Is there a trick to removing the battery cables?

[old.ski.bum]

Ah Shoot! I'm trying to remove the battery cables to add lights. I can't seem to budge either with my tools. Is their a special socket size or something for them?

Thanks for your help in advance.

Old Ski Bum

 

[JJsnowking]

A 5/16 socket usually does it for me.

Josh

 

[sperry]

Kinda Small; a 5/16".

 

[02-Z66]

can't remember what size socket i used, but it was pretty easy. as a matter of fact i need to install this Optima i got.

 

[cadboy1]

Ah Shoot! I'm trying to remove the battery cables to add lights. I can't seem to budge either with my tools. Is their a special socket size or something for them?

Thanks for your help in advance.

Old Ski Bum

There is a tool to remove the GM 5/16 battery cables but I would not call it "special" as Gm has been using side terminal batteries since 1973 Almost any auto store would carry these over by the battery accesories or tool section.

Mike

 

[JJsnowking]

Kinda Small; a 5/16".

Yes sir

 

[MadDad]

I think, but not absolutely sure, that it's metric. Heck, everything else is!

 

[JJsnowking]

They must build the trucks all differently.
I've done numerous electrical mods to my truck, as well as other members trucks and every one has been 5/16"

Josh

 

[ygmn]

I thought it was 8mm...which is .314 inch...

But do use a 6 point socket or a 6 point wrench so as not to strip......

good luck

 

[sperry]

That's certainly close to .3125! Maybe that's why they use it

 

[02-Z66]

can't remember what size socket i used, but it was pretty easy. as a matter of fact i need to install this Optima i got.

yup. definitely a 5/16ths. i was trying to install an Optima. what a waste of my time. i do not like the battery afterall. took it back out. checkout Optima Battery Install for details.

 

[JJsnowking]

Thanks punisher Thought I was going crazy

Josh

 

[02-Z66]

Thanks punisher Thought I was going crazy

Josh

not a problem.

 

[Konrad]

Vice grips

(I have fat hands and got fed-up dealing with these stupid little wrenches. I don't even want to get into the kind of contortions I have to put myself through to get that retainer clip out. Whatever happened to the old black rubber bungee cord my dad used to hold the battery in place in his old truck?)