Purchasing a keychain laser pointer can be loads of fun as you can use it to point to objects far away or to impress your friends. There are many different types available ranging from those that can point miles high in the night sky to those used in presentations. Before handling one however, here are 5 things you should never do with a keychain laser pointer.

1. Do not look directly into the laser

This one might be a given but a lot of people don’t know any better and believe that the laser from the keychain laser pointer is completely harmless. In fact, many eye injuries have occurred as a result of people looking directly at the laser. Just as you wouldn’t look down the barrel of a rifle, when handling a keychain laser pointer never look at the point.

2. Do not aim the keychain laser pointer at any aircraft

Depending on the power of the laser pointer, you actually might not be able to reach that far into the sky but there are some that can. Not only is pointing a laser at an aircraft a federal offense, but it can also have other serious consequences. In fact, this is one of the major reasons why regulations for portable lasers are so strict in some areas.

3. Do not point the laser at people

This should be another given when handling a keychain laser pointer as you wouldn’t want someone else to point a high powered laser at you either. These can be extremely dangerous to the eye and if you happen to slip for just one second, you never know where that laser can end up in. Next thing you know, you’re responsible for damaging someone else’s eye which you do not want to happen.

4. Do not use the wrong equipment when cleaning the lens

This is perhaps one of the most common causes of damage to laser pointers in general as people tend to incorrectly clean their lens. The lens part needs to be handled with special care as they make use of precise and delicate optics. Be sure to gently use compressed air and to use cleaning clothes specifically for keychain laser pointer.

5. Do not modify the keychain laser pointer

If you are technically able to modify a laser pointer does not necessarily mean that you should as most lasers are not designed to handle the increased power levels. In addition, experimenting with a keychain laser pointer may also cause irreversible damage.

A keychain laser pointer can be extremely convenient as they are portable and can fit just about anywhere. Be sure to keep these factors in mind and to remember most of all never to point one at a person or to look directly in the laser. Other than that, a keychain laser pointer has many applications such as in the classroom or during presentations.