battery cable too short

i would just make up a longer lead. or get one made up. i rewired my boat and used this company 12voltplanet to get my stuff
 
What size is the cable? Mine is 50mm2 so it would be a hell of a choc block!

I would use something like http://www.iem-services.co.uk/showdetails.asp?id=1238 , in the appropriate size. Needs a hydraulic crimp tool to fit it, though, which I have but would be a bit OTT for a one-off job. Any chance of borrowing one? Then a bit of adhesive-lined heatshrink over the top.

I extended a 25mm2 windlass cable like this and you can hardly see the join.

Pete
 
What termination does it have on it?
If it's an eye, you could bolt another eye to it.
Otherwise you could perhaps crimp something to the cable if you can borrow/buy the tools.
Yes there are things like mega- choc blocks that will work.
Or, if desperate you could solder a butt splice on it.

Why is it so hard to change the cable?
 
Yep, if it's 'propper' battery cable, then it's too thick to be joined by anything less than a nut and bolt.
Buy a new cable.
I keep two or three spare ones of different lengths onboard so I can reconfigure the batteries easily if necessary.
 
I would try a crimped butt joint, optionally covered in (adhesive filled) heat shrinking. If it is too big for a crimp joint then get a longer cable.
 
i need to extend the cable, installing new longer cable is best i know

the access is good to the short end, so using a choc block and covering it in grease / shrink wrapping is possible

is there not a better way ?

Choc block will inevitably be larger and will catch. Drill a hole through the end of the existing wire maybe 1 inch in, and thread through some strong cord. Do the same on the new cable but in that case also apply the shrink wrap and grease.
 
Choc block will inevitably be larger and will catch. Drill a hole through the end of the existing wire maybe 1 inch in, and thread through some strong cord. Do the same on the new cable but in that case also apply the shrink wrap and grease.

I think the OP was suggesting using the choc block to join an extension on to the existing cable.
 
I hope not. That really isnt a good idea with battery cables on a boat. Best make up a complete new one.

No reason why it should not be fine, if done properly using the right parts.
No join is ever better than a continuous cable of course.
 
i need to extend the cable, installing new longer cable is best i know

the access is good to the short end, so I used a choc block and covering it in grease / shrink wrapping is possible

is there not a better way ?


Yep.

This is not a wind up.

My cable was a standard diameter so I used an ordinary brass, compression, water pipe fitting, with heat shrink over the top. Strong, easy, neat and cheap.
 
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