three and a half years later and the snap-on link STILL works! $140. I wonder how much they were in '05?

Got some on Ebay that look remarkably similar to the Snap On ones for about $70. I needed a set to operate the winch on my Fuso which is transferable from front to back of the truck.

Yeah, I have a set of them too. Never let me down and they are 20or 25 feet long. That is a big plus when you are jumping somebody from a Suburban!

They have heavy duty clamps on them as well. Both sides of the clamps are connected to the wire -under the plastic the clams are all metal. I have seen some cheapos where only one side of the clamp is metal!

Agree about checking truck stops for their stock- they'll be longer and will have (hopefully) a higher quality connector and better conductor. I'll also chime in about cables- if you can, check the guage of the individual wires within the cable at the connector- the larger the diameter of the individual wire- the more resistance in the bundle. You could have a 4ga wire that doesn't perform that much better than a really good set with a smaller cable. If you see that the ends have been "tinned" and the crimp is really good- they should perform well. And remember oxidation is not your friend- keep em dry and in a case if possible. Some people even spray some sort of copper polish protectant on them.

I have not read all of the old thread. I have seen more than a few Mechanics needing a set of heavy duty Jumper Cables that will last a long time make them themselves from the cable used on Arc Welders.
This could cost some but the advantage is you can make them any length you want and you can use any quality end clamps that you want to use.

I've never had to jump my car from another. I have an A/C powered battery charger/starter that can do the job quite well. :D For the like...2 times I've ever needed it. The beast can nearly blow a 15A breaker when put into start mode! Thats some serious juice :eek: It hums like an industrial transformer.

Boat cable, 1/0. It is pre-tinned so it holds up well against corrosion for many years, very flexible insulation, good stuff. Mine are about 20years old now, still work great and are flexible, started a friend's car with no battery in it last winter (diesel excursion). The clamps I used are heavy steel clamps, insulation dipped or something, have replaceable copper jaws with lots of clamping force. I don't know where to find them again, bought through a catalog at the time, they were listed as truck-jumper clamps.

Examples
 

When you are serious about jump starting.. :D

Examples of HEAVY jumper cables.

http://www.realworktrucks.com/jump-start-equipment/booster-cables-and-jumper-cables/goodall-commercial-1-0-gauge-booster-cables-20.html

http://www.realworktrucks.com/jump-start-equipment/booster-cables-and-jumper-cables/booster-cables-commercial-2ga-500-amp-15ft-14-152.html

http://www.fastenal.com/web/products/detail.ex?sku=0717154&ucst=t

http://www.awdirect.com/heavy-duty-jumper-cables-cable-clamps-800-amp-bayco-products-sl3010/jump-start-sets-accessories/

http://www.arizonatools.com/jumper-cables-booster-cables/detail/JUMPERCABLES/

http://www.denlorstools.com/home/dt1/page_18849_130/associated_equipment_6160_20_heavy_duty_booster_ca.html

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200447704_200447704

http://www.fastenal.com/web/products/detail.ex?sku=0715554&ucst=t

http://www.fastenal.com/web/products/detail.ex?sku=0719039&ucst=t

http://www.realworktrucks.com/jump-start-equipment/booster-cables-and-jumper-cables/booster-cables-commercial-4ga-400-amp-12ft-14-124.html

http://www.tractorsupply.com/vehicle-maintenance-accessories/vehicle-batteries/vehicle-battery-chargers-accessories/vehicle-battery-cables/road-power-extra-heavy-duty-20-ft-booster-cables-4-gauge-0476308



http://www.fastenal.com/web/products/detail.ex?sku=0717159&ucst=t

heh. this is what I need for my hauler...
http://www.fastenal.com/web/products/detail.ex?sku=0717159&ucst=t
I got 1/2 a set from a yard sale for 5.00 easy 2/0 cable. 20 feet each half. unfortunately it's just the female ends... gotta get some more parts. looking to raid a trucker yard...
these are not bad...
http://www.dgtow.com/Jump-Start-Kit-Booster-Cables_p_38.html
ok, now we're talking...
http://fireball-tech.com/Extreme_Q_D_Jumper_Cables.htm

Those Fireball cables look like an electric fork truck cable end. I have had a set of cheapie cables and they got cooked. I bought some better ones for the cars and some super heavy duty for the trucks.

John,
Go to your local welding supplies shop.
Get yourself 4 HD arc welder earth clamps. The ones that are made for structural welding, they have copper jaws. They should also have copper cable, 1/2" thick. Thats what our jumper leads are, they are a bit heavy but thats the last thing you worry about when something wont start.

Mother of all jumper cables are in my trunk!
 

Over 25 years old 00 gauge and 20 or so feet long.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b5...g?t=1291948056

Can't recall what I paid for them ... but when you buy quality you don't have to keep replacing them.

Each conductor is larger in diameter than a dime! Yes they weigh lots and I could probably get 3 more mpg if I took them out of the trunk.

Plus you can sell them for more than that dime now that copper commodity is going UP.:D

oof! yeah, that cable is awesome, but I think the clamps are the weak link on yours.

I think you have the right idea John.
The welder clamps are the only high amp clamps I have ever seen.
Even the $3-400 ones in some of Roy's links are not good enough.
When you use them on 24V, if they are not up to the job, the jaws just get bitten away with a spark. Thick copper survives the best.