Side Post Batteries Suck!....or do they?...

You've never experienced the rage as hot as a thousand suns until you've ripped the threads out of a perfectly good side post battery from cross threading the bolt or over tightening it. Heres a battery cable terminal hack that I learned about 20 years ago that rectified all to the concerns Ive ever had about side terminal batteries, and if you're like me, you probably have everything you need to do this in your garage at this moment! Special thanks to Patrons- DizTraveler and Anonymous. Thank you for your support!
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[@eyesalooking]

I thought that I was the only person who hated GM side posts. The previous owner used the wrong bolt and when I tried to install a new battery, I managed to strip out the battery female threads. I am going to use your method to fix this problem. Thanks for posting.

[@scottsessions3240]

Great idea. I noticed at 6:26 a spider comes down to your right. Everybody wants their 15 seconds of fame.

[@MyPammer]

My husband is a mechanic, but I fix cars too and we thoroughly enjoyed your video. It was exactly the fix we needed. Simple, to the point and no BS. We appreciated your creative genius and personable attitude (you remind us of kin). I'm subscribing to your channel.

[@miketuch]

The best fix I've seen yet. 99 Olds 88 3800 driving me crazy. I'm doing this. Thank you sir. Stop the vid at nut size, take a screen shot, get down to Ace.

[@blackedelweiss601]

instructions start at 4:20

[@dannyfubar3099]

Excellent post, sick of my side terminal nightmare. Also enjoyed the 'Spider Bungee drop' at 06:27 - 06:33 Thanks for sharing.

[@dzlfreek]

thanks for watching!

[@GarysBBQSupplies]

JUST what I was looking for. Straightforward, no nonsense, cheap and effective. Thank you.

[@garyriggins3354]

Cool idea, never thought of that. Keep it up.

[@55ATA3]

That is a good way of making it have a better bond and stopping people from scrapping a good battery. Thanks for showing us this video..

[@wrthrash]

Dang skippy there freek, awesome tips! I just put in a DieHard dual-terminal and am blessed with the best of both worlds!

[@godsgrace4519]

Great video I got the bolts and. Nuts will be installing my battery in my 04 suburban thanks again it a blessing when people give information that's very helpful .👍👍

[@himwhom]

I am doing this today to both of my trucks. From Michigan thanks for the fix!

[@ShawnColdren]

Very helpful. I usually buy the side post that also has top post. In case I need to charge battery or jump start. I've always had an issue with the side post loosening. So thanks for the knowledge.

[@40intrepid]

I worked in both Sears,and Montgomery Ward Auto Departments, replaced a lot of these batteries that were leaking acid out of the positive terminal, usually causing green corrosion to build up under the cable end. Often the cable end was completely fused to the battery, and had to be cut off and replaced with the battery.

[@TrippyWoodStock]

This ^ is why I’m trying to swap to a top post battery. My 96 k1500 gets very corroded every few days and it will cause my truck to not start

[@bigredjohnson6921]

Great tip, inexpensive and super way to add additional devices that need to be attached to the battery.

[@treschalee860]

‘Accidentally’ discovered a temp fix similar to this while stranded in my 97 6.5. Time to do a permanent fix and your tricks solve all of my problems at once. Those annoying side terminals won’t leave me stranded again!

[@brianwolf692009]

I've done that before, because the battery cable bolt head curroded off, so I had to replace it. I've also bought the screw in top post lead heads.

[@MCGDEC]

Had a problem with a positive terminal issue with my 2002 Trailblazer where the connection would disconnect over time. Took your advice and bought a ss 3/8 16 bolt and nut. Cut the top of the insulation off and hand threaded the new bolt and tighted the nut to it. Great video solved my issue 100%.

[@frankkelly6537]

Great ideas and upgrade! Worked perfect on my 97 Eldo

[@Orange-Jumpsuit-Time]

Always buy a battery that has side posts and top post's. The top post's for jumping, and you have the option of converting those POS side post cables to top post.

[@dzlfreek]

you didn't watch did you...

[@TOTALLYRELAXED]

Hey Rick! THAT is a great hack! Thanks for sharing! Stay safe!

