Right now I have a couple of really cheap T/S 1/4" to RCA cables I bought from Radio Shack probably 10-15 years ago - you know the crappy gray plastic sheathed type that they sold then and perhaps still do today.
Yes...they were like using thread rather than cable.
I would recycle them.
IMO...from experience...
I would buy a well shielded 1/4" - RCA stereo cables.
I've used Hosa for years and they work fine.
I don't think the brand is as important as the gauge/shielding.
Good luck....