TO220 package size am I being conned?

[Flavour Flave]

Just recieved an N-channel MOSFET in a TO220 package sold as new on ebay from an UK seller.
I don't mind old new stock with a bit of oxide on it but aren't TO220 package leg sizes always the same length?
My MOSFETs legs were only 7mm long instead of 13 to 14mm. Its as if it has been cut off a circuit board?
Is this true?
This is the reply from the ebay seller.
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Hello,

 ?

I can assure you these are unused (old but unused), as you can see from the legs that there is no solder, no sign of cutting and they actually taper in as they should do. I couldn?t tell you why the legs are shorter, other than the fact I brought as a job lot, and I checked to see if they had been cut?which they haven?t?or if they have, then the person who cut then, filed down the legs to make the ends taper in ? which is very unlikely.

 ?

These are the only MTP3055?s I have, as such please return.

 ?

If you are not 100% happy, then please return the components for a full refund.

 ?

Thanks

Paul

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I don't like the fact that he may be selling second hand stuff as new and I need to build a contant current dummy load like Dave's for an Element 14 Road test of switchmode powersupply very soon.

ps the taper is 3-4mm from the body and I have 3mm to play with when it gets narrower. I don't think It will be long enough when I get my heatsink in couple of days.

[Flavour Flave]

Wow checked my Email and he has refunded me. Least he's quick I suppose he didn't want his only negative feed back to be "sells used components as new"

[david77]

Sometimes components that are intended to go on a PCB in an industrial production line come with pre-shortened pins.
Often surplus stock from the PCB houses ends up on the market. I'd guess this is how your MOSFET lost its legs.

[Flavour Flave]

Sometimes components that are intended to go on a PCB in an industrial production line come with pre-shortened pins.
Often surplus stock from the PCB houses ends up on the market. I'd guess this is how your MOSFET lost its legs.

Well I sent them an email to offer their refund back. Feel a bit of a fool,  next I time I will post a question before I respond so hastily.

[Simon]

hm sounds dodgy could be legit. If I were the seller I'd have made known the condition of the parts as it is obvious that it would be questioned. Not telling and expecting it to be all right makes me think the seller is not the most knowledgeable or honest

[Flavour Flave]

Well Ive just built a new workbench and my room's in a mess. So I'll have to check the parts tomorrow. Making shelves at the mo to put all my stuff on.

[BravoV]

Any chance you post a photoshoot of that mosfet ? Especially close up shot at the leg, or better if you have other normal TO-220 body as comparison placed side by side.

Really curious how it looks. TIA.

[Flavour Flave]

Any chance you post a photoshoot of that mosfet ? Especially close up shot at the leg, or better if you have other normal TO-220 body as comparison placed side by side.

Really curious how it looks. TIA.

My rooms is bombsite  and I don't know where my blue tooth dongle is. But I will post pics later when I sort stuff out.