WD-40 Clears the Corrosion on My Jumper Cables

There's nothing worse than a dead battery, and a good set of jumper cables is a lifesaver in those situations. However, over time, the metal clamps on my jumper cables had developed a significant amount of corrosion. This white, powdery buildup not only made them stiff and difficult to open and close properly, but I also worried it was hindering their ability to make a good electrical connection when I really needed them. Fumbling with stiff, corroded clamps in an emergency is the last thing anyone wants.

Knowing WD-40's ability to tackle rust and corrosion, I decided to give it a try on my ailing jumper cables. I took each clamp and gave the ends, especially the hinged parts and the metal teeth that grip the battery terminals, a generous spray of WD-40. I made sure to saturate the corroded areas.

Almost immediately, I could see the WD-40 starting to work. The white corrosion seemed to loosen and even run off with the spray. I then began to work the clamps open and closed. The stiffness that had made them so difficult to use started to disappear. They now moved much more freely and gripped with a more positive action. I could tell that the WD-40 had not only lubricated the moving parts but had also cleaned away a good portion of the corrosion, improving the contact surfaces. Now, my jumper cables are easy to handle and, more importantly, I have much more confidence that they'll provide a reliable connection when I need to jumpstart a vehicle. It's a simple fix that provides real peace of mind.

Step-by-Step Guide: Cleaning and Lubricating Jumper Cable Clamps with WD-40

Here's how I used WD-40 to improve the function and connectivity of my corroded jumper cable clamps:

Step 1: Identify the Corroded Areas

Examine the metal clamps of your jumper cables, paying close attention to the ends that connect to the battery terminals and the hinged mechanisms. Identify areas with white or greenish corrosion buildup.

Step 2: Gather Your WD-40

Ensure you have your can of WD-40 Multi-Use Product ready.

Step 3: Apply WD-40 to the Clamps

Take each clamp individually and aim the WD-40 nozzle directly at the corroded ends and the hinged pivot points. Apply a generous amount of WD-40, ensuring it saturates the corrosion and penetrates the moving parts.

Step 4: Work the Clamps Open and Closed

Repeatedly open and close each clamp. This action helps the WD-40 work its way into the stiff joints and break down the corrosion. You should start to feel the clamps move more freely.

Step 5: Focus on Stubborn Areas (If Necessary)

If some areas remain stiff or heavily corroded, apply another targeted spray of WD-40 and continue working the clamp.

Step 6: Wipe Away Excess (Optional)

Once the clamps are moving smoothly, you can wipe away any excess WD-40 and loosened corrosion with a rag. Be careful not to touch the battery terminals with the dirty rag.

Step 7: Test Connectivity (Visually)

While you can't fully test electrical connectivity without a dead battery, you should visually inspect the clamp ends. They should appear cleaner and make better contact when closed.

Now your jumper cables should be easier to use and provide a more reliable connection when you need them most!