Looking at borescope, any recommendations?

RodgerH · #1 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 06:45 AM

I'm in the market for a borescope. I'm thinking about one with approx. a 2' shaft, maybe an angled mirror attachment, maybe an articulating shaft?

Something to look into a cylinder thru the spark plug hole to see the valves and piston top, or down an intake runner (after the carb is removed) to check gasket alignment, etc.

Something worth buying, but not stupidly expensive?

http://www.provision100.com/ has several (and accessories) on their website, but not a lot of good info to help make a choice.

I really don't know much about them......any recommendations?

Rodger

Woodz428 · #2 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 07:08 AM

Haven't had a need for one, but let us know how it works and which one you get.
I'm looking at a wall thickness test equipment. I would use that more often.

cdnus · #3 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 08:29 AM

I had one similar to those & did not like it. the screen is very small & hard to see clearly.
I now have one sold by Snap ON, has a larger screen, but still not the greatest clarity.
It can be hooked up to a monitor which I think would help a lot. I have not had the occasion to try that yet but will be in the near future.

Craig

Gunner · #4 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 08:50 AM

I know that electronics ability is not common in the wrench world, but it would not take much experience to be capable of buying a surplus microcamera (probably better than anything used in a commercial borescope of reasonable cost), fit it on a slim gooseneck with a ring of white LEDs, and bring it all out to a connection for a TV, PC or monitor. It would be all straight assembly, little design or creative work needed.

Just a thought.

ccx1984 · #5 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 01:41 PM

try the Rigid seescope has a lighted camera and a 36" and 72" cable, has a 2" diagonal vewing screen, i bought mine a Home Depot for $150.00. there in the tool dept. at the store. or go on rigids website to see the options.

cdnus · #6 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 03:58 PM

If memory serves me, the Ridgid cable was much larger than the Snap On. Wouldn't bet on it though.
I am able to go in the plug hole & have a pretty good look around & with the mirror attachment 90deg viewing is OK.
Can't imagine making one of these any cheaper than what they cost. Having a ring of led's would be difficult getting through a plug hole.

The head & shaft size on the S/O is only 1/4 " & uses fiber optic lighting as do all that I have looked at. Some have much larger shafts though.

Craig

427sharpe · #7 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ccx1984

try the Rigid seescope has a lighted camera and a 36" and 72" cable, has a 2" diagonal vewing screen, i bought mine a Home Depot for $150.00. there in the tool dept. at the store. or go on rigids website to see the options.

Ditto! I had one of the ProVision, and it was hard to see anything in real world. The Home Depot unit has a much larger color screen, easier to use. I used it to verify a leaking heater core on a neighbors car, and use it on mine for lots of purposes...like seeing that screw or bolt you have to normally 'feel' for. The HD unit is the best bang for the buck, IMHO, and it is made by Milwaukee Tools (at least mine was!).

bobcowan · #8 (**permalink**) 12-03-2009, 11:57 PM

I have a Ridgid See Snake. I find it's easy to use, and can clearly see what I'm looking for. I'v used it for a lot of stuff around the house and garage; very handy.

BUT, it's too big to insert into a spark plug hole.