[Fzob]

a 12-volt car battery isn't very useful as a torture device unless you either pour the acid on someone or beat them with it. I'd think that the clamps on jumper cables would be more irritating.

I don't know what the battery was used for, but a 12 volt car battery can pack a wallop of a shock if done "correctly". Think cold crack amps.

[pipecorp]

It ain't the voltage, its the amps that kills ya.

[meyer]

I don't know what the battery was used for, but a 12 volt car battery can pack a wallop of a shock if done "correctly". Think cold crack amps.

Not at its native voltage. It does pack some power, but needs some external toys in order to harness the power in such a way as to inflict pain. The ignition coil is the one with which I'm most familiar, having enjoyed the jolt of such. I suspect that there are 12-volt powered "paddles" such as those a paramedic would use to jump-start your heart. I'm certain that those would hurt, but could easily kill you as well.