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Over the past 10 or 20 years, I have been more and more concerned about the proximity of the battery retaining bar to the battery top posts (Photo 1). Shorting a battery by contacting the power post to a ground is not a pleasant experience. I am reminded about it every time I use my 9/16” wrench. Many years ago, while loosening or tightening the battery cable to the power post, I accidently grounded the wrench. The heavily chromed wrench has had a divot melted into the finish ever since!

  The hold down bar can be insulated using ½”diameter heater hose, ($1.49/foot at Princess Auto).

I started with a section 14” in length (Photo 2). Cut the hose to length to fit the length of the hold down bar and then cut the hose lengthwise.

Slip the hose over the top edge of the hold down bar. Reinstall the finished product in the car.