Battery Cable - trim it?

[MaxVmo]

Routed the battery cable and see that it’s super long. What is the normal move—do builders trim the cable?

[cv2065]

Routed the battery cable and see that it’s super long. What is the normal move—do builders trim the cable?

Yes, trim it to size.

[PNWTim]

Yes, trim for best routing and crimp new fitting.

[MaxVmo]

Which end is best for that, the battery connect point or the engine mount end? Do I need a new fitting? Thanks.

[PNWTim]

Which end is best for that, the battery connect point or the engine mount end? Do I need a new fitting? Thanks.

It's sort of dealers choice although the ring eye fitting is probably less expensive than the post connect. I use this crimper for battery cables or anything 6 ga or larger:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XR8BY65/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

[phileas_fogg]

I trimmed the cable & installed a new end https://theelectricaldepot.com/fusion-solder-battery-terminal-clamps-lugs/quickcable-fusion-solder-heavy-walled-lugs/quickcable-fusion-solder-lugs-4-6-awg-3-8-stud-br-each?zenid=8f2d41f4e6c60d65636c28e6830a774e. If you go this route, insert the cable SLOWLY into the molten solder so that you don't get any air bubbles.


John

[weendoggy]

Which end is best for that, the battery connect point or the engine mount end? Do I need a new fitting? Thanks.

For me, it would be the "eye" end. Especially if it's already off and you know the length. I also select the best copper eye and crimp it, then solder it. Prior to that, slip some shrink tube over the cable then do the work. When done, slide the shrink tube over the end of the "eye" (just far enough), heat and you're done.

[gbranham]

For me, it would be the "eye" end. Especially if it's already off and you know the length. I also select the best copper eye and crimp it, then solder it. Prior to that, slip some shrink tube over the cable then do the work. When done, slide the shrink tube over the end of the "eye" (just far enough), heat and you're done.

Genuinely curious...if you solder, why crimp? Belt and suspenders?

[PNWTim]

For what it's worth, I never solder electrical connectors in vibration prone applications (cars, boats, motorcycles). Vibration will eventually crack solder weakening the joint. Solder is also prone to corrosion. It's why OEM's rely exclusively on crimped joints for nearly all connections outside of enclosed, thermally protected modules.

[CraigS]

Maybe 20 yrs ago in a DIY boating magazine there was a test reported of soldered vs crimped connectors in boat building modding. The conclusion was per PNWTim's recommendation = crimp is better. In this case it was mostly about high humidity and the chemicals in solder and flux not working well together. If the boat was used in salt water the problem was even worse.

[weendoggy]

Genuinely curious...if you solder, why crimp? Belt and suspenders?

If done correctly, it won't break. Problem is "more is not better". I've yet to lose a connection. There's always a first though, like getting a flat tire.