Learn how to remove a stuck battery terminal

The easiest way to remove a stuck battery terminal is with a battery terminal puller tool

A car battery terminal can become stuck due to corrosion and buildup over time. Removing a stuck battery terminal becomes even more critical in the dead of winter when you absolutely need to get it off in order to replace your car battery.

Two ways to remove a stuck battery terminal

Spread and separate or use a battery terminal puller

How to use a battery terminal puller

Clean away any corrosion on the battery terminal. In warm weather, use a baking soda/water combination to wash away the powdery buildup. But don’t try that if you’re standing outside in -10°F. Instead, spray the battery post and terminal with rust penetrant or WD-40. Then loosen the battery terminal nut.

Turn the puller crank counter-clockwise to raise the center ram. Then squeeze the two wings on the puller and connect the jaws to the underside of the terminal. Release the wings. Hold the puller in place while turning the ram clockwise until it touches the battery post. Then turn slowly until the terminal pops off the post.

Find a battery terminal puller tool at any auto parts store for around $12 or online for about $8

The spread and separate method

I realize that if you already owned a battery terminal removal tool, you would be here. But there’s a reason I didn’t start with the spread and separate method and its because there’s potential to damage the battery using a screwdriver and hammer. In this method you’ll clean off the corrosion like above and then loosen the terminal nut. Remove the battery bolt and nut.
Next, align a flat blade screwdriver in the gap and pound the blade into the gap to spread it.

Once you’ve spread the gap. tap the terminal sideways to loosen it from the post.
©, 2024 Rick Muscoplat