Putting ends on boat battery wire?

hscrugby

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 22, 2005
Location
Raleigh, NC
Anyone got a big crimper?
Since they are stupid pricey, and this is something I'll do well, once hopefully. (Unless I screw up.)
I don't really want to buy a huge 2-4 gauge crimp tool.
Figured I'd ask here.

Or am I missing an easy way to deal with it without using a big crimper?


Oh, only reason I specified "boat" was it means I can't just buy lengths with the ends already on it, since all I can find are auto style posts, not the marine which use a wing nut/bolt for the battery terminal.
 
Stop by your local equipment shop, ie. John Deere, Case, CAT etc. dealer, most of them will put them on for a very small charge. Some Carquest, NAPA, Auto Value type stores or Heavy Truck shops will also have the tools.
 
or you could sodler on ends with a blow torch and solder :)
 
Erik said:
or you could sodler on ends with a blow torch and solder :)
Click to expand...
X2, on the solder. The same type of solder, flux, & torch, you would use plumbing joints. Flux everything that the solder will touch. Heat the terminal, (held by the ring end, in vise grips) until the solder melts. Fill the end up about 1/3rd, with solder. Push the wire into it, while keeping torch on it. Just be sure to dunk the ends in water bucket, once the solder has solidified. Cools it off, & more importantly, rinses the flux off. Otherwise, the ends will turn green, & gooey. I do all my battery terminals like this, Never any problems after that!
 
fyi: plumbing solder is acid core (same stuff you use on radiators), electrical solder is rosin core.... i was always told to never use plumbing (acid core) solder on electrical connections... never tried it so i don't know what the effects would be.
 
Yea, I never figured out the difference between solders really either?
So I just buy/use the one needed. :)
We went with that method, had kind of decided to go that route, then I posted more for if anyone had a better idea.
Only screwed up one end, didn't heat the solder, or something enough. So cut it off, just used a different end.
Now the only issue, did all of it, and didn't realize the negative terminal was a slightly smaller bolt. hehe.
Ooops.
 
I have a crimper, you got a BFH ?
 
If you were closer I could crimp it for you. otherwide, I say the solder method will be your best bet.
 
hscrugby said:
Oh, only reason I specified "boat" was it means I can't just buy lengths with the ends already on it, since all I can find are auto style posts, not the marine which use a wing nut/bolt for the battery terminal.
Click to expand...

Try going to a West Marine store. They have a huge crimper in the store. I use it all the time. I usually don't even buy the wire or terminals there, I just go in and use the crimper.

I haven't been to the one in Raleigh so you may want to call first and make sure they have one.

You can also buy heavy gauge wire at walmart with the plain marine wing nut style ends on both sides. it's usually near the marine batteries. I think it is meant for tractors. I have bought it a number of times. I have bought it right up to 2 gauge but they usually have a few different lengths and gauges. With that said I have noticed that not all walmarts carry all the sizes of it though. Buy those pre-made cables is generally cheaper than buying the plain wire, even if you have to chop off one end.
 
banditbasser said:
Try going to a West Marine store. Buy those pre-made cables is generally cheaper than buying the plain wire, even if you have to chop off one end.
Click to expand...

Haven't tried the west marine.
I live right near Boater's World, so been going there.
But the pre-made cables we found with wing nut style terminals was like 40$ for 24" or so.
50$ for 36", etc etc.
4$ for 4 lugs, 1.50/ft for cable (and it's better cable) then solder and that seems cheaper to me.

Kevin sent me a link to a cheaper crimper, so I'm going to order one of those if I can't find one local. Then when we wire up the second battery, (for the trolling motor which I don't have yet) I'll use that.
Easier than soldering.
And less to screw up. Thanks for the replies.

Cheers
 
Erik said:
fyi: plumbing solder is acid core (same stuff you use on radiators), electrical solder is rosin core.... i was always told to never use plumbing (acid core) solder on electrical connections... never tried it so i don't know what the effects would be.
Click to expand...
Rosin core is the right stuff, but i can never find mine. Plumbers box, always has acid flux, & solder. I only use it for larger wire, & always rinse the acid flux off, by dunking it in water, while it's still hot! Soldering electrical connections, is better than crimping. Especially for larger wire/ higher amperage items.
 
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