regular battery post vs marine threaded stud

[Donald]

Does anyone think there is much difference between the two in their ability to pass current through to the battery cable? Assuming same size battery cable in gauge.

Old regular battery connectors you tighten onto the post seem to not tighten properly. Maybe they are just distorted from being put on and off, loosened and tightened many times.

The question comes with respect to the new battery for my snow cat. Its a marine battery and has posts and a threaded stud. I am ordering new battery cables and can get a normal battery connector for a post or a large eye for threaded stud.

 

[spasm3]

I've wondered the same, as my camper has ring connectors for the deep cycle battery.

 

[Trav]

I have one car that uses both on the same battery, it doesn't seem to make much if any difference that I can tell, go with what is easier for you to service.

 

[mk378]

The group 31 with bolt post terminals is standard for big trucks and other heavy duty applications, so no problems with current capacity. As you said, bolt posts are nice if you remove and reinstall the battery frequently such as on a boat.

 

[wrcsixeight]

If using ring terminals, the hole in the ring terminals should be just larger than the stud.

Not only does this center the ring terminal over the conductive surface, but it increases the surface area for transmission.

I've been using ring terminals for years for passing starting current, the posts I usually leave the little plastic protectors on.

Note some battery studs might have 5/16 inch studs for the + and 1/4 inch for the negative. You really want that hole size to match, when possible. If not it is not a huge deal but do not put a washer under the ring terminal, put it on top.

Remember the threaded stud is only to secure the terminal, not to pass current, though it/can does, but one should pretend it cannot and maximize surface area.

West Marine sells silicon bronze washers if one really needs to use a washer. Much more conductive than stainless steel or regular steel alloys, but aluminum is much better, if too soft.

Beware of Auto parts store battery cables. Their ring terminals are steel compressed over the copper stranding, with a hole punched through it. Bring a magnet, though if it looks like steel, it is.

If Copper rates a 100 on the conductivity scale, steel is about 3 or 4 but it depends on the exact alloy.

http://eddy-current.com/conductivity-of-metals-sorted-by-resistivity/