Battery Tender Plus ring terminals don't fit

[INMY01TA]

Just went to install my new Battery Tender and the damn ring terminals are too small to fit the cable terminals on our cars battery. Not sure where I'd use the alligator clips either, no posts. How do you guys install these things?

[INMY01TA]

Well I clamped the alligator clamps to the end of the bolt heads on the battery cable terminals and it seems to be charging but I don't like it this way. They don't seem to sell a battery tender cable with bigger terminals so I guess I'll have to buy bigger ring terminals and cut/splice them. Lame.

[SSnow]

Well I clamped the alligator clamps to the end of the bolt heads on the battery cable terminals and it seems to be charging but I don't like it this way. They don't seem to sell a battery tender cable with bigger terminals so I guess I'll have to buy bigger ring terminals and cut/splice them. Lame.

Do a search or go to your auto supply place and see if they have the bolts to replace the center bolt on the side mount terminals. They are threaded on either end just for this purpose.
On my Camaro I put the alligator clips on the positive first then the safety ground (the one your supposed to use to jump it). Works fine all winter long.

[Firebirdjones]

Well I clamped the alligator clamps to the end of the bolt heads on the battery cable terminals and it seems to be charging but I don't like it this way. They don't seem to sell a battery tender cable with bigger terminals so I guess I'll have to buy bigger ring terminals and cut/splice them. Lame.

I have 3 battery tenders for different cars, and I use the alligator clamps on all of them. Works great for both the side post and top post terminals.
I just clamp them onto the side terminal bolts and don't have any issues.

I never used the ring terminals for a perminant plug, I just didn't want it hanging off the battery all the time on cars that I take to shows and cruises. Looked a little hokey.

[Cutlass]

They make replacement battery bolts for this.


Or attach it to the fuse block terminal

[pajeff02]

That looks suspiciously familiar...

I use the regular clamps on our T/A and most other batteries. If the battery is removed from the vehicle, I have a set of bolts I thread into the side posts.

[Firebirdjones]

I use the regular clamps on our T/A and most other batteries. If the battery is removed from the vehicle, I have a set of bolts I thread into the side posts.

Yep, I find it much easier to just clip them on and leave it. The alligator clamps are small enough to clamp onto the side post bolts just fine.

Much better than trying to connect huge ass jumper cables to a tiny 5/16 head bolt,,,,ever try that?? Now that is something to complain about

[Cutlass]

Much better than trying to connect huge ass jumper cables to a tiny 5/16 head bolt,,,,ever try that?? Now that is something to complain about

Its one of my biggest pet peeves. I actually found a set of 4 gauge jumper cables with a awesome clamp design that easily attaches to these side terminal batteries. I had to buy it!!

[INMY01TA]

They make replacement battery bolts for this.

How do I get the old bolts out of there? I've tinkered with them a little and they din't seem to want to come out.

[Cutlass]

I use a pocket screwdriver to work the plastic cover over and around the bolt.

[SSTODD]

I use the ground lug on the radiator support right by the battery for the negative and the "jumper cable lug" on the other side of the engine bay for my tender. It is easy to hook up with ring terminals. My original battery went 10+ years (I just replaced it this year.)