Building my own batterty cables
I'm working on installing an inverter and new batteries in my RV and I needed new battery cables. I am using a TEMco Industrial TH0005 Crimper, which I really like. Here's how I built the cables
Forum Discussion
You can also go to your local wholesale/retail welding equipment dealer and use industrial quality welding cable/terminals.
The dealer will have many gages (reels even) of black welding cable and a selection of terminals. Welding cable is very fine strands which are more flexible than standard automotive battery cable and the insulation is also very flexible and resistant to abrasion/chemicals. As well as a assortment of shrink fit.
Most suppliers will for a small $ amount crimp on the terminals and apply shrink fit etc.
Remember, measure TWICE and CUT ONCE!
Also if you have a scrap of steel approximately 1inch by 2 inch wide by 6 or 8 inches long available, drill a 3/4 to 1 inch diameter hole close to one end (must be large enough for the widest end of the terminal to pass thru) then drill and tap a 1/4 - 20 or a 5/16 - 18 hole 90* from the center line of the big hole. Clamp your tool in your shop vice, prepare one end of the welding cable/terminal place it thru the large hole, tighten the bolt and you have hand dimple clamped the terminal to the cable. (looks better than the “old” chisel/hammer method)
The dealer will have many gages (reels even) of black welding cable and a selection of terminals. Welding cable is very fine strands which are more flexible than standard automotive battery cable and the insulation is also very flexible and resistant to abrasion/chemicals. As well as a assortment of shrink fit.
Most suppliers will for a small $ amount crimp on the terminals and apply shrink fit etc.
Remember, measure TWICE and CUT ONCE!
Also if you have a scrap of steel approximately 1inch by 2 inch wide by 6 or 8 inches long available, drill a 3/4 to 1 inch diameter hole close to one end (must be large enough for the widest end of the terminal to pass thru) then drill and tap a 1/4 - 20 or a 5/16 - 18 hole 90* from the center line of the big hole. Clamp your tool in your shop vice, prepare one end of the welding cable/terminal place it thru the large hole, tighten the bolt and you have hand dimple clamped the terminal to the cable. (looks better than the “old” chisel/hammer method)
