Community Forums

noserider · 07-12-2016, 06:04 PM

I was servicing my house batteries and noticed some corrosion on the negative post ring terminal. I removed it to clean it up and it was loose at the crimp. I don't have a heavy duty or a medium duty for that matter crimping tool to install a replacement. Do they make a ring terminal that has a bracket where you can tighten down the cable with bolts like the automotive top mount cables use? I never liked the crimp on cable ends especially since I don't own a crimper. I could buy one but it's not something I would likely use often enough. Ideas?

noserider · 07-12-2016, 06:16 PM

Anybody use a set screw ring terminal? That might work if I can find one big enough to accept my cable. Also anyone know what gauge size most house battery cables are? 1 gauge?

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon....L._SL1100_.jpg

TQ60 · 07-12-2016, 07:16 PM

Check to see if auto zone has a loaner.

Next do you have a propane torch?

Soldering works well.

dpinvidic · 07-12-2016, 07:33 PM

Here is a trick. Get a proper sized nut and drill out the threads.
then use a hacksaw and cut the nut in half.

Place the nut halfs around the terminals, and use a bench vise or hydraulic press to crimp it.
I have also placed a 16D nail on top of the terminal when crimping to get more pressure on a smaller area for a better crimp.

Regards,

Dan

vsheetz · 07-12-2016, 07:45 PM

I have a hammer powered crimper. I think I paid $13 or so for it. Insert connector. Smack it with a hammer. Crimped.

bill06447 · 07-12-2016, 07:52 PM

I have a hydraulic crimping tool I use for work, makes awesome crimps on everything up to 3/0 cable connectors, might be overkill but it will be the only one you need https://www.amazon.com/Hydraulic-Ter...c+crimper+tool

dpinvidic · 07-12-2016, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vsheetz

I have a hammer powered crimper. I think I paid $13 or so for it. Insert connector. Smack it with a hammer. Crimped.

Vince,

You just cost me $25...Thanks

Ordered this, for the price it is great, and can also be used with a hydraulic press.
Hammer crimper on e-bay

Regards,

Dan

noserider · 07-12-2016, 08:03 PM

Thanks for the ideas guys. I can most likely get it crimped somewhere or even on my bench vise if I remove the cable but was looking for a fix without taking the cable off. Nobody liked the set screw ring terminals I linked?

noserider · 07-12-2016, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TQ60

Check to see if auto zone has a loaner.

Next do you have a propane torch?

Soldering works well.

I like the soldering idea but need to remove the cable for that. Propane torch in the battery compartment could be a problem.

vsheetz · 07-12-2016, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dpinvidic

Vince,

You just cost me $25...Thanks

Ordered this, for the price it is great, and can also be used with a hydraulic press.

Hammer crimper on e-bay

Regards,

Dan

Sorry Dan! (-:
Yes, hydraulic press or I use it with a large bench vise. Else my portable and trusty 2 lb. sledge - my alignment and all around go-to tool.

Scottybdivin · 07-12-2016, 08:56 PM

I concur with the hammer crimper. I built all my 3/0 cables with one. Some say crimp both sides but that may be overkill. Our diesel mechanics use them on our bulldozers and heavy equipment, and they take alot more of a beating than these RV's.

noserider · 07-12-2016, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scottybdivin

I concur with the hammer crimper. I built all my 3/0 cables with one. Some say crimp both sides but that may be overkill. Our diesel mechanics use them on our bulldozers and heavy equipment, and they take alot more of a beating than these RV's.

I'm not familiar with cable lingo. Is 3/0 the cable gauge size? Any idea what gauge size house battery cables are? They seem pretty solid.

jelag · 07-12-2016, 09:40 PM

so 3/0 is triple ought wire... that's BIG... honestly I've always soldered these terminals with rosin core solder and put some shrink tube around them.... I mount them in a vice... and heat the terminal with a propane torch... than add the shrink tube...

BILL... I've never seen a crimping tool under $100, this find on Amazon is great... now I've got to decide if as a retired old guy... I need to add another NEW TOOL to my tool box...

BTW - I usually go to a welding supply store for my battery cable... I purchase welding lead by the foot... they have that material in several different sizes... I like their cable because its lots and lots of small strands... instead of a few strands of larger diameter wire... the heavy lots of strand welding cable is much easier to handle and bend around a corner.... when its on the + side of the system I put a 3" long piece of RED shrink tube next to the terminal.....