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General => General Technical Chat => Topic started by: PerranOak on May 19, 2019, 11:50:51 am

Title: CR2032 cheap source
Post by: PerranOak on May 19, 2019, 11:50:51 am

Does anyone have a favoured source for cheap CR2032 batteries please?

They're in everything so I need loads but I've had bad experiences with really cheapo ones not lasting five minutes.

Cheers.

Title: Re: CR2032 cheap source
Post by: Psi on May 19, 2019, 11:57:33 am

how cheap is cheap.

Panasonic CR2032 are 24cents in 100 qty at digikey.
I consider that pretty cheap and Panasonic is a good brand

https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/panasonic-bsg/CR2032/P189-ND/31939 (https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/panasonic-bsg/CR2032/P189-ND/31939)

Title: Re: CR2032 cheap source
Post by: james_s on May 19, 2019, 06:28:05 pm

I've bought a few random batches of them from DealExtreme in the past, never really had any trouble.

Title: Re: CR2032 cheap source
Post by: MosherIV on May 19, 2019, 08:49:51 pm

I get some from Poundland. Only use them for non critical stuff though.
So far no problems.

Title: Re: CR2032 cheap source
Post by: CatalinaWOW on May 19, 2019, 09:01:03 pm

You might want to edit your title as it appears that cheap is only one of your requirements.

If you get creative you can find really cheap 2032s.  The cheapest I ever found was by buying remaindered electronic candles after Halloween and removing the included 2032.  As I recall those were about a nickel each with an LED and really low quality battery holder thrown in.

I haven't noticed big differences in quality from various sources, though I haven't paid enough attention to really tell.  My experience has been that quality of the battery holder, and quality of the equipment design (low peak and average current draw) has more effect on the life of these batteries than the battery quality.  YMMV.

Title: Re: CR2032 cheap source
Post by: Bicurico on May 19, 2019, 09:43:39 pm

I buy mine at Ikea...
https://m2.ikea.com/pt/pt/p/plattboj-pilha-de-litio-80291156/

Regards,
Vitor

Title: Re: CR2032 cheap source
Post by: bob91343 on May 19, 2019, 10:06:09 pm

I just ask ebay to list them in price order and buy from China.  I haven't had a problem so far, just a few cents per cell.  I also bought battery holders, very cheap.

China is an excellent source for me; I rarely have a problem.  Or at least, any problems I do have are no worse than when I buy from so-called reputable sources.  The down side, beside long wait time, is inability to inspect the product and see if it fits, etc.  And should I ask a question, the person on the other end doesn't really have the ability to communicate well in English.

Title: Re: CR2032 cheap source
Post by: PerranOak on May 21, 2019, 06:12:04 pm

Cheers all.

Yes, I should have said "cheap and long lasting"!

Title: Re: CR2032 cheap source
Post by: tkamiya on May 22, 2019, 05:51:15 pm

I buy in bulk from Amazon.  Cheap ones are from third party vendors though.  Results has been hit and miss.  I test them with my battery tester.