Even though I have cables with side post teeth, i can't seem to get a good grip on that tiny battery terminal nut. I was thinking about slipping a cable terminal lug in between the existing cable terminals and clamping on to that when using jumper cables. Question is, will I get enough metal to metal contact at the bolt holes?

 

I wouldn't. It makes it easier for battery acid, etc. to get in there and cause corrosion. I would use a longer bolt and put a spacer on the outside of the terminal instead. Or use some of those extended terminals designed for adding winches, amps, etc.

 

When it comes time to replace your battery you could get one that has both side posts and top posts. That's what I did.

 

This

Makes for a good place to wire up accessories to as well, like the aforementioned winch and stereo stuff

 

Damn. Where were you guys six months ago when I bought a three year side post battery?!

 

sorry... I'm on and off active on the forum these days...

 

I got a pair of extenders similar to Tom A's pic. Thanks, all.
Edit: I put 'em in, next day I needed the jumpers. Brilliant!

 

Same.

Life gets in the way and it is hit and run on the forums..

 

I did get this side terminal setup two years ago. Blazer wouldn't start for me yesterday. After recharging, I checked metered the terminals and weirdly the original brass terminals read 12.54v but the extension nuts read 11.54v. I sanded the nuts down and did a little cleaning on the + terminal connector and got a re-read at 12.54v. I still don't trust it though.

I think the problem lies in the connectors but they are not easy to clean. Suggestions welcome.

 

You could try cleaning them up really good to take off all the corrosion, and then coat them with dielectric grease.