Soldered Battery cables.

nelly1052 · 08-02-2009, 05:25 PM

Anybody had a problem with soldering the ends on cables? I made up a set with soldered end, #4 stranded wire and heat shrink. Not sure if wires get hot they might come loose. But that may not be a bad thing. There has to be a problem if wires get hot enough to melt solder. Maybe it would work like a fuse and come apart before the problem could cause serious damage.
What ya think?

kneddor · 08-02-2009, 08:47 PM

Crimp the lugs, don't solder them. The solder is not as secure as the crimp so long as the crimp is done properly. If the connection becomes loose, it can and will melt the lead battery post.

scottyb · 08-02-2009, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kneddor

Crimp the lugs, don't solder them. The solder is not as secure as the crimp so long as the crimp is done properly.

I disagree ..... never seen a failure of solder end. I have seen many failures on crimped ends?

kneddor · 08-02-2009, 09:15 PM

I know its been debated before. My opinion is based on what others far more experienced than me have said. The crimp, if done properly with the right equipment will not fail. Solder does not conduct electricity as well as copper. Crimps are used extensively in industrial, high amperage connections.

Just my humble opinion.

scottyb · 08-02-2009, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kneddor

I know its been debated before. My opinion is based on what others far more experienced than me have said. The crimp, if done properly with the right equipment will not fail. Solder does not conduct electricity as well as copper. Crimps are used extensively in industrial, high amperage connections.

Just my humble opinion.

This is only true if you use lead solder..... I use silver solder which conducts well enough. Most people do not have access to the type of Hydraulic crimper you are talking about.. so the answer for the average joe with a hammer and a $15 crimper isstill NO,it is not better than soldering with good quality silver solder....

GLEEMO · 08-03-2009, 08:54 AM

Do Both and you cant go wrong !

scottyb · 08-03-2009, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmorrison

Do Both and you cant go wrong !

Lol !!!
I guess either one done correctly will work just fine

gornoman · 08-03-2009, 09:05 AM

I soldered my cables YEARS ago. No failures to date.

OK, next weekend I will be making more cables for my '85 CC. I will shoot a video and show folks how to solder lugs correctly.

scottyb · 08-03-2009, 09:13 AM

I have been using liquid tape over my soldered connections ... It makes a bullet proof looking cable end.

carguy · 08-03-2009, 05:04 PM

Hi Gang,

Make sure you use rosin core solder.

DO NOT use acid core (the kind used on plumbing).

Have fun!

Dave

08-02-2009, 05:25 PM	#1
nelly1052 Getting Wild Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Kissimmee, Fl. Posts: 91	Soldered Battery cables. Anybody had a problem with soldering the ends on cables? I made up a set with soldered end, #4 stranded wire and heat shrink. Not sure if wires get hot they might come loose. But that may not be a bad thing. There has to be a problem if wires get hot enough to melt solder. Maybe it would work like a fuse and come apart before the problem could cause serious damage. What ya think?

08-02-2009, 08:47 PM	#2
kneddor Gone Wild Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Nashville Posts: 203	Re: Soldered Battery cables. Crimp the lugs, don't solder them. The solder is not as secure as the crimp so long as the crimp is done properly. If the connection becomes loose, it can and will melt the lead battery post.

08-03-2009, 08:54 AM	#6
GLEEMO just leave me alone Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Tennessee Posts: 5,643	Re: Soldered Battery cables. Do Both and you cant go wrong !

08-03-2009, 09:05 AM	#8
gornoman Stay thirsty my friends! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Suburban Chicago Posts: 24,292	Re: Soldered Battery cables. I soldered my cables YEARS ago. No failures to date. OK, next weekend I will be making more cables for my '85 CC. I will shoot a video and show folks how to solder lugs correctly.

08-03-2009, 05:04 PM	#10
carguy Gone Wild Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Loveland, CO / Sun Lakes, AZ Posts: 263	Re: Soldered Battery cables. Hi Gang, Make sure you use rosin core solder. DO NOT use acid core (the kind used on plumbing). Have fun! Dave

Today
BGW	Sponsored Links __________________ This advertising will not be shown in this way to registered members. Register your free account today and become a member on Buggies Gone Wild Golf Cart Forum

08-02-2009, 09:15 PM	#4
kneddor Gone Wild Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Nashville Posts: 203	Re: Soldered Battery cables. I know its been debated before. My opinion is based on what others far more experienced than me have said. The crimp, if done properly with the right equipment will not fail. Solder does not conduct electricity as well as copper. Crimps are used extensively in industrial, high amperage connections. Just my humble opinion.

Similar Threads
Thread	Forum
Hot Battery Cables	Electric EZGO
battery cables	Electric EZGO
Battery cables	Electric EZGO
Battery cables	Electric Club Car
Where to get better battery cables	Electric EZGO