Battery Terminal Connectors Problem

[Guest]

I've got a little problem with a motor, I need to get the battery off as it is completely dead.

 

 

It has connectors like this, but they've been tightened so much that I can't get a socket in to turn them. Attempts with spanners and the likes have failed too - it's all too tight against the curved bit that you can't really get anything in.

 

Any ideas, or am I just going to have to cut through the wire and get a new set of connectors? I'd prefer not to obviously. If so, is it all as simple as I'd think - snip the wire, squash it all into a connector? I'm rubbish at electrics.

[dollywobbler]

Hacksaw on the bolty bit in the middle? Chisel onto one of the flat edges of the nut to try and force it to turn?Obviously I claim no responsibility for damage resulting from the above...

[mnde]

I think I would carefully apply a rubber handled screwdriver/chisel to each connector and try and knock it (ie turn it) round on the post with a small hammer. As the posts are tapered you may be lucky that you can loosen the clamp's grip. I've done it before where the square end of the bolt was just turning uselessly as the lead had worn away. Then once the new battery's in and you haven't had any luck with the bolts you could just hammer them lightly onto the posts.... Not ideal, I know. I'd quite like to buy proper brass connectors for mine instead of w*nky lead ones, but i'z scared of doing something wrong once I've snipped the old ones off.Mark.

[seth]

Sounds like good advice /\ I think these battery terminal fittings were (are?) one of the last common uses of Whitworth threads so older ones never fit any of the usual array of spanners.

 

You can get new terminals that have screws that clamp the cable in so no soldering is involved and its a fairly simple thing to do eg:

 

 

http://www.autosparks.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=1049

[Guest Tony Hayers]

How about a small hand wound drill and drill out the edge of the battery terminal what with it being shot? I know its a lot of aggro to do it but you only need to take a small amount of metal off the battery terminal lug to release the tension of the clamp, allowing you to lift it off with a screwdriver, close up the gap slightly (as you have a bit to go looking at the pic) and get a socket on the nut and undo it.Saves the hassle of changing the main +ve leads and earth leads or butchering new connectors on that, in my experience never seem to work for me

[Guest]

I shall collate these ideas and try a combination of them - many thanks!

[Mr_Bo11ox]

How about a small hand wound drill and drill out the edge of the battery terminal what with it being shot? I know its a lot of aggro to do it but you only need to take a small amount of metal off the battery terminal lug to release the tension of the clamp, allowing you to lift it off with a screwdriver, close up the gap slightly (as you have a bit to go looking at the pic) and get a socket on the nut and undo it.Saves the hassle of changing the main +ve leads and earth leads or butchering new connectors on that, in my experience never seem to work for me

this is a good idea, those screw-on battery termninals are a high-maintenance item (due to being shat) and twatting battery terminals often results in a new battery being required when the terminal snaps off and drops inside the battery case.

[Station]

New battery terminals are only 3 - 5 quid.Dare I say 'heat the terminal up' but I'm not sure how explosive batteries are under heat?

[Richard]

I know a blind man who could tell you the answer to that.

[ashmicro]

New battery terminals are only 3 - 5 quid.Dare I say 'heat the terminal up' but I'm not sure how explosive batteries are under heat?

NO! A bloke in my town blew himself up simply by smoking near a farting battery (ie, it was emitting gas)

[dollywobbler]

New battery terminals are only 3 - 5 quid.Dare I say 'heat the terminal up' but I'm not sure how explosive batteries are under heat?

The answer is very! Just in case other posts weren't enough warning...

[Guest]

Attempted murder!

[dollywobbler]

Gives me an idea though - what about those ice sprays? Chill yer terminals and yank away!

[Station]

Er ... I should say 'use a heat gun'. You can use these to free up unions on fuel lines.

[Claypole]

Dremel through the bolt middle.

[Guest Tony Hayers]

Chill yer terminals and yank away!

No, thats something else my friend

[Des]

I don't suppose it's possible to disconnect the battery cables at their other ends, or if you do just one of them the problem's halved. Failing that, open ended spanner pushed end on onto the nut, so it's on two flats, if it's the usual whitworth size then force / rock and wriggle a 14 mm or a 9/16 onto the bugger and use screwdriver to twist at other end.

[mouseflakes]

Invert and shake. Ensure the lid is tightly screwed on.

[mouseflakes]

Alternatively - how about a screw-action balljoint splitter? Put summert atop the terminal to act as the 'pin' and wedge the forky part under the clamp. Assumes you have space to insert the forky bit I guess. 'Spect you've got it off by now anyhoo.

[gtd2000]

Er ... I should say 'use a heat gun'. You can use these to free up unions on fuel lines.

Generally speaking (and don't quote me on this but a few folks in Hiroshima might verify) heat and hydrogen - particularly with hot elements - don't generally mix favourably... :?If the battery is buggered just "lever up" the terminals from the battery after loosening with a couple of taps from the side.

[Guest]

Aaargh, all these different ways! This is getting complicated, might just "scrappage scheme" it. Perhaps.