[Jeff Pahl]

I place a standard split lockwasher between the head of the bolt and the washer on that side, and still use the nylon insert nut. My thought being that the lockwasher will help keep the pressure on the connection if it loosens slightly. I'd prefer a Belleville (conical) washer, but never seem to plan ahead well enough to have them on hand when we are putting cables on batteries. I also prefer a bolt with a larger head than the socket head cap screw provides.

However, I find that if you don't move the battery cable against the terminals (put the cable on at the right angle to connect to the robot, and don't use the cable as a handle for the battery) they tend to stay tighter.