Questions about heavy gauge wire (battery & jumper cable stuff)

[TomGolden]

Hi all,

After reading a few threads on various battery cable, jumper cable, winch cable issues, I am quite interested in finding a source for heavy gauge cables to make my own batter and jumper cables. And, when I finally get a winch, to use them also to make really heavy duty winch connections.

I know that at least one source for the cable, battery connectors, jumper cable clamps, etc. is Waytek Wire Are there any better places to check?

Next question. Since you can get both battery cable and welding cable in the same gauges, which would be better? I know that welding cable has finer wire, therefore more strands than battery cable wire, which leads me to believe that welding cable can carry more current with less resistance, thereby getting more of the juice to the end component... but would this really be of any tremendous benefit in our applications? I'm thinking at least for winch cables it would be better?

Now, which gauge(s) would you all recommend for battery cables? Winch cables? Jumper cables?

As to attaching the various connectors to the cables - are soldered ends or crimped ends better, or something else?

Thanks all

Tom