my battery cables won't stay tight so i was wondering what the options are for new ones other than going to dodge

 

The battery end? Take a file or hack saw blade and open the gap on the end a bit more. Then it will have more room to clamp. BTW, this is usually cause by overtightening to begin with. It stretches the lead and makes the "legs" too long.

Clean your posts and ends very well, coat all surfaces lightly with dialectric grease, and reassemble. Tighten just enough to do the job. The dialectric grease will prevent corrosion. Don't forget to coat the bottom side of the clamps too.

 

thanks i'll try it but if memory serves correct......... it was " opened" once before and the cable it'self is loose on the clamp as well. i just don't like cutting the cable to put new ends on

 

I've got one I had to cut off and replace. I don't like it and the wires don't clamp under the holder part too well. I will replace the while dang thing one day.

 

These look really nice.

http://www.custombatterycables.com/

 

I have a full stock of terminals and cable I got from this place when I worked on class-A motor coaches.

http://www.noco.biz/catalog.htm

I made my own battery cables using 1ga. welding cable and cast copper lugs.
http://www.noco.biz/pdf/CatalogTerminal&Lugs.pdf

You could crimp on lugs then use military style terminals.
You can get these at NAPA
Military style lugs.
http://www.noco.biz/pdf/CatalogsTerminalsEnds.pdf

Jim

 

The easist way to fix it is. remove the nut and put a washer on the bolt and replace and tighten bolt. Or replace the entire cable. The aftermarket replacement ends are OK. But not the best IMHo so try a washer it workd for me on my 94

 

Sorry I am not doing this correctly. I don't remember the name of the part ( it has a formiliar name, sorry) The electrical ends are like a pipe thread with slots in them so that they tighten up onto the copper wire. I have used them on battery banks at work for years. They should be at NAPA or I have even seen them at the truck replair shops. They are reusable and easy to us. I made one up years ago for my 93 shortly before I sold it. What a mistake that was!!! They make battery ends and splices and so forth.

 

Not the best picture but mine looks like this:



Clamps are from here: http://www.pullpal.com/terminals/terminals.html

Ring Terminals "might" be from work....

Cable is 2/0 welding cable.

 

That looks nice, Dr. E. The shrink tube finishes it off well. 5 extra points to you for detail.

 

Thanks...yeah the shrink tube is the extra thick stuff with adhesive inside.

Another pic:




I forgot to mention that the ring terminals are crimped on with a special Thomas & Betts crimper (but you could probably solder them on)

 

Yes you can solder them. I did that on an old 6.9 Ford I used to have. Put the lug end in a vice, heat it up with a propane torch and fill the wire opening with molten solder then dunk the end of the cable in and allow to cool.

 

DR. E you know that one should solder connections for proper electrical conduction. For is seals out corrusion. Also don't blow on the joint for it crystalizes the connection and make for poor joint. Also a splice joint should have enough surface contact so as not to over heat the connection and cause troubles. Dr. looks like you used the good Raychem heat shrink for your insulation now we knwo what you do . But I can still see copper throught the end.

 

Another point about battery cable ends -- I sometimes smash 1/2" copper tubing over the end of the cable and drill a hole through it for the bolt. This could be soldered also. I use this on my solar power battery connections when I need to make a lot of cables with bolted connections. Much cheaper than purchased ends or good in emergency when ends aren't available and tube is.

 

That's a great idea!