I have one of those quick bite down type straps and they work just
fine.  I have also see a more elaborate clamping mechanism for shops
that bites down on the side of the battery and the weight of the
battery forces the tension on the battery sides when you pick it
up.  I think the latter runs about $20, but Harbor Freight prolly
sells a knock off for much less.

DM&FS

At 07:50 PM 10/16/2009, John Anderson wrote:
>Actually I have seen a commercially made version of this once upon a
>time for sale somewhere, to make it a bit easier, had some sort of
>cam locking giz whizzes that slipped on the top post terminals of a
>top poster, then a non conductive strap between them, and you lifted
>it right up instantly without having to tighten anything.  Chris'
>idea to make one is exceptionally good though.  Me I just make a
>couple of hooks out of a heavy coat hangar, and hook idealy the
>little tabs that might be on the top for a lift strap that didn't
>fit, or less ideally the edge of the of the battery, then I cuss 5
>or 10 times when I get it halfway up and it slams back
>down.  Chris's idea is an exceptional one to say the least, put a
>good heavy nylon rope in the "cable" areas of both clamps and voila,
>instant battery lifter.  I'll probably still be cutting up coat
>hangars to get mine out of the syncro next time though having forgot this all.
>
>John
>
>--- On Fri, 10/16/09, JordanVw@AOL.COM <JordanVw@AOL.COM> wrote:
>
>
>
>as far as being stuck, its prolly stuck on the cables jammed down at the
>sides..   you can buy battery removal straps, those are great if there is
>something to hook it onto..sometimes the batteries have provisions for the
>straps.., i just made one myself.. i used the clamp on battery terminal clamps
>from old battery cables, cut the cables off, and tie a nylon rope between
>them.  then clamp them to the terminals, then lift the rope..  make
>sure you use
>a ROPE though..  :)
>
>chris