Battery post repair

[jim767]

Broke the "ear" off of a flag type battery terminal. Any repairs available, or is this like hair loss just live with it?

[mbianka]

Originally Posted by jim767

Broke the "ear" off of a flag type battery terminal. Any repairs available, or is this like hair loss just live with it?

I've got a small sealed battery that I use for my house LED lighting system with a broken battery tab. I thought about constructing a small metal dam around the terminal and melting some lead to fill it but, I have not done it yet. I'm just using a wire with an alligator clip on it for now. But, this is a low amperage battery. Look forward to hearing other ideas from others.

[GordMay]

It's probably trash, but:
Presuming it’s an “LT” (#5) Type L terminal, you might try to drill & tap a thread into the button, and secure a ring terminal with a short bolt. Use a bottoming type tap, and take care.
However, I wouldn’t expect much success; but good luck.
➥ Trojan Battery Company

[Cavalier]

Originally Posted by GordMay

might try to drill & tap a thread into the button, and secure a ring terminal with a short bolt. Use a bottoming type tap

Was just clicking reply to thread to suggest the very same when Gord's very sound advice popped up!

The only thing I would add is to go for the smallest tap/pilot-hole combination possible: it's better to have 4 threads of an M5 (for example) than 2 threads of an M8 for the same depth. You'll find that the smaller diameter will be easier to keep aligned with the shallow hole.

Good luck!

[courageous cat]

I'v had some luck repairing top post. just depends how much of the post is left. cut a little strip of aluminum pop can rap it around post held with hose clamp. melt some lead (fishing sinker or wheel weights) in a small metel cup away from the battery (DO NOT HAVE OPEN FLAME BY THE BATTERY) then pour in to sleve . probly best to not do in the boat.

[courageous cat]

Do i need to say wear safety glasses and gloves

[senormechanico]

Several years ago, in open air with a slight breeze, I soldered a 10 gauge wire to a broken Lead Acid battery terminal with a propane torch.
I'm still here.

[Tripod]

[QUOTE=GordMay;923438]It's probably trash, but:
Presuming it’s an “LT” (#5) Type L terminal, you might try to drill & tap a thread into the button, and secure a ring terminal with a short bolt. Use a bottoming type tap, and take care.
However, I wouldn’t expect much success; but good luck.
/QUOTE]

I've done this a few times without problems. Needless to say, don't drill too deep.