Not All Battery Cable Ends Are Equal!

The next time you have to change out a battery cable end, remember, they are not all designed alike.

On a battery with post the -post is smaller than the +post.

Some cable ends you have to loosen the bolt and nut and spread the cable end to get it to fit the post.

Some, you have to tighten the bolt and nut a large amount in order to get it to tighten up on the post.

You definitely want it tight. Otherwise corrosion will built up inside, between the clamp and post, causing a glaze which will not let the alternator keep the battery built up.

I've noticed some clamps are too large for the post. On these I take a hack-saw (one that cuts metal, until the blade gets dull, usually after the first cutting) and cut about an 8th of an inch off each side of the small split, where the bolt goes through.

That lets the nut pull the ends closer together, tightening the clamp to the post.

Nothin' to it.

About the author:
Tommy has been in auto repair since 1970. He publishes Bad Car Again for people who want to learn about their favorite vehicle, and about things that do happen at some repair shops. Join the ezine:
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