jumper cables

37 chief · Dec 14, 2020

I need a good set of jumper cables. What is a good size cable? There is so much junk out there, and have some of it. Who sells good cables? Some of you in the cold states should have a good idea, what's best. Stan

Bruce(OR) · Dec 14, 2020

I have used from the best to the cheapest. Thicker cable is better. Ends never do work worth a spit. Either too tight, too loose, wrong configuration, pick one. Tighter is generally better and with the thicker cable, bring money. I have used from bumper jacks with steel bumpers to the cheapest cables at about $5.00 for a set, it just took a long time to let the battery to charge up a bit before trying to start it all the way up to welding cables. Welding cables tend to run on the heavy side. I have a set of those running out about 30 feet and they tend to get a bit heavier than the $5.00 cables.
Let your wallet be your guide and if you desire to keep them for some time, spend a few bucks.

cuby · Dec 14, 2020

I bought a pr. of 16 fts" from NAPA a few years ago. I keep them under the seat of my p.up. Very good set, but some pricey. "Ya get what ya pay for".

300jk · Dec 14, 2020

I have a pretty heavy duty set from Kimball Midwest. They have been good.

kencombs · Dec 14, 2020

My good set are made from welding cable and ends from the local parts store. Not cheap, but they've served me for 40+ years.

Welding lead insulation seems to last forever, unlike most true jumper cables that seem to become brittle and fall off way too soon.

Just pick the gauge that fits your needs and budget. And shop around, lots of difference in pricing.

Bill(Wis) · Dec 14, 2020

For the type of use you have, I'd say 4 gauge wires with good heavy duty clamps. 8 gauge is enough to start most cars but too small for your tractors, trucks, etc. You can buy 2 gauge in some places but that might be overkill. Check out Home depot.

rustred · Dec 14, 2020

2/0 cables no thinner. i make my own from welding cable . have one set here i made in 1983. most of that garbage u buy dont last and its to thin and too short, and good clamps are required also. anywhere from 16-20 ft also.

retired farmer · Dec 14, 2020

Make them out of welding cable and good clamps, you won't regret it if you need them.

SHALER · Dec 14, 2020

I think Stan lives somewhere in CA, interesting question as I was just jump starting some one this morn at the store and they commented on the heavy size of my cables......which I beleive I bought at a garage sale a few years ago. Anyway, Stan, jumper cables are just like any thing else these days, you can go to the discount retailer and buy jumper cables that I think may have trouble lighting up a flashlite, which you already knew. Then for 10x the money you can go to reputable parts place and get some big boy jumper cables. As others have said, you can make your own. I honestly dont beleive you can go to a store and buy jumper cables that are "too heavy duty". Look around, if you dont want to make your own, get the heaviest ones you can afford. If you did not live 2500 miles from me I could refer you to a good place.

Billy Shafer · Dec 14, 2020

I agree welding cables make the best. Forget those store bought cheap ones.

UncleTom · Dec 14, 2020

welding cable and buy the battery charger clamps for the ends of them. I have had a set for 40 years. None better.

BarnyardEngineering · Dec 14, 2020

I bought a set of 25' 1 gauge cables from Northern Tool. Nice heavy flexible set with good clamps. At the time it was $70. You can't buy half enough welding cable to make a set for that kind of money.

I'm seeing them as "chum" at consignment auctions now. Brand new in the box from those distributors.

kcm.MN · Dec 14, 2020

I got these some time back. Best I've ever had.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01I40QM5E/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Steve@Advance · Dec 14, 2020

I just have a comment to pass on about jumper cables.

The very nature of them is to be constantly tangled and snag everything in sight!

I found a zippered canvas tool bag comes in real handy, roll them up and shove them in the bag, they come out untangled and nothing else can get tangled with them!

SVcummins · Dec 14, 2020

I have had this same set for 15 years now they are still good
Jumper cables

J Hamilton · Dec 14, 2020

That's exactly what I made my cables from too. Kinda heavy to lug around but definitely worth it.

miangus · Dec 14, 2020

They make a bag for that well worth the money especially for vehicles driven by wife and kids. Helps protect under seat wiring too. I scored some little computer bags they where tossing at work, perfect for the tow strap.

miangus · Dec 14, 2020

Jumper cables are tools and having good tools makes the job easier. Buy the best you can afford and you wouldn't be unhappy.

dr sportster · Dec 14, 2020

My Snap-On set cost 60 bucks .I have seen ones at Pep Boys that say what wire size they are and different sizes.

Bill(Wis) · Dec 14, 2020

Take a look at the Polar Wire website. They have 100% copper wire jumper cables. They stress "No Aluminum". About $100 +/- depending on whether you want 16' or 20' for 4 gauge. About double that for 2 gauge. I think 4 gauge solid copper would do the trick.

SkipperII · Dec 14, 2020

I have a good set that I bought at NAPA, as stated by others, they're not cheap, but worth the price. My wife bought me one of those little jumper kits, about the size of a bible. Believe it or not, it works great for normal use, I have even started my buddies 7610 Ford with it, on a cool morning, so he could use it while I went to get an alternator. I have used it many times in parking lots, to help stranded motorists. Carry one in my P/U, and wife's car, and got one for my daughter, and granddaughter.

M-MAN · Dec 14, 2020

Spent a couple hours last Friday hunting a good set for my son in law. Found some good Spartan's on Amazon for $100. All copper, cables and clamps.

mschwartz · Dec 14, 2020

I would recommend the Polar cables also. Well built and very flexible have lasted for years. About the same money as the best ones at NAPA but are better cables. Mike

DoubleO7 · Dec 14, 2020

Avoid copper clad aluminum wire.
The more strands of wire for the gauge will equal more flexible.
Look for strong clamps, if sub zero weather, avoid plastic clamps, get the all metal variety.
Look for clamps that also carry the current to the other jaw with wire, not just through the hinge.
True copper jaws are good vs copper colored steel.
Store them out of the sun like in a cloth bag, many can be bought with the bag.

504 · Dec 14, 2020

Welding leads.

fred kobs · Dec 15, 2020

napa has a couple decent sets on sale thru the end of the year about 30% off if i remember right. 16-20' i think the set I bought is still flexible at 10degrees

Blackhole49 · Dec 15, 2020

Just get a JNC. I never use cables anymore.

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