[@RS-vd6cs]

Great idea! Thank you for sharing this!

[@godsgrace4519]

Really appreciate guys like you who give good and helpful videos to us with the same issues, god bless you 🙏 thanks

[@dzlfreek]

Glad I could be of service and thank you for your kind words.

[@slwhite1959]

At about 6:32ish you had an inch worm on a web slide down onto your table. Im OCD so I see those things. BUT, I am very happy to have found this video cuz we have a side mount & I was hoping it was possible to do just what you did. THANK YOU. Auto Zone tomorrow to get those items

[@thecamarogarage]

6:25 LOOK OUT!!!!!!!!!! SPIDER!!!!!!!!!!!! lol

[@dzlfreek]

thats just Fred. looks like he came out to say hi! Good eye tho

[@JohnJohnCrusher]

@@dzlfreek hi Fred looks like he was in a hurry

[@kumakaroshi117]

Such an elegant fix to a complex problem. Thank you very much.

[@dzlfreek]

your welcome

[@danhambrick6331]

What a great idea.That is one of those that make you say"why didn't I think of that?"lol.....

[@kevinstill1]

It's funny that I saw this now because I just fixed my side post terminal exactly like this but before I even saw this video. Thank you for this video and your assurance that I did it correctly LOL

[@dzlfreek]

Very cool!

[@mrlaw711]

Informative. Good job. Thank you!

[@SDBodyFix]

Is there a preferred material for the bolt?

[@hippo-potamus]

Good idea however I switched my GM suvs side post battery for a top post. Its just easier to have access on top for adding or removing connections.

[@godsgrace4519]

We get the best tips from the guys who have been doing good work for years wish you were my next door neighbor I could learn alot from this man god bless you from Philadelphia

[@devianb]

They make adapters to convert to top post and extended bolts that still retain the plastic sheathing, but none of those options are as cheap. I never had a problem with side post terminals, but I can see that being handy for wanting to install accessories.

[@mettamorph4523]

how do you attach jumper cables. I'm gonna watch AAA tomorrow, because I cannot get the clamps to hold onto the battery posts.

[@chinamon7870]

I need a side post because my cars top posts touched the hood at the same time and shorted the ECM out so now I need a side post

[@chelofonte]

Very good idea, you made my day. Thank you very much.

[@Garpeinv]

Excellent stuff!! Thank you.

[@christopherhendricks4369]

I swapped my 78 for a 34. Too many issues with side terminals not keeping a solid connection. Corrosion shouldn't be an issue if you maintain your battery and clean your terminals. But the jam nut idea is a good alternative.

[@dzlfreek]

been doing it this way for 20+ years

[@CT_Taylor]

Yeah, they still do despite that. Only application is clearance, period. Everything else should and would be better with top post

[@christopheryanoski6899]

Seeing I keep buying these FWD A body (Chevrolet Celebrity, Pontiac 6000,Olds Ciera,Buick Century) cars it's always been a pet peeve of mine ever having to jump start them. And it's worse when it's a FWD A jump starting a FWD A because both clips need to be on one battery where the positive only needs to be on the battery getting the jump. Idk how many times I've cussed like a sailor trying to do this. Thank you !!

[@dzlfreek]

you're welcome

[@shutemupfast5902]

Damn good tip my guy helped out alot , Thanks alot from Charleston SC

[@philmickey7247]

Stainless steel hardware with flat washer before the nut. Thanks for the video!🔧

[@thomasfeldman3613]

exactly what I was looking for!

