Permanent fix to loose battery connections

[szc168]

Just looking for input/opinion on using nylon locknuts on the battery terminals. Sooo many here preach about burnt battery wires and posts being the result of loose connections. Therefore, why not use locknuts to secure the cable to the post? Some have suggested Loctite.

I wonder, is the surface area of the battery lug to battery post sufficent to transfer the current or is the post-to-nut connection absolutely essential?

[gornoman]

While they might be a great idea normally, it doesn't work here. This is why:

The flat spot of the post on the battery is lead. When you tighten the nut the pressure compresses the lead. While under pressure from the nut the lead eventually deforms and squishes out sideways as well as down allowing pressure relief. Eventually the lead stops deforming because the pressure has been released. Now the nut is loose.

The solution is to constantly snug them up. It's the only thing that ALWAYS works.

[hitmanharleyk]

I have Stainless Nylon Locknuts on my batteries and every month I still "snug them up" with a 1/4 turn or so, no different than when I just used the regular nuts.

[mikesmotortoys]

You can try some stainless lock washers, they help. Electric carts require maintenance - monthly battery lug checks take what? 60 seconds? You only hear the bad from those who remember too late that this is a needed periodic check