Crimper for large terminal lugs

[MountainD]

On a previous defender years ago I had a soldered cable that “broke” or came detached from the lug at the alternator causing the battery cable to arc in the engine compartment and caused a fire. I was driving on the freeway at the time but I was able to stop the truck, pop the hood, and use an extinguisher to put it out. Looking at the other end of the effected cable after it happened, it was a crappy job and I don’t trust any previous owner battery cables anymore. I use a hydraulic crimper and haven’t had any issues.

Which is precisely the reason i have a battery disconnect at the seatbox behind my heals. In 2 seconds of smoke I can kill all electrical to my trucks if need be. I personally disconnect the hot with a two pole dial--one pole connects the battery hot to the truck circuits and the other connects the winch and the battery -- so under normal driving when winch is not needed, it is not electrified. Something that you can not do when switching ground. However, if you are doing just the truck electrical (no winch in this arrangement), then switching either the hot or ground works just as effectively.

 

[O2batsea]

"Factory battery terminals are soldered."
Probably the ends are cast around the end of the cable. Different process. The chance of the molten metal wicking up into the wire strands is very low. Forms a good solid connection without creating a hard spot in the cable itself.

 

[NPT90]

I too use the Temco hammer style: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E1UUVT0/ref=emc_b_5_t temco is a great company, fantastic warranty. I just did my winch cables— that is 8 ends. If I was planning a lot more, then I’d get the Temco hydraulic version posted above. But if you are only doing a couple a year, it is $20 well spent.

I keep one of these in my bag in case I don't want to drag out the big boys. They are great for making up cables and if I was in my garage I would probably use it all the time (better to pound on a vice). I only went to the bolt cutter style because smashing a baby sledge on a dock or fiberglass boat wasn't a great option!

 

[MountainD]

I keep one of these in my bag in case I don't want to drag out the big boys. They are great for making up cables and if I was in my garage I would probably use it all the time (better to pound on a vice). I only went to the bolt cutter style because smashing a baby sledge on a dock or fiberglass boat wasn't a great option!

That would be a mistake someone would only make once!!

 

[NPT90]

That would be a mistake someone would only make once!!

Hopefully never