[@JamesAutoDude]

Idk why people hate the cables and bolts that much. I actually prefer the design For jumping, it was never supposed to be hooked up to the battery but unfortunately nobody is educated about that They have ground points even on the engine for cables, sometimes with a - (negative) symbol stamped on it too The positive has a spot too either in a little red box near the battery or in other areas The bolt issues can be easily solved and kept from being an issue by just using the right tools and not going crazy on tightening

[@wellness50]

Thanks brother . God bless

[@rosssillly]

Great video buddy Easily informative As w my Chevy 4x4 truck It already had the lil mini side posts & what a pain! It would be If I needed to jump start Or be jump started I can see myself A cursin' & a swearin'! Merely tryin' to simply clamp onto the mini side posts Haha So if I had to use my truck's battery To jump start my Harley Decker Or anything else It would suck! Cause who's gonna hold those 2 battery jumping clamps on? While I hit The ole start button On my Harley! Well no one! That's who! Might as well Roll the dice! Haha So when I bought my brand new battery I made sure That it had the mini side posts & the 2 top much wider posts as well! Posts like in the old days Haha So if I ever need To jump start I can now simply clamp the jumper cables on to The 2 top posts of my truck & I'll be good to goooooooooooo! Haha & great video buddy! Thank you for sharing w us all A lil bit of your mechanical knowledge & luckily I already have Those nuts & bolts EeeeHaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa & thanks again for sharing w us 😁

[@thisisyourcaptainspeaking2259]

I've never had any issues with side terminal batteries, fewer problems if anything. Not sure why, exactly.

[@SS-sw8de]

MAJOR WIN!! THANKS

[@sharonvrla64]

Do you have a video on how to remove the factory terminal cables from the battery?

[@galeswearinger4272]

It's a good idea no doubt not having enough room to add that idea is my problen

[@mettamorph4523]

I'm not gonna do this...but it seems like it would work. I cannot jumpstart my Saturn SC2 battery with my HALO because there's not enough metal post to attach the clamps! Took an hour of searching to stumble on "side post battery". I am thankful the battery died at home. I been under the false notion that my HALO would keep me safe out there in the wild, now I've learned I need some extra effort because of the shortness of the side posts. I will buy adapters, but that means I need to unattach the factory posts and install new posts. Who wants to do that in an emergency situation. But it is better than nothing.

[@NoneyaBusiness-it4qp]

Does the negative side have to have the insulated plastic piece I hook it straight up to the side mount

[@schlonald]

It means we're probably related lol. Nice hack dude.

[@MCxSTORMx]

That's sick bro 💯

[@Paulilmys]

Just saved me some money. Thanks!

[@vbanks1956]

Would you agree that side terminal battery has more3connections problems with supplying high anoerage5

[@kirksnyder6190]

Excellent idea.

[@thisshowidoit8618]

Thank you for this video

[@dzlfreek]

you're welcome

[@andydugan1911]

They suck! They need to make the posts, threads bigger...You have to baby the tightening majorly....Also, when you have to jump a dead battery, the postive side, theres nothing to clamp onto..

[@Sherry486]

Thank you, your awesome!

[@scot-johnson]

I have the custom crimping tool for doing those general motors battery ends

[@Flowerchild778]

Thank you so very much

[@betterbatterybolt1871]

Great video!

[@baldbollocks]

Well done sir ! I Absolutely detest those damn things. A good easy quick fix.

[@dzlfreek]

Thanks

[@Astros_]

I have a question , pls I need to know if the DB9 Gen 2 sights could be replaced with a Glock 42/43 or others with a red dot mount

[@monetsengnalivong6471]

Did you cut the plastic off the wire thing to get more connection

[@kevinthompson6986]

Love side posts less maintenance

[@americanpatriot2999]

More stuff they won't show the working man!!!

[@oscarcastro2282]

Best hack ever

[@debdugar7512]

Good idea

[@georgew84]

Are the longer bolts creating more threads inside the battery? My side post cables keep falling out due to stripped threads. Thanks

[@dzlfreek]

That’s the whole point. Get bots long enough to bottom out in the hole and use the nut to tighten

[@georgew84]

​@@dzlfreekah yes I rewatched it and I see where you said it will bottom out. Thanks for the tip, it was either this or swapping from side post to top post which would take longer and def cost more. Side note, on the top post that you referenced, do those cables have some kind of a quick disconnect? I see a latch on it

[@balistic565]

Does it matter if the bolt is galvanized?

