@jst1ofknd It has power. Shock the plaque off your teeth dude. If you are even luckier it will melt all the crap off your teeth and your smile will be smoking hot (read the one star reviews)
Today’s deal brought to you by The Pointer Sisters – they’ll jump (for your car); Van Halen – might as well jump; and House of Pain – jump up, jump up and get down!
I’ve been seeing these little “jump starter” things on the internets for a few years now, has anyone actually jump-started a vehicle with one of these? I’m dubious that they will be able to.
@Achromatter I have, at least a half dozen times (not with this particular model, though – see my post below). Batteries were too drained to even get a good click from the starter – but still not completely “dead” – and started my car(s). YMMV.
@Achromatter they work fine but the weaker ones like this are met for smaller engines and usually when the battery is not completely dead. There are more expensive ones with more cranking amps for larger engines.
@Achromatter used a similar one recently for a couple of days before got a chance to replace the battery. worked fine, but if it sits for a long time, need to remember to charge it.
@Achromatter yes, and they work (depending on your engine size). One like this should crank any 4 cylinder and some v6s with no problem. For v8s or diesel trucks, look for a larger unit with maybe 600A or higher start current.
I used a 10,000mAh unit instead of buying a lawnmower battery for a whole season because I kept forgetting to buy the battery after I’d successfully mowed the yard. I got many starts of that little 23hp v-twin before having to recharge, but I eventually remembered to just replace the damn thing.
A lithium jump start pack should have no problem holding a charge for at least 6 months. These type of batteries have very low self-discharge rates.
@Achromatter@djslack curious if anyone has any luck with these in winter? It would be a nice thing to keep in the vehicle but I am afraid the below freezing temps may be harmful for the rechargeable battery. I know my phone battery doesn’t like the freezing temps.
@Achromatter These work. They are no replacement for a commercial quality jump box but it is actually quite amazing that these can start a car!
As a professional Auto Technician I’ve used my fair share of these kinds of units. I’ve even bought several “cheap” ones like this to try them out and to give them out as gifts.
With that being said though these do have some shortcomings:
1> Don’t expect it to start a large engine, or a diesel. There’s just too much engine to crank over for this little guy to handle
2> Don’t expect it to start a car with a frozen battery, in very cold climates, or with a completely dead battery that has been sitting around for several months.
3> Don’t expect it to last a long time. Battery quality on these inexpensive units tends to be extremely hit-or-miss, and jump starting a car is VERY stressful on these batteries, especially on smaller units like these. Once in a while in an emergency is fine… and using it as an auxiliary battery to top off your phone, tablet, etc is also fine… but don’t expect the battery to have a very long lifespan if you’re using it to jump cars several times a day. In that case you’ll definitely want a more professional grade unit.
4> These don’t take any abuse whatsoever. Once installed don’t crank on the starter for more than 3-4 seconds at a time, or if the engine doesn’t want to turn over smoothly. You’ll burn up the wiring in this thing in no time flat.
5> The soldering on the circuit board for the safety device (the plastic box on the positive cable) is likely to be of VERY POOR quality. I suspect it was done by 5 year olds in China. Because of this if you pull on the wire during or right after using it it’s likely to just pull apart as the solder will get hot enough to melt and it’s really all that holds it all together in there.
BUUUT… for $35 as long as you know its limitations it’s really not a bad deal. It’s nice to have around for emergency jumping as needed or to recharge your phone. I actually have an extra one mounted to the side of my tool box that comes in handy for applying 12v and ground to test automotive motors (window motors, etc), light bulbs, and what not… and it’s also handy for igniting Airbags before properly disposing of them!!!
IDK why the powers that disappoint here at Meh didn’t display any price comparisons from any online retailers, —unless maybe it’s because everyone from Amazon to Walmart has these jump starters for $19.99?
@PhysAssist Feel free to post the closest comps you can find for 10,000 mAh jump starters with the various cables/connectors. This specific model is only sold in Canada, which didn’t seem very helpful, and jump starter specs are so all over the place I couldn’t find anything that felt apples-to-apples, hence the ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I have several brands of these for family vehicles, even one for my motorcycle (think I may have got that one from Meh, but am too lazy to check), so don’t need another. But, to those not familiar with these devices, I definitely recommend having one (but I am not at all familiar with this brand offered tonight, so do due diligence). It beats having to bum a cable jump from some stranger, I can tell you from personal experiences.
