Harbor Freight as they accept returns without receipt if needed. My neighbor shops there often and told me of their policy.