Specifically, how it works. How does it tighten onto the battery post? And how well does it work?


Battery Clamp by kpkina, on Flickr

It may require a second tool to compress before tightening, but it looks like a post to tap from after installed.

Video here shows more of the unit.
https://www.amazon.com/91980-3...5-2020/dp/B0BDG4K3Z3

Never used one like that, but essentially as you tighten the nut it pulls the opening shut over the post.

Looks like the nut may have a cone on the bottom that engages with the slot on the clamp to tighten the band while screwing it down. Ingenious, but maybe not as straightforward as one would want. I'd go with a more conventional terminal clamp.

OTOH, you should be able to validate installation manually without a lot of uncertainty. Tighten it down, and perform the wiggle test. If it doesn't move, I'd be satisfied.

Yep. That's Jed.

Ah-ha, I see the cone now in the video. Still wonder if anyone has practical experience with this design.

quote:

Originally posted by sigmonkey:
Yep. That's Jed.

I like Jed. Always has a positive attitude.

Looks like a complex solution to a simple problem. Also made in China.

Looks like that slot is pear shapped (think fruit) and the cone on the bottom of that nut makes it way to the larger end of the "pear" as it is tightened. Looks well built and probably provided good clamping force on the battery post.

The old school lead ones definitely deform if over tightened. Only problem with the tinned coated ones like you've inquired about seem to be corrosion if the battery is weeping around the post in my experience.

Looks like the same design on my '04 Corvette, just with the cable directly attached, no lug like this one. I've never had any issues with mine coming loose.

It seems to have really good reviews.

They're OK when they're new, and they suck sweaty hippo balls when they're old. The slide is supposed to be pushed sideways by the forcing cone of the nut when you tighten it, thus tightening the clamp. It only works when everything is within spec and free of any corrosion or corrosion damage.

I'm about the replace yet another of these abominations with the cheapest car-quest old-style clamp available.

^I can see that. A lot of sliding surface area. Not corrosion-friendly.

ETA: Decided to go to old-school after all. TY for the replies.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: kkina,

 
I prefer to use the "so-called" military style battery terminal clamps. You can access your accessories without disconnecting from the battery. If you DO need to disconnect the battery, one bolt on the positive side removes all of the accessory connections as well.
 
My 2010 Tacoma and my wife's 2003 Sequoia have a positive terminal clamp with a separate bolt for accessories, but it is of a different layout/design.
 

quote:

Still wonder if anyone has practical experience with this design.

OEM on many new(er) vehicles. OK when new, not so much with age and/or corrosion. If over-tightened, they may hold that time, but not necessarily the next time.

Decided to go with this. I connect my two leads to the two clamp-plate bolts. Working well.


Battery Clamp_02 by kpkina, on Flickr

^^^ Smart choice, much better design.

Smart choice, much better design.

----- Moses (he knew his stuff)

quote:

Originally posted by sigmonkey:
Yep. That's Jed.

Oh, it's Jed Clampett. Wow, that one took me a whole day.

quote:

Decided to go with this.

That design has long term problems as well. You are way better off with one with a post and crimped ends on your cables sized correctly for the new post.