jumper cables
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 125
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jumper cables
i need some real jumper cables, no the little 4 gauge 8 foot long junkers, i need the real deal, buddy of mine has some 2 gauge that are 20 feet long , thats more along the line of what im looking for, any ideas,
i've been told that a lot of people use welding leads and just put clamps on the ends to make jumper cables, any ideas.
i've been told that a lot of people use welding leads and just put clamps on the ends to make jumper cables, any ideas.
Junior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: Warren, Ontario
Years ago I purchased 50 ft of 2 AWG welding cable, cut it in half and put on the best clamps I could afford. These 25 FT cables are great as I can pull in behind an extend cab truck and boost it. Great investment. Do not buy short small guage wire cables, you are wasting your money.
hope this helps
Andy
P.S. booster cables can never be too long
hope this helps
Andy
P.S. booster cables can never be too long
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 247
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
Originally Posted by f-250.4x4.390
....i've been told that a lot of people use welding leads and just put clamps on the ends to make jumper cables, any ideas.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 482
Likes: 2
#2/0 cable is even better. I can start a vehicle without a battery with mine.
Another hint on jumping that I was taught many years ago is called the "cigarette jump". You hook up the cables, have the jumping vehicle running on fast idle, stop and smoke a cigarette (or for those of us who don't smoke, just wait that long), then try starting the jumped vehicle. This puts just enough charge in the jumped vehicle so its battery can help with the start.
Another hint on jumping that I was taught many years ago is called the "cigarette jump". You hook up the cables, have the jumping vehicle running on fast idle, stop and smoke a cigarette (or for those of us who don't smoke, just wait that long), then try starting the jumped vehicle. This puts just enough charge in the jumped vehicle so its battery can help with the start.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
From doing hundreds of vehicles, with the jumping vehicle at fast idle, you should wait a minimum of three minutes before trying to start the other vehicle. In colder climates, if you botch the 1st attempt you stand a chance of not starting the vehicle at all if it floods. Always check for a frozen battery (expanded sides) because jumping it could be result in an explosion or fire.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 9,303
Likes: 48
From: Lyndonville, Vermont
number 1 welding wire is the biggest you would need. It a buck a foot and makes nice cables and will carry 1000 amps 20 ft any bigger is just a waste. use good clamps and solder.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 14,413
Likes: 3
From: Sarnia, Ontario, CANADA!
This is what we use at work for our trucks should the need arise: http://www.canadiantire.ca/assortmen...romSearch=true My dad got them 50% off so he bought 6 sets. Good deal! Especially in Canadian Dollars! 
-Matt
-Matt
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Lead Driver
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 9,303
Likes: 48
From: Lyndonville, Vermont
That will keep your muscles growing my 30 ft of 1ga is heavy enough.
I can't stand junk cables. The ones I make up you could remove the batt in the dead car and it will start like summer time. Could be that my truck alt is 200 amp..hmmmm
I can't stand junk cables. The ones I make up you could remove the batt in the dead car and it will start like summer time. Could be that my truck alt is 200 amp..hmmmm
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 482
Likes: 2
Mine aren't 30' but I wish they were. I think mine are about 15' (that's all the cable that was available). I don't think you can make them long enough except for what it takes to carry and store them. Yours are a great length for the reasons ampegor noted.