What to look for in a good pair of jumper cables?

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Sep 18, 2012 | 03:16 PM

#11

dcarr1971

Winching

Joined: Jun 2010

Posts: 609

Likes: 11

From: Pittsburgh, PA USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by antichrist

Yeah, it's a trade off. For me heavier gauge is worth it because I don't want to sit around waiting for the battery to get a charge, I want to just connect them, crank and go. And if it's mine that's dead I don't want the additional strain on my starter caused by low voltage.

x2.
I've seen folks with cheap jumper cables that couldn't get enough current to flow to get the car started, but it kicked right over with my 2 gauge cables. They might be bulky and expensive, but when you need them, good ones are worth it.

Sep 18, 2012 | 03:39 PM

#12

tweakrover

Pro Wrench

Joined: May 2009

Posts: 1,348

Likes: 3

From: North Carolina Coast

Usually just looking at the clamps will tell you if they are cheap or not, by a decent set and you will never have to by them again.

Sep 18, 2012 | 06:59 PM

#13

Savannah Buzz

Super Moderator

Joined: Jan 2011

Posts: 16,322

Likes: 88

From: Savannah Georgia

IMHO the deciding factor is weight. Big copper wire weighs more. If you want to "roll your own", check out a welding supply store, where they sell 1/0 welding cable (and smaller stuff also). Welding cable is very fine strands, so it is super wimpy noodle flexible, tough outer jacket. You can make an extra long set if you like.