Ring terminal adapters - such a thing?

[basssears]

Going to install a low voltage disconnect, would like to use existing battery cable, it currently has a 5/16" ring terminal on it and the LVD takes a 1/4"... am I sweating a tiny difference over nothing, is there an approved way to adapt a 5/16" ring to a 1/4" ring so I don't have to redo the whole wire?

[btrayfors]

Originally Posted by basssears

Going to install a low voltage disconnect, would like to use existing battery cable, it currently has a 5/16" ring terminal on it and the LVD takes a 1/4"... am I sweating a tiny difference over nothing, is there an approved way to adapt a 5/16" ring to a 1/4" ring so I don't have to redo the whole wire?

You gotta make up a new pigtail anyway. Should be no big deal to cut off the existing lug and crimp on a new 1/4" lug. Ten minutes max, including installing adhesive heat shrink.

Bill

[basssears]

Complication for me is I haven't been doing my big crimps, because I don't have the right tools to do it well, so have been ordering them pre-made from TinnedMarineWire.com... was just hoping to save myself the $20...

Originally Posted by btrayfors

You gotta make up a new pigtail anyway. Should be no big deal to cut off the existing lug and crimp on a new 1/4" lug. Ten minutes max, including installing adhesive heat shrink.

Bill

[rwidman]

"approved"? Probably not.

The 5/16" hole will fit over the 1/4" stud with a little slop. Put it on the stud, follow with a 1/4" washer, lock washer and nut.

If you don't like that idea, take your cutters, a hacksaw or chisel and cut a bit out of the ring and squeeze it together to make 1/4". then proceed as above.

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by rwidman

"approved"? Probably not.

The 5/16" hole will fit over the 1/4" stud with a little slop. Put it on the stud, follow with a 1/4" washer, lock washer and nut.

If you don't like that idea, take your cutters, a hacksaw or chisel and cut a bit out of the ring and squeeze it together to make 1/4". then proceed as above.

[unclemack]

Complete non-issue in my book. Approved or not? DGAF
Wouldn't slit the lug though, tightening the nut tends to spread forks.

[Cheechako]

Copper washers are usually available at your local hardware store.

[hellosailor]

As rwidman said.


Is it perfect? No, but eyeball it. If it looks like you'll have sufficient metal-to-metal contact to handle the power, add a washer to ensure that and don't fret the small stuff.


If you find it is running hot or the connection isn't providing full power, you can always order the new cable after you find that out.


Just one man's opinion. (And sometimes, I even use PLIERS instead of a proper wrench.)

[basssears]

Originally Posted by hellosailor

Just one man's opinion. (And sometimes, I even use PLIERS instead of a proper wrench.)

The horror

I think I'll just go with it and washers right now, funds are getting tighter... I rarely pull heavy loads on my DC system right now anyway (heaviest right now would be 8-10A on diesel forced air startup), just trying to do things right when I have the opportunity.

[Xthewater]

I agree with the 1/4" copper washers will provide more than enough contact area and a non issue.

[S/V Alchemy]

$20 per crimp? I have never regretted purchasing the big guns in my arsenal of boat wiring: Double Crimp Ratchet Too,l 22-10 AWG | Ancor
FTZ Heavy Duty Lug Crimp Tool

The world encompassed: Lord of the ring terminals

[Xthewater]

Harbor Freight has an excellent hydraulic Crimper for about $40 which I use for the larger lugs and I've also used for stainless tubing on non critical fittings.

[exMaggieDrum]

This should be standard practice anyway (and per ABYC) - you should secure your battery cable to a non-moveable piece of woodword or glass or whatever is closest to the battery with a wire tie/screw connector or a P clamp. That would make using the 5/16" terminal a lot safer as it would not be as easy for it to work free and cause a problem. The possibility of a loose connection is the problem, and it could end up as a big problem - fire, etc.

In any case all battery cables should be secured this way even if they are the correct terminal size for the bolt. But best to have the right size terminal for battery cables.

[doublewide]

Dont use SS washer. SS is a poor conductor.

[George DuBose]

Go here for high quality everything electric, cheaper than Ancor and as good as or better. pacermarine.net.

No, I don't work for them, I am just a very happy customer. I rewire my Pearson 36-1 with all their cables and connectors.