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TheMatrix · 05-29-2016, 08:44 PM

While putting my nut back on the positive terminal I think I cross threaded it :(

Now the darn thing keeps spinning and won't screw tight or come off.

Help me pls! This is a brand new battery! :(

dpinvidic · 05-29-2016, 08:57 PM

From now on, finger tighten first

First, be sure the neg terminal is disconnected.

Use a flat blade screwdriver to push upwards on the nut while you unscrew it.

I am sure the terminal stud is shot. But just maybe there are a couple of good threads left......

You might be able to get a old style marine battery clamp(with a wing nut) and connect it to the bottom part of the terminal, then make connections to the new clamp.

It would be difficult to repair the stud.

The only thing I can think of is cut off the stud, then drill and tap the battery germinal to take a bolt.
Dan

nothermark · 05-29-2016, 09:12 PM

FWIW - Agree with the pry up and get to get it off and finger tighten.

If it was my battery I would then try to use a thread chaser or die to clean up the threads and replace the nut to see if it would tighten down. Only the last turn should need a wrench. If not I would reduce the stud diameter enough to go down one nut size before I just tossed the battery. I'd try to warranty replace it first.

TheMatrix · 05-29-2016, 09:19 PM

Thanks guys but there is no way to get this nut down or up. None. I even tried soldering the joints but the solder just won't stick! Bizarre! I am at a loss.

Any other ideas??

Sparechange · 05-29-2016, 09:21 PM

yep, do what you can to get the nut off and chase the threads with a die. That nut looks like it could be stainless. might want to use some type of thread lube if it is to help with galling. good luck

Sparechange · 05-29-2016, 09:27 PM

you might be able to cut that ring terminal off the stud and put on a clamp type connector on below the nut and just leave it

TheMatrix · 05-29-2016, 09:50 PM

Thanks again guys. That's exactly what I was doing.
Used my new angle grinder and carefully cut the nut off. I was careful to keep cooling the terminal in stages as I went along. Cut it off and as luck would have it.. I found a wing nut that fit exactly. Finger tighten.

Lesson learned.. finger tighten first ALWAYS!!

Skip426 · 05-29-2016, 09:52 PM

Be very careful the stud , is actually a bolt cast into the lead of the battery terminal , if you apply to much force the lead may crack out away from the bolt head , then you have a useless battery.
Best that I would try , would be to split the nut with a Dremmel cut off wheel , cut down opposite sides and the nut will fall off, then you can try repairing the threads with a die set.

EDIT, Already fixed, boy do I type slow.

TheMatrix · 05-29-2016, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip426

Be very careful the stud , is actually a bolt cast into the lead of the battery terminal , if you apply to much force the lead may crack out away from the bolt head , then you have a useless battery.
Best that I would try , would be to split the nut with a Dremmel cut off wheel , cut down opposite sides and the nut will fall off, then you can try repairing the threads with a die set.

EDIT, Already fixed, boy do I type slow.

Oh man no worries. It's all good now but man was I panicking and was so MAD at my self. Just a small 10 min job turned into a 2 hour nightmare for me because I was just careless. I've learned my lesson.

I was actually finishing my TPMS install and installing the final booster for it and this happened. Anyway.. I will show you all the pics of the TPMS mod tomorrow. Gotta spend some time with the lovely wife!

Will be finally camping next weekend!! Yay!!

YC1 · 05-30-2016, 03:58 AM

Glad you got it fixed. Here is my suggestion to add to the future fixes. Use a dremel tool with a thin cut off blade. Slice down the sides of the nut carefully and it should come right off. Sparks are very dangerous around a battery so use a fan to blow any fumes safely away from the sparks.

You might be able to use a tap and die set to clean up the threads.

TheMatrix · 05-30-2016, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YC1

Glad you got it fixed. Here is my suggestion to add to the future fixes. Use a dremel tool with a thin cut off blade. Slice down the sides of the nut carefully and it should come right off. Sparks are very dangerous around a battery so use a fan to blow any fumes safely away from the sparks.

You might be able to use a tap and die set to clean up the threads.

Duly noted. I even have a Dremmel tool! Doh! I was just so frantic and trying to resolve it asap. Had the angle cutter right by me.

I did lay a blanket over the battery for the sparks and it was done totally in the open with the wind slightly blowing. I also stopped incrementally and cooled down the terminal with a damp rag each time.

I cut away all the damaged thread so I don't need to re tap the terminal thank God.