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  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    North Dallas, TX
    Posts
    81

    Default Cutting and Crimping 2/0 Gauge

    I have read a lot on these battery installations and not 100% confident in what I am doing. I bought a switch that can go to 1, 2, or both. I am hooking all the wires in like in the directions and the 2/0 gauge + wire from the engine is the one making me nervous. For it to fit on my switch, I need to cut the terminal off and put a 2/0 end with a 3/8 circular connector. I really don't want to cut this if I don't need to, but don't know any other way. Does anyone have any suggestions on getting around this? Also, I would rather not have to buy a big wire cutter and a crimper. Suggestions here would be appreciated.
    2006 Mobius LSV

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Fort Worth, TX
    Posts
    1,049

    Default

    I used a scissors to cut the wire and a vise grips to crimp the connector on.
    -2012 Supra Launch 21V
    -2008 Mobius LSV

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Traverse City, MI
    Posts
    2,680

    Default

    A cheap alternative is a hacksaw to cut, and a hammer and piece of 2x4 to crimp. It won't be pretty, but it will get the job done.

    Another alternative is to buy set screw rig terminals, rather than crimp.
    2013 Outback V

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    Lake Wylie NC Area
    Posts
    2,467

    Default

    A hacksaw is a good way to cut large gauge wire, as well as a rotary tool with a metal cutting disk.

    For attaching the terminal lug, I would suggest soldering it over a crimp.

    Here is a nice YT showing how to do it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXDkNMDDrBs

    If you need to do this in the boat. I use vise-grips to hold the terminal an place it on a block of wood. Instead of a torch, I use a heatgun.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    North Dallas, TX
    Posts
    81

    Default

    Thanks guys. I will give the hacksaw and 2x4 a go.
    2006 Mobius LSV

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Location
    California
    Posts
    2,840

    Default

    I took mine down to the local battery dealer which was a mile away. For $1 an end he cut & crimped my lugs on the 1/0 cable with a hydraulic crimper.
    2007 Mobius LSV

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    Snellville, GA & Lake Sinclair
    Posts
    8,419

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by MLA View Post
    A hacksaw is a good way to cut large gauge wire, as well as a rotary tool with a metal cutting disk.
    .
    If you have a dremel style tool, go this route vs the hacksaw.

    I like Razz's idea best.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    North Dallas, TX
    Posts
    81

    Default

    I like Razz's idea as well, but just don't want to take out the cable and fish it back into the boat. I may do it just to make sure it gets done right. I have a week to think about it. I loved the soldering video as well. Very clean looking.
    2006 Mobius LSV

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Location
    Pacific NW USA
    Posts
    578

    Default

    Hgv - I'd second Razz's idea of taking to a battery shop. MLA's video is a good one but unless you already have a torch and solder pellets and flux, your buying a bunch of stuff. The key to solder is making sure you have enough flux applied to the copper conductors and not OVER heat it. Doing so can create a resistive connection when it burns off the flux. To little heat and you run into the opposite problem. A proper solder joint will offer more surface contact.

    On the crimp subject, make sure it gets crimped with a real crimp tool. The oversized crimp (hammer style) actually drive the metal sleeve back down into itself creating a physical pinch and not just a compression joint around the whole outside. So for a 1.00, I don't think you can beat the battery shop.

    -Brian
    Exile Audio

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Lake wallenpaupack PA
    Posts
    872

    Default

    If you are installing battery lugs you dont need to crimp just solder them.


    Like this
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXDkN...e_gdata_player

    Just put something on the floor if you cant pull the wires out. You can do it with a much smaller pocket torch...
    Last edited by lsvboombox; 03-18-2012 at 07:16 PM.

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