New Battery Cables

[m9199]

I'm looking to get a new set of battery cables to replace the hackjob from PO (I think it might be causing my starting problems). Right now I'm considering crimping my own, or order a set from
https://www.custombatterycables.com/
Or https://www.jeepcables.com/

Is there an reason that I shouldn't crimp my own?
Also, if I were to crimp my own cables, where the best place to buy cable/lugs from, and how long should each cable be?

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Don't use a hand crimper, a hydraulic is what you need. Harbor Freight's hydraulic crimper has gotten high marks from lots of people. I'm thinking about doing the same thing. Oh, don't solder any of those connections, just crimp them.

 

[toximus]

https://www.jeepcables.com/

Junk junk junk. Do not buy the cables this guy sells. They are dangerous junk.

 

[m9199]

Junk junk junk. Do not buy the cables this guy sells. They are dangerous junk.

Whats wrong with them?

 

[m9199]

I found these lengths online for some of the cables. How accurate would y'all judge this to be?

Positive battery terminal:
To fuse box: 10.5"
To starter: 31"
To alt: 26.5"

Negative battery terminal:
To block: 33.5"
To chassis: 47"

I'd check myself, but taking the harnesses out measuring them, and putting them back in so my Jeep works until the new cable comes in is not something I want to do.

That totals to about 5'8" of red cable and 6'8" of black.

A few places online seem to be adamant about installing 2ga wires, but I don't see any reason to go bigger than 4ga.

https://www.batterycablesusa.com/4-gauge-awg-battery-cable-black
I found this spot that has 4ga at $1.98/ft, is there anything better out there?

 

[toximus]

What's wrong with your current cables? Pictures? Maybe we can help.

 

[toximus]

Whats wrong with them?

Multiple things but the biggest offense is that they do not include a fusable link.

 

[m9199]

What's wrong with your current cables? Pictures? Maybe we can help.

I can't get out there right now as it's storming (first rain I've seen here since July) but it looks like PO decided to replace the terminals with some duralast quick disconnect terminal (they kinda look like the thing you loosen to adjust the seat on a bicycle), but the wire didn't reach, so they solder spliced some cable to the end of the wire to extend to the terminal.

Multiple things but the biggest offense is that they do not include a fusable link.

I see that they include a fuse, how is that different from a fusable link?

 

[Big Dan]

I see that they include a fuse, how is that different from a fusable link?

They serve the same purpose

 

[Jerry Bransford]

I can't get out there right now as it's storming (first rain I've seen here since July) but it looks like PO decided to replace the terminals with some duralast quick disconnect terminal (they kinda look like the thing you loosen to adjust the seat on a bicycle), but the wire didn't reach, so they solder spliced some cable to the end of the wire to extend to the terminal.



I see that they include a fuse, how is that different from a fusable link?

Fuses are faster to pop, fusible links are still protective but more forgiving and less likely to leave you stranded. In a TJ the fusible link is just a short length of 10 gauge wire crimped into the 6 gauge chatger cable between the alternator and battery. Automotive manufacturers use a fusible link instead of a fuse in that circuit for good reasons.

 

[rasband]

I did the custom battery cables, they’re great and worth the money if you need new cables. It looks like they’ve expanded the kit since I did mine.

I don’t think I’d crimp my own, but i don’t see any reason you couldn’t if you find good quality stranded cables up to the temperature requirements. I have the harbor freight hydraulic crimper that Jerry mentioned with no complaints. It’s done everything I’ve asked so far, though I’m sure the tolerances could be tighter.

 

[jeepins]

I have the custom battery cables myself and am very happy with them so far. Solid stuff.

 

[Rcroane]

I have the custom battery cables myself and am very happy with them so far. Solid stuff.

X2

 

[toximus]

In a TJ the fusible link is just a short length of 10 gauge wire

The insulation on a fusable link also will not melt/catch fire which allows the fusable link to melt internally but not short against the fender (or whatever else it's near).