The Best Battery Terminals
Wiring aftermarket accessories into your car can be a huge undertaking, but having the right battery terminal can make it easier. If you’re getting ready to add some extra features to your car, truck, or boat, there’s a good chance you’ll need battery terminals to run power to them. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best battery terminals on the market today. Find the one that works best for you so you can keep your connections solid no matter what you use it for.
What to Look For
When searching for the right battery terminal for your needs, make sure you consider a few key factors: Is the terminal compatible with the gauge of wires you’ll be working with? Is it easy to screw on and take off? Is it built to last? With those questions guiding our search, we rounded up a few of our own favorites. Sunmorn’s battery terminal connector is a great choice for most folks, especially since it can fit various wire gauges. But if you’re looking for a terminal that’s truly cost-effective, Ampper’s brass battery terminals prove that affordable hardware can still be robust. Keep reading to learn more about the rest of our favorites.
Sunmorn Battery Terminal Connector
The jack of all trades
Finding a battery terminal that can connect to all your wires shouldn’t be hard, but some terminals don’t offer fits for every gauge. This terminal set by Sunmorn, however, covers almost all common wire gauges in one product. Add in quality conductor materials and a set of protective covers, and you’ve got yourself some top-shelf hardware.
These battery terminals are compatible with two-, four-, eight-, and ten-gauge wire inputs. They’re easy to screw in and lock tightly for a secure connection. They also include clear covers to protect against corrosion and weather damage. If you need to jump-start your car, they’re easily removable. With quality construction and a low cost, this is an all-around great value.
Pros:
- The gold-and-copper conductors are particularly inducive to a strong and reliable connection.
- The protective covers help increase the longevity of your battery terminals.
Cons:
- The metal on the battery terminals can be brittle while tightening.
Ampper Brass Battery Terminals
A penny saved
Getting great quality gear doesn’t always have to be expensive, and these battery terminals from Ampper are the proof. Despite costing less than most meals at a restaurant, these terminals are made of solid metal and are easy to install. Simply screw them in around the top post, and you’re all set.
These terminals can be used on car batteries, boat batteries, and any type of battery that uses a standard top battery post. The screws are easy to adjust to the tightness you desire, so putting in wires is a breeze. Don’t break the bank to upgrade the features of your car. Instead, stick with this budget option from Ampper.
Pros:
- Ampper’s battery terminals offer a lot of functionality and durability for an incredibly reasonable price.
- The easy screw-on installation is a huge upside.
Cons:
- The extra-thick wires may not fit, so make sure to check your dimensions before purchasing.
Kicker Positive/Negative Competition Battery Terminal
Lead the charge
If you value top-of-the-line design and functionality, this may be the terminal for you. This hefty terminal features larger inputs for bigger wires, perfect for your heavy-duty projects. It can work for either a positive or negative post and comes with red and black screws to indicate which one it is.
If all that isn’t enough for you, this terminal also features a screw-on cap that can protect your terminal from water damage, weather, and debris. The cap is removable, so you can still have the ability to jump-start your car without taking off the entire terminal. It only comes in a pack of one, so you’ll need to purchase two if you want the pair. However, it’s a small price to pay for this kind of quality.
Pros:
- Kicker’s battery terminals have a heavy-duty construction made from high-quality brass.
- The removable cover makes it much easier to jump-start vehicles.
Cons:
- Unfortunately, this package only includes one terminal, not a pair.
Motopower Quick Release Terminals
Make it snappy
Though most battery terminals come in pairs for both positive and negative battery posts, few offer quick-release access to your wires. If you’re frequently adjusting your wiring or you just need a fast way to disconnect, these terminals are designed to open up for quick access. They come with covered caps to prevent any damage or corrosion from water or weather.
These terminals use a tight-sealing clamp that engages when the caps are closed. As it seals, it puts pressure on the connector, locking the wire into place. To remove it, just unclamp the cap. It also comes with screws to add additional wires to the terminal. For easy wiring and quick removal, these terminals are hard to beat.
Pros:
- Motopower provides two protective covers for both battery terminals.
- Connections for additional wires are included with your purchase.
Cons:
- One major downside is that the design makes it difficult to connect bulky jumper cables.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a battery terminal to charge my car with jumper cables?
No. You use battery posts to charge your car. These are likely already included with your car’s battery and are used to connect a positive and negative charge. Jumper cables can easily attach to battery posts on both ends, making it simple to charge a car. Battery terminals are not the same as battery posts, but they attach to the battery posts to function. Terminals are used to attach wires to the battery posts so that you can run a charge to the accessory you’re wiring.
How many wires can I connect to my battery terminal?
There’s no standard here, but most can connect between two to four wires. When buying a terminal and connecting wires, it’s important to know the gauge of the wire you want to connect. Some terminals have a certain number of inputs for each gauge. If your wire is too big or too small, it may not fit. Luckily, most terminals are made to be compatible with different types of wires. However, it’s still important to check before buying.
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