Steve wrote:

I have been buying #00, #0 and #1 battery cable, (the tinned marine grade
with the fine strands) and the proper lugs. However, my crimping tool will
only do up to #4 gage.

I've tried soldering with my 150 watt soldering iron and as others have
worned, the solder wicks up into the strands, making it to stiff.

These stiff ends are hard on the electrical terminals that they attach to.
I want to redo about a dozen lugs that I have concerns about.

How do all the rest of you crimp or swedge these lugs??

I've seen a tool that is used by the guys building DIY electric cars and
off grid elect systems. These were just a steel saddle that the lug/cable
end rest in and a crimping die is driven down over the open side. They
were using a heavy hammer for the force and that give me some concern
(lack of control, etc.).

I've seen some professional tools in the electrical supply catalogs but
they are pretty expensive for doing a dozen cable ends. (several hundred
dollars).

I'm thinking there should be some kinda die similar to that used for
NicoPress swedge rigging sleeves. (come to think of it, I have one and I
may try a test and see if it would work)

Or perhaps the marine suppliers?? But, then I already have purchased, mail
order, all of my cable. Not sure they would do it for me..

Steve
s/v Good Intentions

I've used the crimping dies that are used for crimping hydralic hose ends on
hoses. A #4 hose die crimps them tight and neat. Shrink tube finishes the
job. Local hydralic hose shop may be willing to do it for you.
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