Bending ring terminals.

[John Courte]

How many times can you bend and unbend a big 4AWG or 6AWG ring terminal before it's too fatigued to trust? Once? Never?

thanks,
-John

 

[AltonD]

consider the consequences if it fails. Replace it, cheap insurance.

 

[frankh]

Depends

If it is copper it will work harden as it is bent. Work hardening leads to cracking.

I would bend it once in the direction you need it..But I would not unbend it.

Frank

 

[GAHco]

Thats my Vote too!

If it is copper it will work harden as it is bent. Work hardening leads to cracking.

I would bend it once in the direction you need it..But I would not unbend it.

Frank

I would also not bend it sharply or in any manner that would mis-shape the area where the nut will secure the terminal.

just my $.02

 

[William Slaughter]

Once, and only as required.

 

[John Courte]

Good to know, thanks. I've bent my terminal for my main bus feed 90 degrees to accommodate the battery-side starter contactor post, but I'm going to go with a current limiter inline between that and the fuse block. Looks like I'll be replacing that one.

 

[William Slaughter]

Good plan. As others have mentioned, it's an awfully cheap part considering all of the mischief that could ensue from it's failure.

 

[Tkitchen1]

Only once

My opinion come from 30+ years in nuclear maintenance. ring lugs can be bent up to 45 degrees. do not unbend them.