On 5/17/2012 6:02 AM, Jake Anderson wrote:
> I often wonder about the clamps on jumper cables,
> They all seem to just have a small number of contact surfaces, I often
> wonder if something like a half inch wide copper braid under the clamp
> would do the job better than just the jaws.
> sure they are good at biting through the oxide but still your only going
> to have a few square mm at best.
>
> Most modern cars have teensy wires from the engine to the battery, just
> big enough for the starter to turn over, I wouldn't be surprised if
> there was 1-2 volts of drop in the loom on a modern car.
> (older cars are generally better but no guarantee, I've improved the
> starting of many cars by running new ground and a dedicated power wire,
> from alternator to battery and starter)
> So going to the block can be quite helpful.
>
> Another tip I have used more than once is when somebody has toy cables
> just rip the wire out of the clamp (its generally not hard, you can do
> it by hand) then wrap the wires around the terminals/connections
> much better connection.
>

I have seen that done too.  On older cars I have seen people loosen the=20
terminals on the battery and put the wire inside  and re-tighten .    I=20
think that since jumper cables don't get used often most people just buy=20
whatever the cheapest ones are and just put up with the problems they=20
may cause .

Mark

--=20
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