Small Terminal Boot Sources

[Yoda]

Mods if this should be elsewhere. please move. I put this question in its own post thinking these smaller boots would be used on various projects folks might have.

The last items I need for my DC-DC project and to clean up some of the connections on my existing projects is terminal boots for some of my stud connections for smaller gauge wire 2awg to 14guage. Most of the battery terminal boots are too big. I have already checked my local auto parts stores, but they carry battery terminal stuff on the shelf. No luck with a search here either.

I am looking for something like this.


to fit the 1/4" and 3/16" studs on my 200A solenoid



and other connections at circuit breakers and fuses. As an example I will be using 2awg wire on the 1/4" studs (nut width 1/2") and the 14awg activation wire on the 3/16" studs (nut width 3/8").

I can't find these smaller wire boots anywhere but I know they exist as I have them on my lawn mower and tractor. I even looked at alternator terminal boots, but can't seem to find the size information. I would love to find a kit or kits to have a few spares for future projects.

I have looked on my usual electronics sites Delcity, etc but no luck. Then again I may not be searching the correct name. Is "terminal boot" the search term I should be using?

Anyone know where to source theses smaller boots or how to even size correctly?


Thanks
Keith

[TucsonJim]

Keith,

I did an Amazon search on "Rubber Terminal Covers" and came up with quite a few options. Here's my search results.

https://amazon.com/s?k=rubber+termin...f=nb_sb_noss_1

[Yoda]

Keith,

I did an Amazon search on "Rubber Terminal Covers" and came up with quite a few options. Here's my search results.

https://amazon.com/s?k=rubber+termin...f=nb_sb_noss_1

Thanks Jim
Your search came up with the smaller ones. I think I can make some of theses work. Are silicone better? Was wondering about stretching over the nuts and wire . etc

Thanks again
Keith

[Jlawles2]

Yoda Keith, Silicone are much better than std rubber. Silicone does not have the issues with heat or UV degradation like silicone. Silicone may or may not stretch. Depends on thickness, but silicone is usually more pliable than std rubber.

[Cate&Rob]

Yoda
Hi Keith,

A good source for anything electrical is ElecDirect. https://www.elecdirect.com/catalogse...esult/?q=Boots

Rob

[ncitro]

Yoda These are the ones I used on mine:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Yoda]

Yoda These are the ones I used on mine:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thanks Neil

[Yoda]

Yoda These are the ones I used on mine:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

How did they fit on the 3/16" studs on the solenoid? 5/8" ID of the boot seems a bit big for a 3/8" nut? Just wondering? Or maybe I don't understand how they should fit? I am assuming they should be tight on the nut. Never really sized them before.
Thanks
Keith

[ncitro]

Yoda I don't remember having any difficulties, I'll go buy the truck in a bit and grab a photo.

They have these for 3/8 if you're worried, but the wire side does not go down as small.

Fastronix 3/8" Stud Terminal Covers Red and Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NBKWT7Q...8PYVD1M8ANP2Q8

[Yoda]

Yoda I don't remember having any difficulties, I'll go buy the truck in a bit and grab a photo.

They have these for 3/8 if you're worried, but the wire side does not go down as small.

Fastronix 3/8" Stud Terminal Covers Red and Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NBKWT7Q...8PYVD1M8ANP2Q8

Thanks Neil
I think I found another source (easier to choose which boot I need) with pricing to boot. No pun intended They have $3.97 flat rate shipping
https://www.batterycablesusa.com/lug-boot-covers

They have the small covers that should fit the 3/16" studs (activation power for solenoid) https://www.batterycablesusa.com/lug...t-covers-small
They recommended the next size up https://www.batterycablesusa.com/218e2 for the 1/4" studs.

They also carry larger sizes for my battery terminals that currently are not protected.. I need to take some measurements of the connection points and how big my 2/0 wire is. Im finding that typically the Temco welding cable runs on the small size of the Std cable sizing.

They are made by VTE. https://www.vteworld.com/ It's possible they make the Fastronix brand as they sure look similar. Temp rating -54F to 335F made of PVC

One thing I like is the detailed drawings. https://www.vteworld.com/images/Cust/218E2V02.pdf Helps check fitment.

Thanks for the help and if anyone has used then brand are they OK?

Keith

On edit. If you need a bunch of them ($25 min order) this might be the place - also the other VTE products are available here. The different series appear to be based on terminal ring diameter/stud sizing. They also have the very small boots - example the 620 series.
http://www.vtewarehouse.com/html/managecart.php

[Jlawles2]

Yoda Keith, if the wiring is a bit small, try putting a small piece of heat shrink on the cable to increase the diameter and make the boot fit more snug.