I've never been able to get a wrench to make a snug fit on a battery post connection. Maybe because they are so old and somewhat worn. I have tried all metric and SAE sizes but nothing seems to be just right. Does anyone know the correct size for sure?
You should try that insulated reversible wratchet wrench made for that purpose. It is slick, the reversible is good for limited depth. https://www.fierostore.com/...px?s=51674&d=263&p=2 You could wait for your weekly parts order, no need to make an order for just one item.
5/16 is the other common size. Maybe your cable / post isn't stock? All you can do is one large or smaller til it works. Crescent wrench, or last ditch effort is vice grip it off and replace it.
I've used both the 8mm and the 5/16" on different Fieros depending on which felt felt more secure on the particular car. Neither one fits just right but that's probably due to the rounding of the bolt heads over the years.
I'm not having a problem currently. Just wanting to confirm the size so I can buy the right size tool. I didn't know the Fiero Store carries a skinny ratchet for this purpose but they don't actually specify the size in their description either.
It is nicer than the one pictured. the one I received has an insulating plastic cover around the end like the one in the customer pictures. It is labeled as 5/16 and fits pretty well on all 3 of my side post cars. I don't change batteries without it now.
It is nicer than the one pictured. the one I received has an insulating plastic cover around the end like the one in the customer pictures. It is labeled as 5/16 and fits pretty well on all 3 of my side post cars. I don't change batteries without it now.
That one in the link looks exactly like the one in the fuzzy pic at the Fiero Store. But on this one at Amazon I can actually read the 5/16 lettering on the wrench.
I guess the Fiero Store knows the exact size so I'll add it to my shopping cart. Still hopin' for a Fiero Store holiday sale!
Yep 8mm seems correct. I just used a standard socket. You have to be careful! if the end of the socket touches bare metal, and both terminals are connected - you will get a nice spark surprise! haha I say go with the tool from harbor freight. The original terminals on my battery did not have the insert and was difficult to attach any accessories like a trickle charge connector. These are the ones I used that fit perfectly. Unfortunately this is sold in Canada - http://www.canadiantire.ca/...ts-0113558p.html#srp
Battery terminal are not metric, at least for the GM bolt head. GM is 5/16" bolt head but if you have aftermarket bolts then anyone is guessing. (Factory bolts thread are 3/8"-16 x 3/8" long. Aftermarket lead ends have longer bolts.)
You can get a 5/16" "battery wrench" almost anyplace local. Example at HF Handy for tight spaces but normal 1/4" drive 6 point socket works.
Always pull minus/ground before +. More so using normal tools. Battery wrench is short and insulated enough to prevent battery shorting out. Normal tools often can easy short the battery and dump 200+ amps.
Do not torque the bolts too tight. You will wreck the battery fast. Side Term batteries are only made to take a few ft-lb... Max is 17 Nm 13 ft-lb/lb-ft in many GM books. GM ACDelco cables are best. Made is get good connection w/ little effort and have "locking ears" to stay tight on the battery.
------------------ Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should. (Jurassic Park)
