Square battery posts

Submitted: Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 12:31
ThreadID: 118947 Views:2036 Replies:2 FollowUps:8
This Thread has been Archived
HI. My partner has kindly bought me a 12v 12 ah sports battery for our upcoming trip. The only issue I have is that this particular battery has square shaped posts with holes in them. I'm wondering, other than alligator type clamps, what do I use to connect a wiring harness to these posts? I'd like to attach a wiring harness with 12 volt socket on the end. Thanks. doc.
Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator

Reply By: HKB Electronics - Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 13:03

Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 13:03
Use normal eyelet terminals also an inline fuse holder close to the terminal as small
lead acid batteries or lithium etc can pack quite a punch if you short them.

Lifetime Member
My Profile  Send Message

AnswerID: 554128

Follow Up By: Les - PK Ranger - Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 13:13

Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 13:13
. . . using suitable size tank bolts / washers / nuts.
0
FollowupID: 840111

Follow Up By: oz doc - Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 13:44

Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 13:44
Thanks guys. I should probably try and put a picture up. The posts are recessed and of such a configuration that I cant pass a bolt from one side to the other. Because of the square profile I cant get a nut easily inside the post to receive a bolt end. I think the battery is intended for a motorcycle. I'm sure there is an obvious solution- my tired brain is not helping and nor is google. doc.
0
FollowupID: 840112

Follow Up By: Shaker - Monday, May 25, 2015 at 16:05

Monday, May 25, 2015 at 16:05
If the battery was new, it should have been supplied with terminal bolts & the square nuts. You may need to go to battery supplier such as Battery Power, they should be able to help.
0
FollowupID: 840217

Reply By: Allan B (Member, SunCoast) - Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 16:45

Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 16:45
Hi Doc,

Does the battery post look like this?.............

If so, it is intended to have a square nut inserted into the terminal from the rectangular side opening and a bolt into it from the round hole like this..........
The bare-ended cable is then inserted from the top and clamped under the nut or the cable can be fitted with an 'eye' lug and clamped under the bolt head.
Cheers
Allan

Member
My Profile  My Blog  My Position  Send Message

AnswerID: 554133

Follow Up By: oz doc - Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 17:15

Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 17:15
Hi Allan, I think you're on the money. Only the square opening on my terminals is not all that large. doc.
0
FollowupID: 840115

Follow Up By: Allan B (Member, SunCoast) - Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 17:47

Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 17:47
Doc, the battery should come complete with the bolts & nuts.
Perhaps ask the supplier?

A square nut of the correct size is required to prevent it turning in the terminal cavity. Also, I think the bolt can be alternatively fitted vertically through the top hole.
Cheers
Allan

Member
My Profile  My Blog  My Position  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 840117

Follow Up By: Hoyks - Sunday, May 24, 2015 at 10:08

Sunday, May 24, 2015 at 10:08
Yep, it is a motorbike style battery, so there should be a square nut or hex nut to fit in the square hole and then you put a bolt through.

One trick is to stick a bit of cardboard under the nut so it is pushed up to the underside of the terminal. If you don't, getting the bolt started can be a real pain.

Any battery shop should have hardware to fit.
0
FollowupID: 840145

Follow Up By: oz doc - Sunday, May 24, 2015 at 14:28

Sunday, May 24, 2015 at 14:28
Ta for that. I was not looking forward to fluffing around with the nut in such a small space.doc.
0
FollowupID: 840156

Follow Up By: Member - Keith P (NSW) - Monday, May 25, 2015 at 18:26

Monday, May 25, 2015 at 18:26
Motorcycle batteries actually make good utility batteries.
Just remember to not flatten them properly..ie..use it for only about 60-75 % of its capacity...and then charge up again ASAP.
Another little tip is to have the vent open while charging...and then after charging and a time to cool down...plug the vent with an external blind cap while using to prevent spills if being moved about...remembering to always keep it up right.

HTH.


Cheers Keith
Nothin is ever the same once I own it ...........

Lifetime Member
My Profile  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 840229

Sponsored Links