Its entirely possible that they have had their magnetics screwed up due to be close to metal or something. Small ones arent very accurate. Also, did the liquid inside dry out? Without that to dampen the needle, it may be very inaccurate. Lastly, cheap compasses are cheap for a reason. The generic zipper pull ones twnd not to last very long, in my experience. I carry a small Brunton button compass in my PSK, but, going out into the woods, I always have my military lensatic compass. That is extremely accurate, and, for whatever reason, its the only one I understand (I'm not all that smart sometimes). I had, until recently, depended on my Suunto watch for a backup compass. Until, of course, I needed it, & found out it wasnt accurate either.