SE Handheld Magnifier Set Chrome Plated 1-1/2", 2", 3" (3 PC.) - MM2020-3

I know I might have been expecting a lot here, it's 3 magnifying glasses for less than $10, but these really aren't that great. I've been looking for a quality pocket magnifying glass for a few years now. These were far from the first in my search, and it appears they won't be the last. I wouldn't even mind paying $20+ just for a great magnifying glass, but the market is just flooded with cheap garbage like this.To start off, the listing is incorrect. The 2" glass is actually just a hair over 1 1/2" wide. The 2 1/2" glass is just over 2 1/4". The 3" glass is the only accurate one, measuring exactly 3". None of them reach the magnification values listed. The smallest is maybe 3x, and the 3" glass is maybe 2x. It's hard to measure because the glasses warp what you're looking at pretty badly except for the dead center of the glass.On the plus side, and to answer the question that has been asked a lot, they really are glass. They are not plastic. However the glass is not very high quality. There are micro pits in the surface of the glass, and the edges are not ground very well. The smallest is actually ground 1/8" off-center on one side.The frame is just stamped sheet metal that isn't fitted very well. The middle sized glass was not even attached to the frame when I opened the box. It is textured a little bit inside to help hold the glass, but I wouldn't trust it to remain secure if the glass is tapped against something.The best part of these glasses is actually the brass handles. They are weighty and solid. It's too bad the metal frame and glass weren't constructed as well as the handle.Overall, if you're looking for a glass to keep in a desk to occasionally look at small print or something, these will probably work out ok. If you want a precision piece of glass that you can use frequently and that present a quality image when looking through them, and that won't cause eye fatigue, then I'd suggest you keep searching.

Very pleased with the quality of the glass lenses. They have no obvious inclusions in them or surface scratches. The magnifications appear to be what they claim. The description says "Chrome-plated steel rims for strength, hollow chromed-brass handles reduce weight". The rims are chrome plated steel. The handles on the set I received are chrome plated SOLID steel also. No brass to be found and not hollow. A magnet sticks to the handles just fine. And because the handles are solid steel, they counterbalance the heavy glass lenses well. I find them easier to use than the cheap plastic set I'm replacing.So, they fibbed about the brass parts, but the lenses are what I bought them for and they are great. The handles do screw off if you want to hold just the lens. All in all a pretty nice set. What did you expect for less than $10?Regarding the claims other reviews make about not being the correct magnification, think of this: As people who wear reading glasses can tell you, a 1.5 x pair of glasses do not make a 12 inch ruler look 18 inches long when held up in front of them. Optic magnification is not what you might think. That being said, they match magnifications of other magnifying glasses I have.

I have bad eyes, and am a retired "OLD GUY" needing help now in reading and looking at the fine stuff. Nobody's fault, it just happens. So finding this set of magnifying glass fit the bill. I like the largest for reading. It helps. The other smaller but powerful pair are spread about the house so a magnifying glass is handy at all times.This set proved a value in price compared to those I looked at in the big-box neighborhood store. I like the metal handle and real glass lens. Not as easy to scratch. They are working very well for me. I'm very happy I made the purchase.And at the economic price, I can even let the grandkids play with them, which they love to do. It was worth buying them just for the enjoyment of watching the grans.But they really do help this old man with his need of visual assistance. No complaints for this product.

This set of magnifying glasses fall short on every measure. First, they are no where need the power claimed. I saw other reviews that claimed that they were underpowered. So, this is somewhat my bad for not heeding the warning. However, I didn't expect them to be so terribly underpowered. At best, these are 2x, 2.5x, and 3x.They have glass lenses; however, the view is so heavily distorted that it doesn't matter. I have a cheap 3x plastic lens magnifier that is significantly clearer. I bought this set hoping that they would be both stronger and have less distortion than a plastic lens. The only thing the glass does is make them heavy. So, if you are looking for a realistic prop, then these will work.To round out the problems: The largest lens in the pack was significantly scuffed. The medium lens has a series of gouges near the edge. The metal rim around the medium and small lenses are ill-fitted and flex where they join the handle. I don't expect them to last long.Lesson learned: Heed the warnings left by other reviewers. These are only fitting as props and as an example that sometimes you actually do get less than what you pay for.

Decent quality for the price. I didn't expect a whole lot at this price point. They are glass so they are a bit heavy. The metal rims may not hold up well over time but I have seen worse. I simply needed something to see small print once in a while and they are fine for that purpose. I honestly don't see much of a difference in magnification. Got to hide these. They always seem to disappear in my house.