I imagine it went something like this. A man stopped to help beautiful woman with her car and said:
“I can help you. I can jump your bo… car’s battery.”
@hchavers because you are using jumper cables to temporarily connect two different electrical circuits, the same way you use a jumper in any electrical circuit. And you are doing it for the purpose of starting a car
@hchavers Because you are using jumper cables. BTW you are NOT “recharging a car battery” here—that battery is still dead, if the engine stalls the car battery will not restart the car. (From experience at -20F). And these things (in general, IDK about this specific model) are wonderful, handy, small and low self-discharge rate.
@RiotDemon but this is an emergency type product should come with an emergency charger. even more so with a decent amperage so you don’t charge this with 0.2 A charger from old flip phone.
I see a little pod on the cables that indicate that it’s at least fused, but the ability to spark the cables like that indicates that there isn’t any short circuit or likely reverse polarity protection on this unit. If you short it out or reverse polarity get ready for the great possibility of an exciting fire event. I lost my first lithium jump starter (bought here) to that, but I’ve since replaced it and gotten more that all had circuit protection devices built in.
That first pack was 7500mAh but stated 400A max. It jumped my wife’s Buick (3.6L V6) from dead with no problems.
The carrying case for this one is nice. Some come with nothing at all, some with soft zipper pouches, and I’ve even gotten one with a velvet drawstring bag. A hard case you’re not afraid to toss in the trunk on a road trip is a plus.
Nice hardshell case. Good utility features beyond ‘jumps a dead battery’ unitasker.
One thing - check every 6 moths for a charging topoff. Although keeping batteries at full charge long term and in heat reduces max capacity and longevity. Best to think of this item on a 5-year replacement schedule.
@Kidsandliz no, that box on the cables is the smart clamps controller that protects the battery from being shorted. That one should be excitement-free.
We use the Noco Genius brand here at the shop, we jump start construction equipment with them all the time, 12/24v. They cost a heck of a lot more, though.
One work of caution. Don’t charge these babies up and store them in a hot car thinking you’ll be good to go. The high car temps will eventually render the lithium battery useless. Same goes for a phone.
@Kidsandliz@lhroller It’s not all that bad just being stored at those temps unless you’re charging it at the same time. My oldest unit is at least 5 or 6 years old and has been in the car all that time except when brought in the house for charging and is still working normal. I bought the Energizer jumper pack from Meh as a backup and it’s been in the car all that time as well.
For many people, a lithium jumper pack will likely be more useful than a traditional lead acid base model. Like me, most don’t want to deal with the size, weight and frequent charging a lead acid base jumper would need to remain useful. A good lithium pack ignored for 8+ months in the car would have a much better chance of still being able to start a car than a lead acid pack will.
Day 8 of our toothbrush campaign. I may have to take a few days leave of absence from counting the days since this hurricane is about to fuck some shit up in my area.
@akparker777 I see you akparker. Hope everything is well brother. Your meh family is around giving just enough of a meh to be concerned. Jokes aside, be safe.
I have been on the lookout for one of these. One of the requirements I have is that it has to be able to be charged using a Micro or Type-C port - this meets that requirement. The other is that it has to be powerful enough to jump my small hyundai hatchback - with a completely dead battery - its unlikely that this one will do it - Ill stick with getting the NOCO when its on sale. Maybe JNP.
@jst1ofknd you’ve reminded me that more than Instagram double pointless taps we can have a pointless conversation and agree together and be happy. I’m the last person for world peace but you make my heart and soul smile strange friend.
So, I’ve had this thing on the charger forever. The one it “came with” as well as others around my house. It doesn’t charge. How do I go about getting either a replacement or a refund?
Specs
Don’t try at home! (this was done at work so it was okay)
What’s in the Box?
1x Battery
1x Jumper cables
1x MicroUSB cable
1x Carrying case
Price Comparison
$39.99 (for similar) at Amazon
Warranty
90 day Mediocre
Estimated Delivery
Monday, July 13th - Monday, July 20th
Charge- let’s jump start this deal
@AttyVette Really? That’s the most shocking pun you could come up with?
THIS IS NOT A TOOTHBRUSH!
Just thought ya’ll should know that.
@jst1ofknd anything can be a toothbrush if you try hard enough.
