FTZ lugs?

dlochner · May 20, 2018

Amazon
Heavy Duty Tinned Marine Battery Cable Lug by FTZ - 8 Gauge Wire

Ward H · May 20, 2018

Second Dave's link. I've bought via their link and direct from their site.

Being new to using a crimper I had no luck with the lugs sold by genuinedealz.

Maine Sail · May 21, 2018

Solstice said:
Thanks. I did go to Amazon (as usual) then followed link to web site so I guess I was really asking for whether they are a good source. I do want to stick with FTZ as I’ve been really happy with the 20 or so crimps with their lugs. I will be using lighter weight flared lugs for the connection to the charger itself (40A) based on a recent post saying the heavy duty lugs don’t fit on the charger side.
It’s a shame because I’ve always had a great experience with GD....

GD is great but they simply can't compete, price wise, selling genuine FTZ as it is insanely expensive compared to the rest of the market. For example I can buy similar looking lugs (non-standardized sizes of-course) for 1/3 the price of FTZ, and this is wholesale, and I am a direct FTZ dealer.

I don't currently offer FTZ products on my site because, well, boaters are cheap, and will buy a cheaper lug thinking they are the same, when they are not. This is why GD has changed lug vendors. There are also a bunch fo sleazy vendors out there selling lugs as FTZ, when they are not..

smokey73 · May 21, 2018

Thanks for the info Maine. Since you do not sell FTZ lugs (I'd buy them there if you did - small cost in the long run) do you have any info on a reputable source for genuine FTZ lugs? If its not appropriate to give that info in a thread a private msg would be appreciated.

dlochner · May 21, 2018

While we're talking about what MS sells, it would be helpful if he put out a newsletter to let us know when he adds items to his store. More than once I bought something only to find out a few weeks later that he is selling what I just bought elsewhere.

Maine Sail · May 21, 2018

dlochner said:
While we're talking about what MS sells, it would be helpful if he put out a newsletter to let us know when he adds items to his store. More than once I bought something only to find out a few weeks later that he is selling what I just bought elsewhere.

You can always email me. There's not much I can't get, even though it may not be in the store.

I know the SBO store has FTZ but like many places they are sold in lots of 10 each for minimums.

smokey73 · May 21, 2018

Thanks Maine. Guess I had a brain freeze about what is available on this site.

dlochner · May 21, 2018

Solstice said:
Right. Would have bought from SBO, but only need a couple of 3/8 and 5/16 this time around...thanks

In the world of boating parts, battery lugs are fairly inexpensive. When shipping is added in, having a few extras can save some money and add convenience. And you can always sell them to your dock mates.

Ward H · May 21, 2018

Take a look at the photos in replay #22 in this link. They clearly show the difference between FTZ lugs and NSPA lugs. Note on the FTZ lugs, there is no visible seam on the edge of the lug. The Amazon seller I bought my first crimper from told me if there was a visible seam, they were not FTZ lugs. They took the crimper back to examine it but I didn't hear back from them.
I then bought a crimper through this site.
I spoke with GD a few times about the lugs I bought from them. They explained they use them with good results when making up custom cables but they do use a bench mounted crimper which may give them better control. That and they make a lot of crimps.
Probably with experience users can get by with the cheaper lugs but beginners or those of us who are doing our boat, then moving on to other projects, want to get the best results possible early in the learning curve. Having FTZ lugs just make sense.

I trust getting the lugs from SBO and Bay Marine Supply. And GD is still on my list for marine electric parts.
Maine Sail gave me real good prices on battery cable, a charger, alternator and some smaller parts. I always consider him also.