Does someone make a special wrench to fit battery terminals? 2005 Ranger.

[Sternwheeler]

On my "new" 97 F150, the negative cable clamp screw was degraded like that so nothing would fit. It was also corroded or somehow stuck so tight that large vise grips and channel-lock pliers wouldn't budge it. Luckily, the clamp pulled off the terminal pretty easily. So I removed it from the cable and put a repair terminal on until I can do something better. I do NOT like those new style stamped sheet metal cable clamps they're using.

Yes, I can tell they are going to break as I try to work the bolts loose. Fortunately we have a good and inexpensive auto electric shop near. When time comes to replace the battery, I may take it straight to them and buy their battery and have them cut off the old clamps and put on new. Fortunately this time all I wanted to do was disconnect the negative so I could disconnect the alternator safely. I had to do it “unsafely”.

 

[Sternwheeler]

I'm thinking the NAPA boys were telling you the truth.

On my 06... the clamps were degraded enough that I replaced the ends.

I suggest vise grips to loosen... then pick a suitable repair end.

Thanks! I guess I’ll have to just deal. It’s always sad when I don’t get to buy another tool. Oh well, more money for guns and old stereo equipment.

 

[Sternwheeler]

8mm or 10mm since the late 1990's all metric now-a-days, lol

Thanks. After having to buy special tools before, I couldn’t help but wonder if I was headed down that trail again.

 

[Sternwheeler]

Don't blame him, He did get his info from NAPA( Never Any Parts Available). If his is anything like the ones here, I wouldn't trust them if they told me the sky was blue.
Absolutely the worse parts house in town. Right above Jiffy Lube on the Intelligent Scale. (Jiffy Lube is at the bottom of the scale btw)

They always have Blinker Fluid, but never the brand I like. Never the right Muffler Bearings or Elbow Grease either.

I bought the new caustic blinker fluid. I poured it on the bolts and it ate them down to 7 mm. I can get them off now.

 

[adsm08]

Or I could be one of those people, that when looking at a hex-end that is still perfectly formed with only surface rust, decides that it is very unusual for such a fastener not to fit one of the many sockets and wrenches that I have. I am perfectly capable of accepting information that I do not like. For instance, I have learned that there is at least one ass in this forum, and I immediately believed it.

I have seen many bolt heads that looked fine, but had lost a layer to corrosion and didn't fit the socket that they should have been, and didn't fit the next one down either. Most of them were on battery cables. The rest where exhaust.

 

[Craig0320]

My Ranger's muffler bearing bolt size didn't match any Ford sizes so they do make mistakes, had to use a full can of elbow grease to make a special wrench that fit them

You too. I thought I was the only one.

 

[86merc5.0]

Seen that many a time over the years. As a side note remember the lug nut covers ( like G.M. used ) And how many of those wonderful hub caps were ruined by people trying to loosen the plastic lug nuts.

 

[pjtoledo]

electrolysis is a funny thing. parts can evenly corrode on all sides and appear near perfect, except smaller. I've seen it happen on battery connections. try a 9/32 or adjustable tools.

 

[adsm08]

Seen that many a time over the years. As a side note remember the lug nut covers ( like G.M. used ) And how many of those wonderful hub caps were ruined by people trying to loosen the plastic lug nuts.

I once saw a guy melt one of the plastic lug nuts that actually turned because he sat on it with the impact gun too long.

He was not smart.

 

[pjtoledo]

Thanks. After having to buy special tools before, I couldn’t help but wonder if I was headed down that trail again.

google battery pliers

 

[snoranger]

I am perfectly capable of accepting information that I do not like. For instance, I have learned that there is at least one ass in this forum, and I immediately believed it.

Don't worry... there's more than one.

At least he followed up his comment with the answer to your question.

 

[Sternwheeler]

Seen that many a time over the years. As a side note remember the lug nut covers ( like G.M. used ) And how many of those wonderful hub caps were ruined by people trying to loosen the plastic lug nuts.

I have a friend who has those. The first time I saw them, I knew they were doomed.

 

[Sternwheeler]

Don't worry... there's more than one.

At least he followed up his comment with the answer to your question.

Yep. I have to say that was the first time I have ever been the subject of that accusation. Oh well, no harm.

 

[Sternwheeler]

google battery pliers

Huh. Never considered there might be pliers made just for it. I fixated on sockets/wrenches.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

My '02 F-150 takes an 8mm also.

It might have degraded, it might be a different bolt somebody substituted too.