More mileage out of your Oral B Pulsar toothbrush

For around $5 you would think the battery in an Oral B Pulsar toothbrush would last a little longer. Here is how I overcame that problem.

Step 1 The tools that I used

These are the tools I used. A pair each of vice grips, adjustable pliers, and small needle nose pliers (the smaller the better)

Comments

[rhodesy01]

I have a much easier solution for the contact / switch problem. Just wedge a load of kitchen foil between the contact and the battery. That way when it is re-assembled theres a good connection and you can still use the normal switch to turn the toothbrush on and off. I use the same trick in my torch too because the batteries had a loose connection, it works really well !

[tehpirate]

A toothbrush is supposed to be switched out every 2-3 months, which is about how long the battery in the one lasts.

[nairda]

That's what the manufacturers would like us to believe. Wouldn't be very profitable for them if everyone used their brush for it's real life span.

[tehpirate]

http://www.ada.org/prof/resources/positions/statements/toothbrush.asp
American dental association says 3-4 months, eh I was a month off but I'd rather not risk the chance of oral infections because of the bacteria a toothbrush harbors over time.

[nairda]

If you are worried about bacteria on your toothbrush simply soak it in isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol for 5 minutes or so and presto no more bacteria. This is used in hospitals for sterilization so it should be good enough for home. Anyway the bacteria are from your own mouth so how much damage could they do (unless you dropped the brush in the toilet by accident). If you have lots of money go ahead get a new brush, but it's not necessary.

[Pryer]

id be sure to get the alcohol off tho. i once asked my dentist what would happen if i drank the rubbing stuff. he laughed and said "Youd die!" im not sure if thats true but now im afraid of that stuff.

[AndyGadget]

What is the vibrating element like in those toothbrushes?
(And would it be suitable for making a Bristlebot?)

[nairda]

Looks like this

[AndyGadget]

As you say - standard tiny pager motor. That's what I used for 'Blinky'. Anyone for a Bristlebot farm?

[corksean14]

Its the standard tiny pager motor with off-kilter weight. perfect for bristlebots, I made my bristlebot out of one of these

[AndyGadget]

Thanks - Sounds good to me. I'll have to look out for "2 for 1" offers.

[Oryctolagus habilis]

I think they're getting wise to this: mine was super-glued! It broke so that I could get it back together, but its impossible to make use of the threading, so I had to mess with it to make the switch useable.

[Da_Fudge]

Nice 'Ible.