WD40 on battery terminals?

[vickyb]

One of my battery leads (+) has a wingnut screwed on that is STUCK. Simply cannot remove it without breaking it and I am afraid it might break the battery post. Is it ok to spray WD40 on the post to loosen the wing nut? Any other ideas?

Thanks

[Stripermann2]

Sure...take a pair of channel locks or pliers and while holding the terminal, see if you can loosen the wing nut. (Turn counter clockwise)

[vickyb]

Hi Jamie. Tried that, so did the mechanic. Way too tight and will most likely break if more pressure is put with pliers... WD40 would loosen it? is that safe to spray on a + battery terminal?

Thanks

[Stripermann2]

WD 40 isn't a good penetrate. It's good for gun barrels, keeping rust off metal and light lubrication. Get yourself some PB Blaster at least... and try that. You can get it at hardware and automotive stores. Yellow spray can.
If it's gonna break, it's gonna break.

Does your battery have a post where the main battery cable is attached, then a smaller post and wing nut set-up? If you're trying to remove, clean or replace a wire on this smaller terminal, how about just cutting the wire from the bolt and re-attaching it to one of the lager posts? Just take the bolt and nut off, holding the larger cable on post and use that to secure the wire with a new ring connector on it. Problem solved.

[gettaway]

Is the battery worth saving? if so, get a nut splitter (less than 20.00 at Sears / Craftsman) and simply break it to remove it without worrying about breaking the stud.

Also, it is my understanding that wing nuts are no longer accepted as the correct method of installing a battery, you should use a hex nut. I always use a little silicone grease on battery terminal and the stud and I don't have corrosion, galling or seized hardware issues. (was going to say seized nuts, but saw the joke in that right away! )

Oh, and to answer your question, WD-40 will not hurt a battery post, but as previously posted, there are better penetrants out there than WD-40.

[TC]

If you want to save the cost of a nut splitter take a small thin metal hacksaw and gently cut through the side of the nut until you just see the tops of the threads of the post. Then take a thin bladed screwdriver and pry open the slot you just made in the nut and it should break apart.