@jst1ofknd It has power. Shock the plaque off your teeth dude. If you are even luckier it will melt all the crap off your teeth and your smile will be smoking hot (read the one star reviews)
@jst1ofknd you carried on my legacy
@reclaimercube
I WILL CARRY THIS TORCH WITH YOU!
As long as it is amusing for me to do so.
@jst1ofknd perhaps you can use this to recharge your future blue Bluetooth toothbrush.
For external use only.
@alacrity anything can be for internal use if you try hard enough.
@nolrak sure, I guess almost anything’s possible with enough foreplay.
@alacrity @nolrak And lube. Don’t forget the lube. Please don’t forget the lube again.
@nolrak @yakkoTDI https://goo.gl/images/wkBxxT
iPass.
/giphy jumparound
@yakkoTDI
Something to put it in the fridge!
(Hi, @shahnm!)
@narfcake Hi narf!
I’ve been a bit busy of late and have been participating here in spirit only… The batteries don’t refrigerate themselves, knowwhatI’msayin’?
Why is it smoking a cigarette in the last picture? Did it really enjoy jump starting your car?
@Fuzzalini
Today’s deal brought to you by The Pointer Sisters – they’ll jump (for your car); Van Halen – might as well jump; and House of Pain – jump up, jump up and get down!
@nolrak Let’s not forget the opening act, Larry, the cable guy.
@nolrak Don’t forget Kriss Kross.
How fast can this recharge a taser? Asking for a friend. Before he regains consciousness.
@mike808 It is a taser. A very low voltage, high current taser.
I’ve been seeing these little “jump starter” things on the internets for a few years now, has anyone actually jump-started a vehicle with one of these? I’m dubious that they will be able to.
@Achromatter I have, at least a half dozen times (not with this particular model, though – see my post below). Batteries were too drained to even get a good click from the starter – but still not completely “dead” – and started my car(s). YMMV.
@Achromatter they work fine but the weaker ones like this are met for smaller engines and usually when the battery is not completely dead. There are more expensive ones with more cranking amps for larger engines.
@Achromatter used a similar one recently for a couple of days before got a chance to replace the battery. worked fine, but if it sits for a long time, need to remember to charge it.
@Achromatter yes, and they work (depending on your engine size). One like this should crank any 4 cylinder and some v6s with no problem. For v8s or diesel trucks, look for a larger unit with maybe 600A or higher start current.
I used a 10,000mAh unit instead of buying a lawnmower battery for a whole season because I kept forgetting to buy the battery after I’d successfully mowed the yard. I got many starts of that little 23hp v-twin before having to recharge, but I eventually remembered to just replace the damn thing.
A lithium jump start pack should have no problem holding a charge for at least 6 months. These type of batteries have very low self-discharge rates.
@Achromatter @djslack curious if anyone has any luck with these in winter? It would be a nice thing to keep in the vehicle but I am afraid the below freezing temps may be harmful for the rechargeable battery. I know my phone battery doesn’t like the freezing temps.
@Achromatter These work. They are no replacement for a commercial quality jump box but it is actually quite amazing that these can start a car!
As a professional Auto Technician I’ve used my fair share of these kinds of units. I’ve even bought several “cheap” ones like this to try them out and to give them out as gifts.
With that being said though these do have some shortcomings:
1> Don’t expect it to start a large engine, or a diesel. There’s just too much engine to crank over for this little guy to handle
2> Don’t expect it to start a car with a frozen battery, in very cold climates, or with a completely dead battery that has been sitting around for several months.
3> Don’t expect it to last a long time. Battery quality on these inexpensive units tends to be extremely hit-or-miss, and jump starting a car is VERY stressful on these batteries, especially on smaller units like these. Once in a while in an emergency is fine… and using it as an auxiliary battery to top off your phone, tablet, etc is also fine… but don’t expect the battery to have a very long lifespan if you’re using it to jump cars several times a day. In that case you’ll definitely want a more professional grade unit.
4> These don’t take any abuse whatsoever. Once installed don’t crank on the starter for more than 3-4 seconds at a time, or if the engine doesn’t want to turn over smoothly. You’ll burn up the wiring in this thing in no time flat.
5> The soldering on the circuit board for the safety device (the plastic box on the positive cable) is likely to be of VERY POOR quality. I suspect it was done by 5 year olds in China. Because of this if you pull on the wire during or right after using it it’s likely to just pull apart as the solder will get hot enough to melt and it’s really all that holds it all together in there.
