Battery Terminal Crimper

David Inc. · 03-12-2023, 03:10 PM

I'm replacing my positive battery clamp with an original one, the big German style. Anyone know what kind of crimper works for this? The metal looks heavier than a standard terminal lug.

This sucker.

540964 · 540964's Garage

Bought this crimper for welding cable terminals, it worked great. Probably good for battery terminals too.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0811VYCQ6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

dlagerstrom · 03-12-2023, 04:28 PM

The crimper 540964 mentioned does work pretty well. I have one as well.

Just note that the dies are made for metric sizes. You will have some little ears spreading out from the gaps between the dies.

Normally, I believe crimping is the best method for proper electrical connection, but that assumes you have the proper crimper. With battery cables, I would suggest heating with a torch and melting some solder in after crimping.

PeteKz · PeteKz's Garage

If you're on good terms with a welding supply shop, you could probably get them to crimp it for you for a few bucks, instead of buying another tool you'll only use once.

ryans65 · 03-13-2023, 05:12 AM

I take my cables to a local marine supply store, they are cheap and will do it on the spot. Helps being near lots of water though.

Ian Comerford · Ian Comerford's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Inc.

I'm replacing my positive battery clamp with an original one, the big German style. Anyone know what kind of crimper works for this? The metal looks heavier than a standard terminal lug.

This sucker.

I would think that type of terminal is meant for soft soldering. Using a gas torch heat it and fill with solder. Clean the wires with flux and heat the solder until molten, then plunge the wire in. Far nicer than crimping.

Danimal16 · 03-13-2023, 06:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Inc.

I'm replacing my positive battery clamp with an original one, the big German style. Anyone know what kind of crimper works for this? The metal looks heavier than a standard terminal lug.

This sucker.

Use Soldier Pellets with that terminal, it is not designed for crimping.

David Inc. · 03-14-2023, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian Comerford

I would think that type of terminal is meant for soft soldering. Using a gas torch heat it and fill with solder. Clean the wires with flux and heat the solder until molten, then plunge the wire in. Far nicer than crimping.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danimal16

Use Soldier Pellets with that terminal, it is not designed for crimping.

You guys sure? This is the OEM fitting and the one in my car currently has crimp marks. Were they soldered from the factory and maybe this one was previously replaced by someone else?

Danimal16 · 03-14-2023, 07:03 AM

I have used the pellets, far better than a crimp.

David Inc. · 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danimal16

I have used the pellets, far better than a crimp.

Am I going to be able to get away with doing that with the cable in the car? I've always been a crimper so I'm not familiar with larger gauge soldering.

Edit: I think the last time I soldered anything was a few circuitboards in higschool tech class in.... 1999?

Danimal16 · 03:17 PM

I have done it in the car.
It can be a challenge but just take your time.
Here is a link that explains the concept.

Summit Racing sells the pellets as well as numerous battery and cable supply companies.

David Inc. · 03-14-2023, 08:08 AM

Very cool, thanks for your help!

winders · 03-14-2023, 08:10 AM

A crimp is the best way to go and FAR superior to pellets or any other kind of soldering.

David Inc. · 03-14-2023, 08:29 AM

Ian Comerford · Ian Comerford's Garage

Crimps are far easier to effect than soldering which is why manufacturing has gone that way. From a technical point soldering is far more effective and less affected by damp, corrosion etc. So if it’s your car and you care then solder it.

dannobee · 03-14-2023, 02:58 PM

Buy a set of dies and use a press or a vice if you don't have the hydraulic crimping tool.

https://www.amazon.com/Lichamp-Hydraulic-Crimper-Replacement-Terminal/dp/B098QZY16N?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A2XME1H7U96JBD

If you soldered wires when it really counts, like satellites or spacecraft or aviation, you'd be laughed right out of the shop. Soldering is NOT superior to crimping.

And if you look at splices in OEM harnesses, you'd see that they have moved away from even crimping and now ultrasonic weld the wires together at splices.

Google any of this stuff if you don't believe us.

winders · 03-14-2023, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian Comerford

Crimps are far easier to effect than soldering which is why manufacturing has gone that way. From a technical point soldering is far more effective and less affected by damp, corrosion etc. So if it’s your car and you care then solder it.

This is totally incorrect. Look at the wiring harnesses used in any motorsport series and you will find almost no soldered connections. The only time solder is used is when there is no other option. When solder is used they usually encase the soldered joint in epoxy so it is less susceptible to vibration.

Crimping is massively superior to soldering...

proffighter · proffighter's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by winders

This is totally incorrect. Look at the wiring harnesses used in any motorsport series and you will find almost no soldered connections. The only time solder is used is when there is no other option. When solder is used they usually encase the soldered joint in epoxy so it is less susceptible to vibration.

Crimping is massively superior to soldering...

Absolutely right. Even NASA says so:

https://workmanship.nasa.gov/lib/insp/2%20books/frameset.html