Options for extending short battery wires

[rasband]

I am looking into options of how to temporarily (or permanently, if it's safe enough) extend my battery cables that seem a bit too short and tight on some replacement battery terminals (the old terminal connections ones were getting pretty nasty and cluttered).

The two options that come to mind:

1. Butt splice connectors (such as these, obviously in the proper gauge/draw)
   
2. Soldering an extension on and heat shrinking the joint

Are either of these safe to do in an automotive application, or do I need to run new wires entirely (something I won't have time for for a bit)? Something temporary is acceptable - but I need to buy a little time until I have a free weekend since this is my DD.

 

[JEEPCJTJ]

Either of those should work at least temporarily, if not forever. I'd make sure to sue some Dielectric grease on them to reduce the chance of moisture causing corrosion.

After a quick search I found these.

https://www.batterymart.com/p-85035...MI6Jbu6_qQ3gIV0FqGCh0NQgaKEAQYASABEgIgb_D_BwE

Well after some more looking at these these are converting from an SAE post to a
JIS (Pencil Post) which looks to be too small.

I must be bored this afternoon. Here's some Pencil Post Adapters for JIS to SAE.

https://earthenergy.us.com/index.php/pencil-post-adapter-for-jis.html

 

[rasband]

Either of those should work at least temporarily, if not forever. I'd make sure to sue some Dielectric grease on them to reduce the chance of moisture causing corrosion.

After a quick search I found these. probably the easiest.

https://www.batterymart.com/p-85035...MI6Jbu6_qQ3gIV0FqGCh0NQgaKEAQYASABEgIgb_D_BwE

I passed the point of no return and had to get the positive on to move the car. The negative is even tighter and for some stupid reason my mind wants these to face out.

My intent was to clean the terminals up (both from grime and bad wiring from the previous owner, you can see the small black cable for the after market fog lamps, and my new blue wire there I still have to wrap up).

 

[Paul Land]

I am looking into options of how to temporarily (or permanently, if it's safe enough) extend my battery cables that seem a bit too short and tight on some replacement battery terminals (the old terminal connections ones were getting pretty nasty and cluttered).

The two options that come to mind:

1. Butt splice connectors (such as these, obviously in the proper gauge/draw)
   
2. Soldering an extension on and heat shrinking the joint

Are either of these safe to do in an automotive application, or do I need to run new wires entirely (something I won't have time for for a bit)? Something temporary is acceptable - but I need to buy a little time until I have a free weekend since this is my DD.

Go to local Pro Electrical supply and purchase 1 or 2 copper buss bars matching your wire gauge it will look silver but thats plate over copper mount on any insulating material

 

[Jorge Bolivar]

If I does recall correctly I do just pay $18 for the 2 AWG , copper terminal and the piece of heat shrink tube for each end. I do get cable long enough to turn the battery positive terminal toward the engine.

Strongly suggest replace the entire cable and not use butt splice even if they will work.

Butt splice will work but vibration will make them fail whenever you need then the most.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Soldering cables like that is strongly not recommended, I'd either go to a battery shop that does cables and have them hydraulically crimp extensions on or replace the cables.

 

[rasband]

Thank you everyone, you helped confirm my thought that the optimum solution is run new lines. I’ll budget some time sooner than later and just do it right.

 

[oldb]

Good advice above. Especially on not soldering. Look up military battery terminal on google. (Sorry not having luck posting a usable link.) They range in price from $8.00 to $38.00 depending on quality and who you get them from. Napa sells good ones. Use hundreds of these at work never had a failure. Lets you use a high quality battery cable with eyelets on both ends. And plenty of room on the big bolt for aux loads.

Best of Luck

B

 

[Vinman]

I replaced the both battery cables with premade cables for less than $40. Most auto parts stores and even Walmart should have a selection with different lengths and cable ends already made.

 

[59 wagon man]

IF YOU WANT TO MAKE YOUR OWN CABLES HARBOR FREIGHT SELLS A HANDHELD HYDRAULIC CRIMPING TOOL-SORRY FOR THE CAPS