Battery Terminal Clamp Connector

[Dougal]

There are four batteries in my boat; 3 domestic deep cycle and one engine starting battery.
Somehow, over the years, almost every clamp connector has ended up being both different in type (some truly horible but don't require eye ends on the cables), AND made of different materials.
Being more than just a little OCDish, I decided to replace them all. Where I am, the only type available in quantity are LEAD, which I'd normally only use with mismatched posts.
Any reason not to use them?
The only drawback I remember with these, is not being able to apply as much torque on the nuts, as they distort easily.

 

[PaulRainbow]

In principal, lead terminals will be OK, but i'd prefer to see what they look like before saying yes. No need to tighten terminal bolts to the point the clamps distort.

Do any of the batteries have threaded studs ?

 

[lw395]

Are you sure they're made of lead?
Not just 'tinned' with lead-based solder, or lead coated?

 

[pvb]

Are you sure they're made of lead?
Not just 'tinned' with lead-based solder, or lead coated?

You can get lead clamps, but they're usually brass or tin-plated brass.

 

[lw395]

You can get lead clamps, but they're usually brass or tin-plated brass.

Can you still get lead clamps?
I wondered if it was a case of something being described as 'Finish: Lead' or similar.
Motorbike batteries seem to come with lead coated nuts and bolts sometimes. Or it could be another soft metal in a thick coating.

 

[Dougal]

They're most definitely solid lead. Got them from Uship in France. I quite like the fact they cause ZERO damage to the battery posts, however ham fisted one happens to be. No Paul, no threadedicated battery posts, all std.

 

[PaulRainbow]

They're most definitely solid lead. Got them from Uship in France. I quite like the fact they cause ZERO damage to the battery posts, however ham fisted one happens to be. No Paul, no threadedicated battery posts, all std.

No problem with them (i'd have suggested using the threaded studs if you had them), just don't gorilla them when you do them up Don't need to be much more than hand tight.

 

[lw395]

They're most definitely solid lead. Got them from Uship in France. I quite like the fact they cause ZERO damage to the battery posts, however ham fisted one happens to be. No Paul, no threadedicated battery posts, all std.

Interesting. Can't see any for sale in the UK.
It's good not to damge the posts, OTOH, a brass connector cuts through the oxide layer and can be soldered or crimped to the cable for one less bolted join.

 

[Daverw]

Fitted all with clamp to stud post adapters on all ours, seems to keep things neater and all connections then crimped eyes