Can you just disconnect the negative battery terminal?

It’s a good idea to wear eye protection when working around batteries. First, unbolt the negative battery cable and disconnect it by lifting it free. It might take some wiggling and twisting to pull it off. Be sure never to let the wrench touch both the negative and positive terminals at the same time.

Which battery terminal do you take off first positive or negative?

The terminals will be marked positive and negative. Make sure you disconnect the negative terminal first. Lay the disconnected negative cable carefully to one side, making sure it’s well away from the battery terminal. Disconnect the cable from the positive battery terminal in the same way, then lay it to one side.

Can I touch the negative battery terminal?

In fact, under normal conditions, a 12-volt car battery will usually not even shock you. The math can get a little complicated, but the main reason that you can safely touch the positive and negative terminals of a typical car battery, and walk away unscathed, has to do with the voltage of the battery.

Why do you disconnect the negative terminal first?

If you’re disconnecting the positive terminal first, and the spanner touches any part of body or engine, you’ll get a massive spark and potentially damage your battery also. By disconnecting the negative first, you eliminate the risk of *grounding” your battery on the car body or engine.

Can a battery drain with the negative cable disconnected?

Be safe: always disconnect negative first. Disconnected either terminal will prevent drain, as stated already. A battery tender is another safe way to maintain the battery.

Can you electrocute someone with jumper cables?

Yes, touching the two wires from a jumper cable together creates nice sparking, and if they are held together they will get very hot, but when touching two places over an inch apart on a human produces no shock. Therefore no torture. “Electrocuted” normally means serious harm or death due to electric shock.

Can I use a metal wrench on a car battery?

3. Remove the Car Battery Cables. Using a socket or adjustable wrench, loosen the bolts that are holding the car battery cables on to the car battery terminals. Make sure not to touch the wrench to metal areas, as the metal can ground and cause circuit damage to your vehicle’s electronic system.