Securing the battery in a vehicle, watercraft, ATV, motorcycle or even a piece of equipment requires the use of some type of hold-down or clamping device. While a battery strap can be used, they are often not durable and may not stand up to the specific needs.
In lieu of a strap, a battery bolt can be a very effective option. This is not to be confused with a battery terminal bolt, which is the small bolt and post that connects the battery to the battery cable.
Using a metal or stainless steel bolt provides a strong, lasting and durable way to hold the battery in place. It does have to be selected to match with the size of the battery and also to have the necessary shape to the head to safely secure the battery.
Installation
The shape of most battery bolt types is similar to a J-bolt. The head makes a hook, giving the bolt the same shape as a capital J, just without the cross piece at the top.
The bolt is installed with the curved end, or the head, hooking under the battery box. The curl hooks under the ledge and the threaded end sits up and just at or just shortly under the height of the battery in the box. There will be one of the battery bolts on each side of the battery.
There is a top clamp or a bridge that has holes for the threaded ends of each bolt. It sits flush against the top of the battery and then nuts are used to secure the clamp over the top of the battery.
In selecting the right Battery J bolts, be sure to measure the height of the battery. The bolts should not exceed the height of the battery to avoid having the tops of the bolts sticking out over the battery.
