Stainless steel washers and copper tube crimped terminals

[arthur49]

I don't buy cheap gear off Ebay, I tend to buy from 12v Planet. I have queried this issue with 12v Planet and await their reply but wondered what others on here do.
Take this busbar as an example https://www.12voltplanet.co.uk/4-point-positive-distribution-block-busbar.html
It uses stainless steel washers which as we know have a high resistance and therefore fitting a cable to the busbar should be crimp terminal on first, stainless steel washer next, then spring washer and finally the nut.
But the washer is too big in diameter so does not sit well on crimped terminal, it sits at an angle, and even torqued up there's still an angle - see photo.
What do others do?

 

[Happy Jack]

It's the wrong "form" washer for the size crimp you are using.
Google Form A,B,C washers and you will see the variations.
You can select an 8mm washer for example with different outside diameters.

 

[Two on Tour]

I don't buy cheap gear off Ebay, I tend to buy from 12v Planet. I have queried this issue with 12v Planet and await their reply but wondered what others on here do.
Take this busbar as an example https://www.12voltplanet.co.uk/4-point-positive-distribution-block-busbar.html
It uses stainless steel washers which as we know have a high resistance and therefore fitting a cable to the busbar should be crimp terminal on first, stainless steel washer next, then spring washer and finally the nut.
But the washer is too big in diameter so does not sit well on crimped terminal, it sits at an angle, and even torqued up there's still an angle - see photo.
What do others do?



View attachment 1112085

Use a smaller OD washer or grind a flat on the washer so that it sits flat.

 

[pappajohn]

As above, smaller washer, though personally i wouldnt bother with a washer if the crimps internal is a good fit on the stud.

 

[arthur49]

I like 12v Planet. Used them lots over the years. But frustrating that the standard form washer that comes with the busbar which they supplied is too big for the 16mm2 crimp terminals they provide

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[Gromett]

I use serrated flange nuts, no spring or flat washer.

 

[Ian_H]

I use serrated flange nuts, no spring or flat washer.

Isn't the contact area very low on serrated nuts?

 

[dunnah01]

Surely just source the right bits yourself rather than relying on generic supplier parts

 

[Gromett]

Isn't the contact area very low on serrated nuts?

The flat area under the lug is where the majority of the contact takes place.

The stainless steel serrations dig into the copper and make excellent contact. The flange means the surface is area is more than double.

I am not as convinced on a spring washer where you have to reef down hard on it to get full contact and I suspect that this removes most if not all of the locking provided by the split?

 

[stevewagner]

I'm sure the washer will compress and bend once you tighten it.

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[gus-lopez]

Use a smaller OD washer or grind a flat on the washer so that it sits flat.

This^^^^^^ or bend it in a vice

 

[Happy Jack]

Check out Nordlock washers, very good.
Swedish company.
Seen them on E-bag, probably available on Samazon.