[@dzlfreek]

shouldn't

[@balistic565]

@@dzlfreek it didn't

[@79glastron]

Thank you

[@GMCSierraowner]

I’d rather buy a top post battery especially if you plan to run an audio system or just even a lot of electrical stuff because a lot of the better batterys are top post and it’s easy to convert them to top post just cut all the factory ends off just put lugs on them and get some top post battery terminals and put the lug on the bolts

[@GMCSierraowner]

I forgot to say this is a good idea for someone not wanting to have to crimp a bunch of wires

[@DBZLEGENDS]

Don't cut the insulation! Squeeze out the bolt with chanel locks and it will slide off.

[@Crimson626]

Omg bets idea 💡 ever thank you so much!

[@BigEd301]

Well what do u do if your bore is stripped out, the bolt is stripped on the 1st two threads and you need it to start your car in an emergency. Can you screw a short drywall screw to wedge it in like you can on a top terminal

[@dzlfreek]

I guess you do what you gotta do

[@vevenaneathna]

6:30 lol spider

[@Bradygoodz]

Nice !

[@shanegoodman5897]

Exactly

[@truckguymike]

Have you ever had any connection issues with the grade 8 bolts?

[@dzlfreek]

nope

[@godsgrace4519]

I was getting reduced power mode because of connection issues will this solve that problem ?

[@dzlfreek]

It would be easy to eliminate it as an issue. Kinda sounds like a ground problem though. But a good rule of thumb is to start with the simple stuff first.

[@godsgrace4519]

Thanks for your reply I really appreciate it I have a loose black wire that's taped off I believe that's the problem saw t in a video thanks from Philadelphia pa

[@Lee-qp6gf]

good hack.

[@edwardbrikel1950]

interesting but i cant get the old terminals off they are rounded off nothing i tried will get them lose.

[@dzlfreek]

vice grips

[@W1wolf2]

Hello where size bolt and nut ?

[@dzlfreek]

3/8-16 x 1" or 1.5". depending on how much exposed post you prefer

[@W1wolf2]

Thanks for info

[@abdulhvac2395]

👍👋🙏Thank you much

[@dzlfreek]

you're welcome

[@lic.shuggieyeseniajimenezc5253]

3:55 name of this adapter pls

[@dzlfreek]

those were terrible. these are better amzn.to/3LJ2Q7L

[@Rider-nb5ts]

Any problem with the jam nut backing off? I could see that walking it’s way loose. I know you’re trying to avoid stripping battery threads, but that nut walking loose would get annoying. I’d almost sweat it and drop solder to lock it

[@dzlfreek]

been doing it this way for twenty years, Ive never had one back off

[@WiekingderViking]

Just use blue LOCTITE on the nut.

[@kevinbrown1629]

I've never had a problem with side post batteries.

[@oscarharris7726]

You've never had a problem jumping them off?

[@markkiser9329]

yet

[@silverdragontaylir8252]

Genius

[@justme3041]

Who else noticed the spider at 6:33m

[@brandonwomack7474]

The engineer that set up the screw is at fault. That should be the factory system.

[@Shanonmcnab576]

Side terminal battery's suck. They strip out easily and you can't get a proper fit using a heated battery blanket.

[@dzlfreek]

you do you

[@scoutmaddoxg]

Side posts still suck

[@larchman4327]

I'm a Ford guy sideways battery's are lame.

[@dzlfreek]

not as lame as fords tho

[@larchman4327]

@@dzlfreek most guys have a preference of coarse no manufacturer is mistakeless but I my experience have fewer mechanical issues. Don't like the early 00s 5.4 6.8 though neither do sparkplugs.

[@dzlfreek]

@@larchman4327 im just yanking your chain bro! personally I prefer anything before 2000.

[@davidkafka2452]

The design still sucks, nobody wants to install battery mods when you need to jump start a car in the field. It’s a design that frustrates me every time I have to work on it

[@dzlfreek]

don't knock it till you try it. this makes it easier to jump start, FWIW

[@user-bs9mw1cz9o]

BUsta nut😅

[@matthewwaltrip1950]

Have you thought about using a ⅞ or 1" socket for removing the post and keep the plastic cover. Hope it helps!