I feel stupid...Any trick to removing battery cable from terminals??

**McKinneyMagnum** · 07-11-2007, 08:32 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, 08:34 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, 08:37 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, 08:39 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, 08:40 PM

Try a needle nose on the back side and rock it back and forth

**36 chambers** · 07-11-2007, 08:59 PM

hammer time!!!!!!!!

**Sonny** · 07-11-2007, 09:26 PM

Originally Posted by McKinneyMagnum

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, 09:37 PM

ouch...already wearing my safety goggles!!

**Super T** · 07-11-2007, 09:52 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, 10:04 PM

k y or even astroglide will help....ohhh wait......never mind

**RedRiderR/T** · 07-11-2007, 10:12 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, 11:01 PM

Originally Posted by RedRiderR/T

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

)