questions about 405 nm lasers from eBay

[ixfd64]

It seems many of the "5 mW" 405 nm lasers on eBay are really good deals. But before I consider making a purchase, there are a few more things I'd like to know:

1. Do flashlight-style lasers have higher outputs that pen-style ones?
2. How is their overall build quality? For instance, will the paint start failing off after some time?
3. How long does shipping usually take?
4. What kind of lens do these lasers use?
5. Do the lasers have reverse polarity protection?
6. Is it safe to use lithium batteries?
7. Does anyone know which sellers are the best?

Thanks!

 

[hwang21]

eBay lasers are pen style lasers made in china, they usually die within a week or two, have plastic lenses, no protection, no over-anything protection, cheap quality. Some flashlight lasers will have higher outputs, some will have lower outputs. No guarantees on anything, if you're lucky you'll get a powerful one that's overdriven and dies, if not you'll get a crappy underpowered one that also dies.

 

[Blaster]

Well exception to all rules as far as I'm concerned i have dozens of eBay pens they all still work and some of them are terrific in output power and stable luck of the draw on what you get at the price ,as a starting point you cant go wrong i always have 405,532 and a 650 nm pens within arms reach literally at home in front of the TV just in case i feel the need to have a laser fix ...never had one die

 

[hwang21]

Well then lucky you, times a lot :beer:

 

[AnthoT]

Those ebay pens have done ok for me. The 532nm I have flickers but works while the 405 works perfectly. Build quality is well. Cheap as expected but for 5$ not much more is expected you can use a single lithium with a spacer but not 2 li-ions.

 

[dubious speculation]

you really cant go wrong for only $5, the green ebay pens flicker and have varied outputs but the 405 and 650nm pen lasers are very good for the price you pay,

i have a 650 pen and its incredibly stable and can light matches when focused
haven't had one die yet either

 

[Cel]

It is gamble most of the time, but there are some sellers that continuously sell over-spec lasers. I had maybe 1 dead laser out of 20.

For 4-5$ / piece, it is hell of a deal...

 

[ixfd64]

Are lasers from certain sellers better than the others, or are they all about the same?

 

[Cel]

Cheaper than the others, and maybe better, there are too many sellers out there to research that...