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View Full Version : I feel stupid...Any trick to removing battery cable from terminals??

McKinneyMagnum
07-11-2007, 07:32 PM
I loosend (then removed) the nut/bolt on the negative clamp, but I cannot get the damn thing off the terminal. I even spread the clamp open a bit, but no go. I dont want to strong arm it too much because it's starting to bend outta of shape. Am I missing something? Thought this would be an easy DYI battery swap.
Ultimatecarman45
07-11-2007, 07:34 PM
Shouldn't be anything more to it...I find sometimes that they are notched in when first tightened a bit tight at the factory, you might have to try to swivel it back and forth to get it to break the 'seal' on the tightened notch...they can be tough little buggers. You might also have to pry a bit under them to get it to slide up for you too. Maybe a little electrical lubricant too just in case you got a really tough one.
McKinneyMagnum
07-11-2007, 07:37 PM
I been swiveling back and forth and trying to pry up with flat head, but the actual clamp seems to be taking a beating...trying not to bend it up too much...UGH.
Ultimatecarman45
07-11-2007, 07:39 PM
well, if all else fails...and you are in a quick jam..some liquid dish soap should help you out in this instance if you can get it into the crack.
Darthvader
07-11-2007, 07:40 PM
Try a needle nose on the back side and rock it back and forth
36 chambers
07-11-2007, 07:59 PM
hammer time!!!!!!!!
Sonny
07-11-2007, 08:26 PM
I been swiveling back and forth and trying to pry up with flat head, but the actual clamp seems to be taking a beating...trying not to bend it up too much...UGH.

Just be careful of your eyes. I have a friend that was working on his car and prying with a tool which slipped and struck his eye blinding it.
McKinneyMagnum
07-11-2007, 08:37 PM
ouch...already wearing my safety goggles!!
Super T
07-11-2007, 08:52 PM
Wedge a flathead screwdriver in the gap/slot in the clamp, then twist to spread the clamp to make a wider opening.
INK FIEND
07-11-2007, 09:04 PM
k y or even astroglide will help....ohhh wait......never mind
RedRiderR/T
07-11-2007, 09:12 PM
If the battery is NG and it's just going to be a core to be returned, then I'd just destroy the battery post.. like take a 1/2 drill bit and drill down just below where the clamp is then squeeze the lead post with pliers to try to deform it enough so that the terminal will break it's bond...

or just get crazy like me and break out the sawzall and slice them babies right off!!
Super T
07-11-2007, 10:01 PM
If the battery is NG and it's just going to be a core to be returned, then I'd just destroy the battery post.. like take a 1/2 drill bit and drill down just below where the clamp is then squeeze the lead post with pliers to try to deform it enough so that the terminal will break it's bond...

or just get crazy like me and break out the sawzall and slice them babies right off!!

You ever bust a terminal off of a battery? It's not so fun, especially if it's in the car! (Gimmie ten beers and I'll sawzall the other post :beerchug:)
D's300C
07-11-2007, 10:13 PM
did you get it off yet?
Tbird100636
07-11-2007, 11:44 PM
Wedge a flathead screwdriver in the gap/slot in the clamp, then twist to spread the clamp to make a wider opening.
Make sure you loosen the nut almost all the way off before prying in between the splits.
Ultimatecarman45
07-11-2007, 11:50 PM
Man I hope you got it off...it's been like 5 hours...
FloridaRT
07-12-2007, 08:22 AM
They used to make a puller just for battery cables, anyone remember them?

Sort of like a small version of a gear puller.

Bob
FOHN_JARGO
07-12-2007, 09:10 AM
I have one of those. I have used it a few times.

I have it at home so I will take a picture of it at lunch and post it so you can see what it looks like.
dansrt
07-12-2007, 11:07 AM
KD Tools makes a cheap terminal puller part number 202 many auto parts stores carry this brand for a picture follow this link. http://www.monstronix.com/kdt202-p-51461.html
FOHN_JARGO
07-12-2007, 01:12 PM
Here is the one I have had for many years.

http://i19.tinypic.com/4pof9dc.jpg
boggart
07-12-2007, 01:26 PM
Don't take this wrong, but you did loosen the 10mm nut, right?
McKinneyMagnum
07-12-2007, 05:42 PM
Hahaha...gave up soon after my first post because I had a soccer game to play. But, going to get those damn things off as soon as I get home!!

Thanks for all the suggestions!
Rebel78
07-12-2007, 10:38 PM
I actually had a time with one today myself. It was on a 98 Ram, the nut was corroded to hell, and had been on and off several times so it was basically round. Didn't want to change the whole cable, so I wrestled it.

Set of pliers, combo wrench, sweat, whole lot of pulling and twisting, and a bottle of Dawn got it off though. Good times lol

I can say this, stay away from Auotlite batteries, course I knew that when I bought it. It was only 11 months old, wouldn't hold a charge at all. It was covered under warranty, so I got another brand new POS to wrestle off next July.