Dennis

I have been putting off replacing my battery cables for far too long. It is finally time. I have been looking at the custom ones at http://www.custombatterycables.com/ but they are running behind. I don't feeling like waiting a month and a half to get my stuff.

So I figure I'll just get some welding cable made up. But this brings me to the battery clamps. Will the marine style clamps keep things tight and secure with the multiple cables connected to them? I know the military style clamps are an option too. Are they any better?

Marine or military, that is my dilemma....

Dr. Evil

Ive had both.

The military ones are better. One of the marine ones broke from the vibration. On Friday of a long weekend no less...

rockcrawler304

I agree that the military are better. I had some marine style on a different truck years ago that also broke from vibration. Granted I had a few too many things on it but still, I am sure it would have never been a problem with the military style.

AkitaSumo

Where would the common man be able to purchase these military ones?

Nsomniac05

Talk to a local recruiter, I'm sure he would be more than happy to afford you the opportunity.

But on a serious note, I think this place will have what you are looking for.

http://www.milbatteries.com/

.boB

Welding cable may not be your best choice. It can handle the amps just fine. But it has a much finer wire than a battery cable does, that's what makes it flexible and easy to manage while welding. But the finer wires don't handle constant vibration as well.

Cheaper welding wire has poor insulation that will support combustion, and create noxious smoke when burned.

Battery cable has fewer but thicker strands for greater durability. And it has the proper insulation for automotive applications. It's also a lot cheaper, often $1 a foot cheaper (compared to the good stuff).

The only advantage welding cable has is it's flexability. In tight quarters, that added flexability could make it worth the extra cost.

www.waytekwire.com has a pretty good selection of all kinds of wire and connections.

Pirate

I was under the impression the welding wire had less resistance therefore delivered more actual amperage at the far end of it. Is this not the case? I built my battery cables for all my electric operated machinery out of welding wire for this reason.

Dr. Evil

Ive had 2/0 welding cable installed for years - it was good quality and hasnt given me any trouble. I am just about to convert the other truck.


AkitaSumom I got my military clamps from www.pullpal.com. www.custombatterycables.com also has the clamps and they also have the terminals that you clamp onto the cable.

pind

For what little its worth.

I have 2/0 welding cable on my 82 chevy, its been on there for 20 years, and zero issues.

I recently converted my grounds on the 01 to 2/0, and will be doing the positive cables when I get a chance, among the 1001 other things that need done.

Dr. Evil

Winter is coming...

Pind, what did you use for battery clamps?


Im try to get all my parts locally but cant really find everything I need.

.boB

In theory, the welding cable will carry m,ore current because of the greater suface are of the smaller strand. But that's only theoretical, and only matters with amps measured in the tens of thousands. Not applicable for automotive use.

AkitaSumo

Thanks for the links...

Hvytrkmech

Most heavy truck part supply houses make all kind of battery cables and connections. Do you have a Fleet Pride shop in your area?

http://www.fleetpride.com/truck-part...-a-branch.html

1-5-3-6-2-4

not so much for the locations in canada. dr evil is in edmonton.

but get to a fleet brake, or traction HD supply will have all the same things I'm sure.

Hvytrkmech

Oh man just the guy I was looking for.

Luke, what is the torque spec for rods and mains on a 2004 Series 60 set to 500hp?

I have to change out an oil pan and the customer asked if I could do a bearing roll?

Thanks,

sorry for going off topick