Laser recommendation

I am looking to replace the laser we use in our existing chain alignment tool. The current laser we are using is the cheap 5 head laser you can buy at any department store. We would like the dimensions to be about the same dimensions as the cheaper laser. Any information would be appreciated.

your best bet is buying that same exact laser again. if you buy anything we recommend here then you and everyone in your shop is going to need to work with laser safety glasses on when you use the laser OR if we recommend a low powered laser it will run you over $50 plus it will most likely be a 2x AA setup which is longer than the one you have now.

let me know if your still interested in a recommendation and also id need more info about what you need; what wavelength, diameter, what type of power switch do you want (rear or side click), price range, etc....

Thank you for the quick reply. We definitely want to stay with a low powered laser. The problem with the laser we are currently using is the reliability - basically there is none. Can't complain too much though considering the laser only costs $1.00.

Here are the specs for a laser that works really well - I just can't seem to find it for sale anywhere. (probably because I don't know what I'm looking for)

wavelength = 630-680nM
max output = <5mW
class IIIA laser
diameter ≈ 5/8"
switch could be front or back we will build the fixture around the laser
price <= $20
Thanks again!

This is over your budget, but it's a really really nice laser... https://www.laserglow.com/GTA

thats the thing, even that cheap laser you are using is probably more powerful than 5mW. unfortunately to get a true 5mW red laser you are looking at about $30-50. you could buy a laser pen off ebay but then even those are more powerful than 5mW (most coming in over 100mW) and thats unsafe to use without glasses.

This is the cheapest true 3-5mW red laser you will find https://www.laserglow.com/GLI#

Just my two cents, but it looks exactly like the one I got at Pet Smart a couple of years back for a few bucks. It was shite, but it was cheap, and definitely low powered.

It's tough to give a recommendation for your power needs and budget.

hwang21 said:

This is over your budget, but it's a really really nice laser... https://www.laserglow.com/GTA

Click to expand...

lol - if that thing was $25 cheaper it would be perfect.

Livinloud said:

thats the thing, even that cheap laser you are using is probably more powerful than 5mW. unfortunately to get a true 5mW red laser you are looking at about $30-50. you could buy a laser pen off ebay but then even those are more powerful than 5mW (most coming in over 100mW) and thats unsafe to use without glasses.

This is the cheapest true 3-5mW red laser you will find https://www.laserglow.com/GLI#

Click to expand...

That actually would work except for the length. (forgot to post that spec sorry) I need something half the length of that one, so the AA or AAA battery ones will not work.

Again I thank you guys for your input.

well based on your requirements you are limited to the exact same laser you currently have......sorry for the bad news and wish there were other options but your size and price limit kill any hopes for something better