Quick release battery restraint?
Discussion
Other than a pair of leather belts, is there a solution to frequent battery removal in the way of a quick release restraint/clamp?
This is for a standard size 12v rather than a compact/race battery - whenever I search for quick release battery I get nothing but QR terminal clamps. Any suggestions please?
This is for a standard size 12v rather than a compact/race battery - whenever I search for quick release battery I get nothing but QR terminal clamps. Any suggestions please?
Thing is you need the battery to stay in under all kinds of circumstances, even if you have a big crash or end up upside down. A battery is heavy, full of very strong acid and obviously a source of ignition.
They used to let us secure fire extinguishers with over-centre catches, but they can come undone so the rules were changed to require the catch to be secured down with another clip or tie. At this point it takes about as long to unfasten the extinguisher as it would be with a screw type clip. Then the rules were changed to require a screw type clip.
Maybe it’s worth just ensuring that your battery tray is in good shape, the fixings aren’t corroded, maybe putting a captive nut in the tray and replacing the bolt with the same size used on the terminals such that removal and refitting is a one tool and one handed job?
They used to let us secure fire extinguishers with over-centre catches, but they can come undone so the rules were changed to require the catch to be secured down with another clip or tie. At this point it takes about as long to unfasten the extinguisher as it would be with a screw type clip. Then the rules were changed to require a screw type clip.
Maybe it’s worth just ensuring that your battery tray is in good shape, the fixings aren’t corroded, maybe putting a captive nut in the tray and replacing the bolt with the same size used on the terminals such that removal and refitting is a one tool and one handed job?
Basically despite being new, the battery started to fail as soon as the temps dropped to near zero. It gets removed if the car isn't going to be used for a couple/few days, so until I get around to getting a replacement (which I'm not really in a hurry to do, seeing as the car sites there for days at a time at the moment) I want an easy way of removal as and when.
ReverendCounter said:
Basically despite being new, the battery started to fail as soon as the temps dropped to near zero. It gets removed if the car isn't going to be used for a couple/few days, so until I get around to getting a replacement (which I'm not really in a hurry to do, seeing as the car sites there for days at a time at the moment) I want an easy way of removal as and when.
That's fine, but what is so difficult about removal at the minute ?Is it held in with 600 bolts or something ? Even most OEM's are only 1 or 2 bolts. Not really a difficult or time consuming task.
Well a bit more info would be useful. In every vehicle I own the battery can be removed in 30 seconds with just a 10mm ratchet (5 seconds with a powered ratchet) to undo one nut and then unhook the bar which holds it down. Obviously need quick release clamps on the terminals if you don't want to spend another 30 seconds undoing nuts on the terminals.
What is making yours more difficult than that? If that information was known then people could make more helpful suggestions.
What is making yours more difficult than that? If that information was known then people could make more helpful suggestions.
Kraken said:
Well a bit more info would be useful. In every vehicle I own the battery can be removed in 30 seconds with just a 10mm ratchet (5 seconds with a powered ratchet) to undo one nut and then unhook the bar which holds it down. Obviously need quick release clamps on the terminals if you don't want to spend another 30 seconds undoing nuts on the terminals.
What is making yours more difficult than that? If that information was known then people could make more helpful suggestions.
I have to agree, most people don't see an issue with just using the manufacturer's clamps. What is making yours more difficult than that? If that information was known then people could make more helpful suggestions.
Leather buckles are never going to hold a battery securely. That's without all the fun of fitting them in the first place.
Similar with ratchet straps. Whilst they will hold a battery tight you would still need to secure them and then open them enough to get a battery out.
Neither option from what I can see would be any quicker then just undoing a couple of nuts.
And we still don't really understand the need to keep on removing the battery.
Quickest is a bar with a couple of wing nuts. Two or three turns and some quick release terminals could see a battery changed very quickly indeed.
If you have a problem with the battery going flat, you could either use a battery isolator switch or a quick release terminal to disconnect the battery, or spend
a bit of time finding the current drain (although battery isolator / QR terminal isn't a bad idea). If you've got garaging with a electical supply, a CTEK or similar trickle charger would also keep the battery in good condition.
If you have a problem with the battery going flat, you could either use a battery isolator switch or a quick release terminal to disconnect the battery, or spend
a bit of time finding the current drain (although battery isolator / QR terminal isn't a bad idea). If you've got garaging with a electical supply, a CTEK or similar trickle charger would also keep the battery in good condition.
I use a beefy leather strap that loops over an M6 bolt, secured with a large flat washer and wingnut. Angled so it clamps the battery down into a tray as it tightens, never drawn so much as a second glance from scrutes and removal is 10 seconds (notwithstanding mucking about with terminals etc)
Gassing Station | UK Club Motorsport | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff