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Last month I started a re-wiring project on my bike, '05 Wee. Although I am sure Troy and his brother, from whom I bought the bike, did an excellent job in running some pig tails and the like, I wanted to add an auxiliary fuse/distribution block to the bike.

The process therein, of running wires, checking my work, re-running the same wires on a different path, caused me to disconnect the leads from the battery on numerous occasions. Which is all well and good, until you have one of those batteries where the nut, that the terminal bolt bolts into, is not encapsulated and is free to roam where it may - in my case somewhere deep within the bowels of the bike that only a full tear down or some sweet jumps will dislodge and remove.

Suffice it to say, I grew weary of fussing with the nut/bolt combo, so, I had an idea. What if I remove the battery entirely, buy some silicone from the local Home Depot, attach said nut and bolt to terminal and apply said silicone into the cavity - thereby 'encapsulating' the nut where it can't wander hither and thither. Now removing the battery cables is pretty hassle free. Of course, I could have just re-wired the battery cables with something other than a ring terminal, but, I like the physical restraints the ring terminals impart.

24 hours and some carefully placed silicone later, you have what you see in the embedded image below.

I had thought about using something a bit more sturdy, say JB weld, or that fancy Sugru stuff (which is crazy expensive), but, JB weld is fairly permanent. And if I absolutely need to, I can still dig out the nut from the silicone.

And like the title of this post suggests, I am either a genius, or, will receive many comments of, 'yeah, we've been doing that for years, mate, welcome to 1987.'



If you'd like to see a larger version, you can go do so here.

Sits back and waits for the inevitable, 'You know that stuff will melt, right?' comments. To which, I will reply, 'No, see title of post.'

JB

EXCELLENT IDEA! I've used the delicate process of wedging a flat-head screw-driver under the nut with one hand while putting the bolt in with the other hand. It's a frustrating balancing act. Silicone rubber is perfect. Will hold up to the heat, holds the nut perfectly for starting the bolt, and as you describe, can be dug out if necessary--so it's not permanent.

Nothing like some sweet jumps to dislodge nuts.
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BTW, this link to copyrighted material means RideForum.NET should be taken down according to SOPA and PIPA. I mean obviously many of you will not buy the movie Napolean Dynamite because now you can watch the best clips of it right here on RideForum.NET. The movie studio will lose millions because of this criminal act.

Troy....that is a thread high jacking if I have ever seen one.

I think he is inventive.

Back to the hijack -- I sent in my protest. One of millions. What do you know? This AMs KC Star said that so many protests flooded in that they are revising the proposed law. Corporate America loses one. We may not get another stupid "Lead Law" as a result.

Stu

Hey, thats not bad. Usually the nut is square so it doesnt need a wrench. I have cut a piece of plastic tubing and placed under the nut. This holds it in place and up against the top so you can get the bolt started. I have also stuffed a piece of foam in there too. The kind that is door seal with the sticky back on it. This works really good. Nothing wrong with your way at all.

Hayden.

Have done a few "sweet jumps" in the past though the landings may not have been to sweet. Really appreciate this shared innovation. A great solution to a common problem. Thanks JB...