Jump lead recommendations

[CornishPete]

As the title does anyone have any experience /recommendations? I realise it's "just" a cable but not all are equal! I lent some out that never came back (lesson learned) that were really well made, the 15 quid replacements feel like they'll drop to bits so will use them in my unit to connect a winch instead!

 

[Smallfry]

I had a really decent set that were 35mm2. I lent them to someone who then lent them to someone else who tried to start a truck with them, he failed to mention that small detail. Burnt the insulation from the negative cable in places. These leads were no good apparently. No offer of replacement, so like you, lesson learned.

Anyways, what do you intend to start ? Bigger is better obviously, and big leads cost strong money. I would consider buying a jump pack instead. I bought a NOCO one and it has been brilliant. Will start any car, and I use it for tractors too.

Would need to keep it a secret though, as you will suddenly have many friends ..............

 

[reb78]

Tbh, the lidl ones that come up every now and them have handled all I have thrown at them - inc starting tractors. On an old set, the clamps broke so I repurposed the cable to connect an aux battery via a relay in the defender. This way I knew it was OK to use to jump if I ever needed it but it's mostly there to run the fridge.

 

[MetalMonkey]

Watch out, a lot of the cheap ones use a lot of insulation to make it look like the cables are thicker.

I made mine 30 years ago with 35mm welding cable and some decent brass clips. I put an Anderson connector in the middle for connecting to equipment or making it easy to disconnect them. Still going strong, worthwhile investment.

 

[Misterg]

Watch out, a lot of the cheap ones use a lot of insulation to make it look like the cables are thicker.

And use aluminium cables.

 

[Morrisman]

I had a tip from someone that a cheap way to make battery cables for a car project was to buy some cheap jump leads and use the wires. So I did.

When I cut them and started stripping the insulation off I realised it was about 12mm diameter, with no more than 2mm diameter copper core……
All insulation, very little conduction.

Have a good look at the actual core size before you buy.

 

[Agroshield]

I made mine 30 years ago with 35mm welding cable and some decent brass clips. I put an Anderson connector in the middle...

Another option if you have stick welding capability is to dual-purpose your existing welding cables. Four clips, four short lengths of cable and two each male and female dinse plugs.

Heavy Duty Jump Lead Clamp Pair 400 Amp 4317-4318

Heavy duty jump lead clamp pair

www.johnrichardssurplus.co.uk

 

[Mick Annick]

Watch out, a lot of the cheap ones use a lot of insulation to make it look like the cables are thicker.

I made mine 30 years ago with 35mm welding cable and some decent brass clips. I put an Anderson connector in the middle for connecting to equipment or making it easy to disconnect them. Still going strong, worthwhile investment.

+1 for welding cables, my set are 40 years old and still serviceable.

 

[jo1010]

Yep, use welding cable ..make them as long as you need that way...buy some cheap jump cables and re-use the ends if you have to

 

[jmp49]

I would use welding cables, then put anderson connectors on both ends, and fit your vehicles with anderson plugs. That way nobody asks to borrow them.
You can make up a croc clip->anderson converter cable for emergencies, and keep those well hidden...
I put them on everything including the lawn mower and forklift, so everything is a jump pack for everything else & I buy the chinese clone connectors and have a crimp & make the tails up to keep it cheap. You can buy premade tails but it gets more expensive if you have a few vehicles to do.

 

[Melvyn Best]

I have a pair of jump leads made from electric milk float charging leads that weren’t new when I was given them in the late 1970s , long (can’t remember how long) , flexible and have managed to crank anything they have been used for. I did fit new decent clips when I got them

 

[Agrismith]

Yep, use welding cable ..make them as long as you need that way...buy some cheap jump cables and re-use the ends if you have to

People always forget with jump leads to make them long enough incase the car is driven forward into a parking space.

 

[addjunkie]

People always forget with jump leads to make them long enough incase the car is driven forward into a parking space.

I used to have a set made out of cooker cable all 3 cores into the clips long enough to jump a ski boat while still on the trailer. Lasted years.

 

[Barking Mat]

Make your own.

We use 50mm2 cables, and the crocs above.

A good set will cost you £100 but never fail you.

I go for 3m minimum.

 

[sako243]

Most ridiculous I had was when I was digging a trench for the neighbours water pipe in the JCB. Really narrow access and only one way in and out. She came out to have a chat and I turned off the JCB. Would it restart?! Of course it had to be when the back actor was at full reach, extended out and on the deck.

Brought the Defender around which at the time had an Anderson connector in under the passenger seat. Managed to drive over the bucket to at least get 4ft closer, then one set of jump leads out the passenger window and over the bonnet. Another set to get it to near the JCB then I ran out of leads so grabbed the stick welding leads off my big TIG and used those.

Thankfully she fired up instantly after all that faff.

 

[Farside]

As the title does anyone have any experience /recommendations? I realise it's "just" a cable but not all are equal! I lent some out that never came back (lesson learned) that were really well made, the 15 quid replacements feel like they'll drop to bits so will use them in my unit to connect a winch instead!

Honestly, the best jump leads I've ever had were 35 or 50 sq mm welding cable with suitable battery crocs sourced seperately.
I have a monster set I bought from the local farmers' store, top quality and designed to cope with tractors in the winter, so they've been my go-to for the past 20 years.
Beware of the cheapies, as they're usually copper-clad aluminium cable and nasty clamps.

had a tip from someone that a cheap way to make battery cables for a car project was to buy some cheap jump leads and use the wires.

That was true 30 years ago. I had the same idea and it was successful enough.
Not since though, as quality has gone downhill in the bottom-bound race.

 

[roofman]

Best jump leads i have ever seen was the ones @Bullet2012 sold via here...quality leads they are/were

 

[Kram]

Suggest one of these for £57

Portable Jump Start Packs

I previously resisted as the big ones were just too expensive, even at £80. Also the GooLoo had a more expensive version with usbc fast charging, which I also wanted. My brother has Yaber branded small one, which seems to work well enough, but there is a big version of it I have been watching...

www.mig-welding.co.uk

I got one of these for £65

Portable Jump Start Packs

Arrived today, claimed 3000 A

www.mig-welding.co.uk

Mine has worked perfectly for its main purpose, jump started several cars, however the DC output on mine doesnt work, a minor point although I would have found it useful.

 

[Red'n'Black]

I got fed up of the cheap junk ones, so I made my own

Stuff you have made today

Polygonal turning?

www.mig-welding.co.uk

 

[Erie Fred]

East Penn Manufacturing | Wire, cable and battery accessories

Buy your wire, cable and battery accessories fast with East Penn’s customized application guide. Get custom solutions to fit exactly what you need.

www.eastpennmanufacturing.com

Best quality I have found, 600 amp clips, I made up leads with used welding cables.