How to Remove Stripped Battery Bolts From a Battery
by Nathan McGinty
Batteries provide the direct current electricity to run accessories such as lights, windows and fans for heating and cooling within your vehicle. Two posts on the top or sides of the battery provide connections for clamps on the electrical cables leading back to the rest of the system. Bolts are typically used to secure these clamps. If you need to remove a battery but find that the bolts have become stripped, there are a couple of tricks you can try to free the battery.
Step 1
Park the vehicle with the stripped battery bolts. Turn off the engine and remove the keys from the ignition.
Step 2
Release the hood latch. If the vehicle has been operating for some time, wait 30 to 60 minutes for the engine to cool off so you can work safely. Raise the hood and prop it open.
Step 3
Clean off any corrosion from the battery terminals with a battery terminal brush.
Step 4
Grasp the end of the stripped bolt with a pair of locking pliers. Tighten the pliers to secure. Turn the pliers and try to dislodge the bolt.
Step 5
Cut the bolt away from the terminal connector with a hacksaw. Take care when working around the battery and try not to cut the battery or terminal post. Use steady pressure and move the hacksaw back and forth slowly.
Step 6
Use a pair of pliers, if needed, to pull the clamp away from the battery post.
References
Things You'll Need
- Locking pliers
- Battery terminal brush
- Pliers
- Hacksaw
Warnings
- Wear protective goggles when working around batteries.
Writer Bio
Nathan McGinty started writing in 1995. He has a Bachelor of Science in communications from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Arts in international journalism from City University, London. He has worked in the technology industry for more than 20 years, in positions ranging from tech support to marketing.
