How to Reconnect an Alligator Clamp to a Battery Charging Cable

Introduction

This guide covers repairing a battery charging cable by reconnecting an alligator clamp back to the battery charging cable. This repair can also apply to many sets of charging cables, such as jumper cables.

Battery charging cables can become damaged and rendered inoperable because of a loose or faulty connection to the alligator clamps. This damage could be caused by wear and tear or corrosion. This guide will help you remedy this problem.

What you need

Step 1 How to Reconnect an Alligator Clamp to a Battery Charging Cable

How to Reconnect an Alligator Clamp to a Battery Charging Cable, How to Reconnect an Alligator Clamp to a Battery Charging Cable: step 1, image 1 of 2

How to Reconnect an Alligator Clamp to a Battery Charging Cable, How to Reconnect an Alligator Clamp to a Battery Charging Cable: step 1, image 2 of 2

Determine which handle of the alligator clamp originally secured the charging cable. (The tabs will be pressed down and there will most likely be remnants of copper strands)
Slide the rubber grip off of the handle which did NOT originally secure the charging cable.

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Step 2

If you use a knife, be wary of slicing your thumb if the sharp edge is faced towards you. (Use Wire Strippers if you have them)
Remove about an inch of insulation from the cable using a knife, a razor blade, or wire strippers.

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Step 3

Clip the excess frayed copper strands from the cable using the wire cutters.

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Step 4

How to Reconnect an Alligator Clamp to a Battery Charging Cable: step 4, image 3 of 3

Slide the rubber grip over the wire. You may not be able to to so after the wire is crimped.
Place the cable in the unused side of the alligator clamp.
Place the exposed copper strands in between these two tabs.
Make sure that the insulation covers the full area between these two tabs.