BUUUT… for $35 as long as you know its limitations it’s really not a bad deal. It’s nice to have around for emergency jumping as needed or to recharge your phone. I actually have an extra one mounted to the side of my tool box that comes in handy for applying 12v and ground to test automotive motors (window motors, etc), light bulbs, and what not… and it’s also handy for igniting Airbags before properly disposing of them!!!
IDK why the powers that disappoint here at Meh didn’t display any price comparisons from any online retailers, —unless maybe it’s because everyone from Amazon to Walmart has these jump starters for $19.99?
@PhysAssist But can the competing jump packs smoke a cigarette?
@PhysAssist Feel free to post the closest comps you can find for 10,000 mAh jump starters with the various cables/connectors. This specific model is only sold in Canada, which didn’t seem very helpful, and jump starter specs are so all over the place I couldn’t find anything that felt apples-to-apples, hence the ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
@PhysAssist
I think that pretty much explains it right there.
@PhysAssist I couldn’t find anything like this at Walmart for $19.99, but I did find these two that boast greater starting current for $30.
And this one that either lies very much about its capacity or comes with a 12V 15A wall wart to charge it.
@djslack thanks for this.
@dave this is Canadian? That means this is only around a 7,500 American mAh jump kit.
@MrMark I was trying to work in a Canadian joke–but didn’t come up with nothin’–good job!
@MrMark @therealjrn
It will politely say “sorry dude, I don’t have enough grunt for your V8, eh.”
I have several brands of these for family vehicles, even one for my motorcycle (think I may have got that one from Meh, but am too lazy to check), so don’t need another. But, to those not familiar with these devices, I definitely recommend having one (but I am not at all familiar with this brand offered tonight, so do due diligence). It beats having to bum a cable jump from some stranger, I can tell you from personal experiences.
Why is recharging a car battery called a jump?
I imagine it went something like this. A man stopped to help beautiful woman with her car and said:
“I can help you. I can jump your bo… car’s battery.”
@hchavers I always thought it was because the spark from a wrong connection with your cables could make you jump (and melt your wiring).
@hchavers because you are using jumper cables to temporarily connect two different electrical circuits, the same way you use a jumper in any electrical circuit. And you are doing it for the purpose of starting a car
@hchavers because you’re always on the wrong side when you’re doing it and have to jump over the cables constantly
@hchavers Because you are using jumper cables. BTW you are NOT “recharging a car battery” here—that battery is still dead, if the engine stalls the car battery will not restart the car. (From experience at -20F). And these things (in general, IDK about this specific model) are wonderful, handy, small and low self-discharge rate.
Active Output: 12V/200A: For a car?
Please bring back the jump starters (not cables either), That will actually jump a “dead” battery.
Guessing this should be a pass to use for my 5.3 V8?
@loudpipes78 It’ll work fine if your car battery is charged.
@loudpipes78 @mehcuda67
@loudpipes78 simple solution - buy two (or three) and hook 'em up in parallel.
although I have a ton of USB wall warts and car chargers, its a bit peculiar that a charger for this thing does not seem to be included.
or do they include one and its not pictured/listed in the box??
@username most USB charged things I’ve bought do not come with a wall wart nowadays. I’m guessing they assume you already have plenty of them.
@RiotDemon but this is an emergency type product should come with an emergency charger. even more so with a decent amperage so you don’t charge this with 0.2 A charger from old flip phone.
@username Takes about 600 miles to charge one with a 0.2A charger… speaking from experience here…
Offering this the night after the magnetic ball clasps is really beyond the pale. You should be ashamed.
This might start a 2L engine but even then you would likely want more than 300 cranking amps.
¯_(ツ)_/¯ is Japanese for Tsu. I wonder if that is just a coincidence as it looks like a smiley face shrugging it’s shoulders.
NoJoy
I see a little pod on the cables that indicate that it’s at least fused, but the ability to spark the cables like that indicates that there isn’t any short circuit or likely reverse polarity protection on this unit. If you short it out or reverse polarity get ready for the great possibility of an exciting fire event. I lost my first lithium jump starter (bought here) to that, but I’ve since replaced it and gotten more that all had circuit protection devices built in.
That first pack was 7500mAh but stated 400A max. It jumped my wife’s Buick (3.6L V6) from dead with no problems.
