Replacing battery cables, question regarding positive terminal

[need RX7]

Still working on my 'resto-mod' project. I plan on 'rebuilding' the battery cables with new terminals, lugs, and quality welding cable.

I want to replicate the stock layout, but I don't know what to do with the positive battery terminal. In stock form, there are two cables that come out of the positive terminal, one to the starter and the other to the fusebox.

Looking at replacement battery terminals, I can't seem to find one that will accommodate two cables. I'd like to avoid just jamming two cables into one of those ones that uses the bolt-down clamp. Any products available that I'm missing, or should I slightly modify the stock setup? I suppose I could run one thick positive cable to a junction near the battery then run the two cables from there.

[RETed]

You can either terminate with a crimp ring terminal and then find a battery terminal that can accommodate those ring terminals or find a battery terminal that can accommodate the two bare wire ends.

If going with #1, you can just stack the ring terminals.
There are lots of options for battery terminals that you should be able to find locally.
Most common are the ones with wing nuts on the top.

For #2, check out "car audio" type battery terminals that allow you to shove bare end stripped wire.
Most can accommodate up to 4AWG easily.
Some have multiple holes to accommodate what you're trying to do.


-Ted

[Monkman33]

Ted is right.

Stinger makes a bunch.

[Monkman33]

http://www.hifisoundconnection.com/Shop/Control/fp/scat/31451/SFV/30046/set_num/2

Here is a place to start from. Get some ideas and see what's out there.

[Monkman33]

Double post

[RETed]

Or this type, if you're trying to save money...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Marine-Boat-Battery-Terminals-End-Connector-w-Wing-Top-Post-Car-Automotive-/161168831247?pt=Boat_Parts_Accessories_Gear&hash=item258669330f&vxp=mtr

You'll still need crimp rings to your existing wires to connect then under the wingnut.


-Ted

[Garfinkles Motor Works]

I use welding cable as well and I have two cables from both battery post using stinger clamps .

[TitaniumTT]

http://www.delcity.net/store/Anti!Rotational-In!Line-Terminals/p_1016

http://www.delcity.net/images/photos/909045_primary.jpg

http://www.waytekwire.com/products/1424/Battery-Lugs/

http://www.waytekwire.com/images/items/35975TH.gif
Choose your length

http://www.waytekwire.com/item/36090/LEAD-FREE-BATTERY-TERMINAL/

http://www.waytekwire.com/item/36090/LEAD-FREE-BATTERY-TERMINAL/

Crimp the starter wire in that and crimp and eyelet to the other cable and bolt it on.

Or, what I would do personally is get a powerpost and run one cable to the powerpost and then split from there. One of my biggest peeves and rules about rewiring is - 1 wire per battery terminal. I counted... and I shit you not 17 different wires on 1 battery terminal once. Guy wanted me to install a bilge pump.... I billed him $2800 because I wasn't going to touch that shit, I rewired the entire boat... little 18' whaler

[need RX7]

Thanks for the advice, fellas. I hadn't seen those car audio type terminals before, they look like they'd be a good option. The wingnut type would definitely work as well.

I'm leaning toward TTT's solution, though. Mainly because I'd really like to use a terminal that I could solder and heat shrink (like this (http://www.delcity.net/store/Straight-Barrel-Fusion-Battery-Terminals/p_804069)). And the 'one wire per terminal' thing seems like a good rule.

[TitaniumTT]

Crimp! don't solder! :)

[need RX7]

Crimp! don't solder! :)

I do generally prefer crimping, but I've never seen a battery terminal crimped before. What tool do you use? The one I saw on a quick search has a pretty scary price tag :07:

EDIT: The ones I was looking at were the bolt cutter looking kind which run $2-300. Would a hammer type be appropriate for a battery terminal? I plan on buying one of those anyway for the rest of the cable lugs.

[TitaniumTT]

Here's what I use.... not a scary price tag and will do 8ga to 4/0

http://www.waytekwire.com/item/497/TOOL-FOR-CRIMPABLE/

[FerociousP]

Here's what I use.... not a scary price tag and will do 8ga to 4/0

http://www.waytekwire.com/item/497/TOOL-FOR-CRIMPABLE/

I would much prefer using that.

I was given a Anvil style crimper a while ago so I just use that. Its a little awkward but makes solid crimp, though not the cleanest.

http://www.alpharubicon.com/altenergy/lugcrimper2manytoyz.htm

http://www.amazon.com/Hobart-770122-Lug-Crimper/dp/B003V8BEUI
^similar to this.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brute-Hammer-Crimper-Battery-Welding-Cable-8ga-4-0ga-/111267977856
^mine looks just like this

[TitaniumTT]

Yeah.... they work, but they're kind of violent... and you never know if you're getting a proper crimp or not.... with the crimper, if the handle closes, you know you're done...

[need RX7]

$70 is still a little hefty (I'm an FC owner, remember :p). However, it's probably worth it for a job well done. I'll probably end up buying that one eventually. It's not like I'll need to build the battery cables anytime soon, anyway.

[need RX7]

While we're at it, which products and tools do you recommend for smaller gauge wire crimps?

[TitaniumTT]

I'm an FC owner two! And that means two things.... :lol: Grammar humor.. humor me.. it's late!

I really like the crimper. It's handy, does a good job, and unless you're crimping MONSTER cable, it's pretty easy as well... as in doesn't require a lot of effort.

[TitaniumTT]

These guys.... happened upon them one day and they were local.... so I walked in :)

Edit - THESE guys http://www.sargenttools.com/

[RETed]

I actually use and own one of those "Deka" hammer crimper for the bigger stuff.
I don't need another huge set of "pliers" just to handle the occasional 8AWG - 2/0AWG crimp here and there. :D

For the smaller stuff...
If I want nice and tidy, I'll grab my MSD modular crimp pliers with the proper set of jaws.
If I'm lazy, then I'll just grab my set of Channellock crimpers (blue handle).


-Ted

[TitaniumTT]

Glenny has those MSD crimps... they're nice, but I prefer NOT to have to constantly change out jaws. Last night for example I had three sets of crimps out.... annoyed I would be if I was constantly changing them.

The Battery cable crimper... well... I've done a lot of wiring in the marine world and that's all heavy gauge shit... plus I've rewired more than a few boats... sooo yeah... I crimp a lot of 8+ gauge wire... or (-) as the case may be :scratchL

[need RX7]

If running the positive cable to a junction block, what size stud is required? Would 3/8" be sufficient?
http://www.delcity.net/store/Junction-Blocks/p_801581

[TitaniumTT]

3/8 would be more than sufficient.
Check out Waytek wire or west marine, they've got some really nice ones as well.

[need RX7]

Radical. Thanks a lot! I'm sure I'll think of more questions, but for now I am satisfied.