SoCal Jet Boats
Tech Talk => Engine Mechanical / Electrical => Topic started by: sportinwood on May 20, 2010, 12:47:52 PM
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Im just wanting to get an idea of where I can get some custom length battery cables. I searched some threads quickly and found that napa does this but is fairly expensive. Any other places that do this or any place i can go to buy everything to do it myself.
I also read that you can use welding cable? i am open to all options. thanks. :beer:
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Don't know if you have any around you or can order it on-line (I looked and could not find it) but http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Home_10551_10001 has copper strand with a clear plastic cover that is used for tractors, comes in many sizes on rolls, Works very well and looks cool FOR ABOUT 2 YEARS then the ends start to turn green and dirty. I used it on my tractor rebuild and I did not seal the plastic ends, I plan on using it again on my boat rebuild but this time seal the ends with something maybe a clear silicon to keep them looking good for years cause there holding up well besides that and not to pricey either... Roy
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thanks for the link. im sure i can find what i need in there. :thumbup:
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Between you and Farmergord, the ideas runneth over, Roy! :thumbup:
Woulda never thought of a tractor supply company. Got a few of them around me here in Casa Grande, where a cowboy can still be a cowboy, and the Mexicans still pick all the cotton........ :sly:
Ray
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Find a truck parts or truck repair shop around you, they should be able to set you up without having to buy more than you need.
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Another source would be West Marine. They sell bulk cable, crimp style ends, the tool for crimping the ends and self-sealing heatshrink to seal the cable to the terminal ends.
I prefer to start with a pre-made cable of the right gauge but longer than needed. Connect the cable to the battery and route it as planned. Mark the cable for length and for orientation of the terminal. Cut cable to length, slide on the heat shrink, orient and stake the terminal and finish off with the heat shrink. Custom cables made easy.
If one of you guys buys the crimp/staking tool, you could recoup some of the tool cost by making cables for your boating buddies. :)
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Between you and Farmergord, the ideas runneth over, Roy! :thumbup:
Ray
We have a chain of stores up here called Princess Auto they sell farm supplies, tools ,industrial supplies and beat of all surplus everything from everywhere and they have an online store the worst part is I have an account there
http://www.princessauto.com/
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i'm a welder, so yes i use welding cable. Its cheap, has tons of strands for good connectivity, and lasts a long time. If i can weld at 500 amps with it, then it can start my boat. Its about a buck a foot. for the red/black, i just use red heat shrink on the positive cable.