split ring battery cable question
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Racer
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Pewaukee WI
split ring battery cable question
I find that the split ring cable fits great on the minus terminal but not on the plus. Seems like the post on the NAPA battery is too large in diameter to allow the ring from the cable to slide down on the post so that some of the post is above the ring. Am I dreaming? If not what can be done to the post? Or what batteries have smaller diameter positive post?
Myron
Myron
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You can buy a battery post cleaning tool by Lisle or maybe NAPA has their own. One end cleans the inside of the cable end, and the other end can scrape the post as you twist it around and around. I would think you could remove enough lead to get you cable to fit securely. 
Dennis
Dennis
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From: Washington Michigan
I find that the split ring cable fits great on the minus terminal but not on the plus. Seems like the post on the NAPA battery is too large in diameter to allow the ring from the cable to slide down on the post so that some of the post is above the ring. Am I dreaming? If not what can be done to the post? Or what batteries have smaller diameter positive post?
Myron
Myron
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From: Washington Michigan
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Army
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Myron, I think what John Z is trying to say is that there should be (two different size cables). One spring end has a larger opening than the other. That is the way mine are. Call Lectric Limited.
Last edited by Redbird; Jan 7, 2013 at 07:52 AM. Reason: Added sentence
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Michael S. Palmer
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From: Greenville, Indiana
All you gotta' do is squeeze the prongs on the split ring cable with pliers and spread the terminal opening to fit the post. If the prongs are missing, just stick a screwdriver in the cable opening and pry it open a little wider!
This ain't rocket science!
This ain't rocket science!
Melting Slicks
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Army
Which is what I used to do before I got the tool I posted the link to above.And yes, I've had this problem since about 1965 when I started working on cars.
Never considered it worthy of getting outside help for though.
But to each his own.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: East Central Florida
I've had similar problems with original and reproduction spring ring terminals. It seems the positive posts on newer batteries are slightly larger diameter than they need to be.
Pic below is a newer Delco battery and a repro cable on a '67. I had to shave the post with a tower type terminal cleaner that Bluestripe spoke of. Then it fit down on the post better, but just about flush.
Just don't spread the spring ring beyond it's limit or you loose some of it's "spring". It's mentioned in the AIMs.
Pic below is a newer Delco battery and a repro cable on a '67. I had to shave the post with a tower type terminal cleaner that Bluestripe spoke of. Then it fit down on the post better, but just about flush.
Just don't spread the spring ring beyond it's limit or you loose some of it's "spring". It's mentioned in the AIMs.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Seattle Area WA
I have a new set of lectric limited spring cables and the ground cable is useless, I don't see a way to tighten it up to the new NAPA group 24 battery terminal. It simple slides on and off.
Safety Car
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Rich
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From: Taylor Michigan
There is a Fix
Ignition companies have a lead cap to go over the post...it would take some searching to find them.....there not a high dollar fix and you may try battery companies iie. Interstate or even NAPA that carries Standard {a national ignition brand}....you would probably have to find a 'smart counterman' but they are out there....An ignition buyers guide should show them......as only a store with a large inventory would even have them....they are used for either post, + or -
.
.
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From: Greenville, Indiana
Ignition companies have a lead cap to go over the post...it would take some searching to find them.....there not a high dollar fix and you may try battery companies iie. Interstate or even NAPA that carries Standard {a national ignition brand}....you would probably have to find a 'smart counterman' but they are out there....An ignition buyers guide should show them......as only a store with a large inventory would even have them....they are used for either post, + or -
.
.
Search: battery terminal post shim
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From: Taylor Michigan
Battery cables at the battery posts are one size not two....the cables will adjust to the post whether positive or negative...Otherwise a cable inventory would almost have to be double in size...and that's not happening........
The shim' thats what I was writing about Mike
The shim' thats what I was writing about Mike