A battery clamp includes a collar cooperating with opposing compression plates to engage a battery terminal. The clamp further includes a locking mechanism adapted to apply a compression force between the collar and the battery terminal. A method of securing a battery clamp to a terminal includes positioning a clamp around a terminal of a battery, wherein the clamp includes a collar and opposing compression plates. The method further includes engaging the collar to the terminal of the battery by applying a force to the compression plates.