11 replies to this topic

[GaryM]

Hi, did a quick search on the forum but couldn't see anything related but does anyone have any tips on making a better termination to the battery as mine is loose and slipping off. Obviously it's as tight as it will go. Is it simply a case of finding a bit of metal to layer inside the terminal? What about padding it out with tin foil?

Thanks.

[RedRuby]

Two options I think, either try filing the flat surfaces between where the bolt tightens to allow it to tighten up some more or preferably fit a new terminal to the cable. I personally would not try packing it out.

[WiredbyWilson]

Fit a new terminal, they are only a few quid. Is it an original push on type or a clamp type?

[spiguy]

What type of terminal is it? If it is a silver lead looking type metal terminal, then as mentioned above, you can increase the gap with a hacksaw blade  which will allow it to reduce in diameter more before closing up. If it is the modern type, then you could still do that by filing a bit off the inside face at the gap, but it might not be as effective on that type of clamp. Is the post damaged / worn?

 

I must admit that I have a bit of copper braid packed in mine between the clamp and the terminal to allow it to grip more, I didn't wrap it round but just popped it down the side. Does the job for me - not a perfect solution but haven't had any issues with it. It's only a few mm long so it doesn't poke out the clamp too much and become a risk of a short circuit.

[Mini Manannán]

Don't bother it, it'll only let you down at some point. As said, they only cost a few quid.

[WiredbyWilson]

Do it once, and do it right.

A poor battery connection can lead to all sorts of bother, which wedging stuff in-between the terminal and clamp will ultimately give.

 

I have a spare clamp you can have if you cover postage.

[KernowCooper]

The Tower or Cap type battery terminal with a screw in the middle is very poor, so the way forward as highlighted above is the clamp type of terminal, loose battery terminals can kill the diode pack in the alternator !

[Lincsminbin]

I totally agree with all the comments regarding buying a new clamp.  I replaced mine earlier this year.

 

However, that said, in the past I have used a bit of copper pipe to pad terminals out.  Firstly I cut the pipe to the length of the terminal, then cut a section out lengthways so it is no longer a complete circle.  You can then place this over the terminal before fitting the clamp.  Not as elegant, but worked for many years on my little Citroen AX and if you have some pipe to hand its free

[New game mini]

Get a new clamp if you can. Mine was padded by a previous owner and it slipped off on a main road....lost all power and it killed my alternator :-(

[stevelane]

Had the same problem with mine, kept slipping up the tapered connection on the battery no matter how tight I put them on.

Was advised to put it on and tighten it up as much as I could and then slightly tap the clamp with a rubber mallet which pushed it down the taper slightly, never had an issue since.

[spiguy]

All good advice above. Though despite the nay saying I have never had any issues with my 'bodge'. I must have bodged it well!

[GaryM]

Had the same problem with mine, kept slipping up the tapered connection on the battery no matter how tight I put them on.

Was advised to put it on and tighten it up as much as I could and then slightly tap the clamp with a rubber mallet which pushed it down the taper slightly, never had an issue since.

I've actually done this and I think it's worked.

 

Thanks everyone for all your advice :)