The carrying case for this one is nice. Some come with nothing at all, some with soft zipper pouches, and I’ve even gotten one with a velvet drawstring bag. A hard case you’re not afraid to toss in the trunk on a road trip is a plus.
@djslack Exciting fires and melting the wires events are what most of the one star reviews are all about (despite the 4 star over all rating).
@djslack Here is the one I bought (one of my few meh purchases for me)
https://meh.com/forum/topics/energizer-600a-11100mah-ul-listed-lithium-jump-starter
Is this likely to have the same problem you discuss in your post?
@djslack @Kidsandliz
I got a 600A 20Ah version (they’ve dropped this one down below 20Ah, probably due to new safety regulations)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J5G8PF6
Nice hardshell case. Good utility features beyond ‘jumps a dead battery’ unitasker.
One thing - check every 6 moths for a charging topoff. Although keeping batteries at full charge long term and in heat reduces max capacity and longevity. Best to think of this item on a 5-year replacement schedule.
@Kidsandliz no, that box on the cables is the smart clamps controller that protects the battery from being shorted. That one should be excitement-free.
Nice that MEH is offering something NOT found in your general store…oh wait, 30 bucks?..can find these anywhere as previous Mehsters have found…
We use the Noco Genius brand here at the shop, we jump start construction equipment with them all the time, 12/24v. They cost a heck of a lot more, though.
@fuzzmanmatt
NOCO makes solid stuff. Been very happy with our NOCO smart battery chargers.
We use them to keep our off-grid summer property batteries healthy off-season.
One work of caution. Don’t charge these babies up and store them in a hot car thinking you’ll be good to go. The high car temps will eventually render the lithium battery useless. Same goes for a phone.
@lhroller How long does it take to trash the battery? Mine has been in the car all summer in the deep south…
@Kidsandliz @lhroller It’s not all that bad just being stored at those temps unless you’re charging it at the same time. My oldest unit is at least 5 or 6 years old and has been in the car all that time except when brought in the house for charging and is still working normal. I bought the Energizer jumper pack from Meh as a backup and it’s been in the car all that time as well.
For many people, a lithium jumper pack will likely be more useful than a traditional lead acid base model. Like me, most don’t want to deal with the size, weight and frequent charging a lead acid base jumper would need to remain useful. A good lithium pack ignored for 8+ months in the car would have a much better chance of still being able to start a car than a lead acid pack will.
KuoH
Day 8 of our toothbrush campaign. I may have to take a few days leave of absence from counting the days since this hurricane is about to fuck some shit up in my area.
@akparker777 I see you akparker. Hope everything is well brother. Your meh family is around giving just enough of a meh to be concerned. Jokes aside, be safe.
I have been on the lookout for one of these. One of the requirements I have is that it has to be able to be charged using a Micro or Type-C port - this meets that requirement. The other is that it has to be powerful enough to jump my small hyundai hatchback - with a completely dead battery - its unlikely that this one will do it - Ill stick with getting the NOCO when its on sale. Maybe JNP.
I have a bigger, better one that has compressed air capability, just can’t justify another…
@Mandamm My other car is a Maserati.
Meh I have anxiously been awaiting for you to post a toothbrush for sale again. I will post this everyday until you finally sell another one again.
@reclaimercube People in hell want ice water too. Watcherpoint?
@reclaimercube
Didn’t we already post this?
@jst1ofknd I skipped today. Only had an hour of sleep last night. haha
@reclaimercube
Ah. Well I got you covered.
@jst1ofknd you have no idea how happy it makes me seeing other toothbrushers unite on meh
@reclaimercube
One day I will disappoint you as I do not care about the brush. For now, however, I will maintain solidarity with you.
@jst1ofknd you’ve reminded me that more than Instagram double pointless taps we can have a pointless conversation and agree together and be happy. I’m the last person for world peace but you make my heart and soul smile strange friend.
@reclaimercube
Uh, thank you… I’ll read this again in the morning to see if it makes more sense to me than it does now.
So, I’ve had this thing on the charger forever. The one it “came with” as well as others around my house. It doesn’t charge. How do I go about getting either a replacement or a refund?
@TheHighestFive You can click on the “I need help with this” link on your order page: https://meh.com/orders
Or you may write into CS at https://meh.com/support
@TheHighestFive @therealjrn
@therealjrn Thanks!