Looking for Bore scope recommendations

[1-3-2-4]

My wife is asking what I want for Xmas...so I'm using this opportunity to pepper my list with items I'd like to have but probably wouldn't normally buy for myself. I'm doing some research on scopes, and I'm coming up with questions. Wired vs wireless, length, brand, lighting style, etc.

What do you recommend and why? Not looking to break the bank, but I can see this being very useful on the cars, bikes, and house. Thanks!

 

[JayL]

Amazon Deal of the day.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001F7BIIA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

I like the Rigid See Snake Micro - great for all around looking in tight spots. It's relatively inexspensive and easy to use. Not too fragile. The only down side is the camera head is about 3/4", so you can't get it through small holes.
I keep mine at work and use it to lokk inside pumps / blowers all the time. I've also used it at home to find a "lost" wire in a wall, and looking in holes to find the best spot to cut to make a big hole in the wall.
I gave one to my brother a couple of years ago and he used it on his job - alarm / communications system installer - for finding places to run wires constantly for a solid year before he finally wore it out.

 

[chevelle67]

I have a Milwaukee Mspector and a testo eyepiece type, for general use the mspector is the way I'd go but if checking combustion chambers or piston wash I still use th the Testo one because the end is smaller. Milwaukee does make a smaller whip for theirs but the whip alone is more than the testo scope. Get the Miwaukee and get the smaller whip later if needed.

 

[1-3-2-4]

The Milwaukee looks/sounds promising...however, Milwaukee's site doesn't mention USB or SD compatibility. I'd like the ability to upload the file to the computer, if possible.

 

[rsanter]

I like the Rigid See Snake Micro - great for all around looking in tight spots. It's relatively inexspensive and easy to use. Not too fragile. The only down side is the camera head is about 3/4", so you can't get it through small holes.
I keep mine at work and use it to lokk inside pumps / blowers all the time. I've also used it at home to find a "lost" wire in a wall, and looking in holes to find the best spot to cut to make a big hole in the wall.
I gave one to my brother a couple of years ago and he used it on his job - alarm / communications system installer - for finding places to run wires constantly for a solid year before he finally wore it out.

I have the seesnake and like it alot
they have 2 different cameras/flex shafts. one is about 3/4 and the other is 1/4 ./the 1/4 one has a shorter focul range but works good for cylinder inspections. I have both leads for my unit, they swap easily

bob

 

[1-3-2-4]

I have the seesnake and like it alot
they have 2 different cameras/flex shafts. one is about 3/4 and the other is 1/4 ./the 1/4 one has a shorter focul range but works good for cylinder inspections. I have both leads for my unit, they swap easily

bob

Bob, does that model capture video? It looks like only the REALLY expensive upper model does...

 

[Stuey]

Dewalt & Extech have video-capture models.

 

[1-3-2-4]

Good call on the Extech. I saw some of their stuff in catalogs, but couldn't remember the name today. I really like this one: http://www.aikencolon.com/extech-br-250-video-boresccope.html

9mm head is small enough that I can look through spark plug holes. After thinking about it, that is about my largest concern. Most of the larger ones are around 17 mm or so...

 

[Stuey]

I think General may make one as well, not sure.

But you're right, the Extech and Dewalt models can be equipped with 9mm bores for auto work.

I'm not sure if there are any auto-specific ones with thinner heads and video capabilities, but will make a note to do a search later.

The Extech is more compact than the Dewalt, but the Dewalt has a li-ion rechargeable vs. AAs.

 

[toolslut6.0]

Ac Delco makes one with a 6 foot lead and 7 mm camera I think. Maybe it's 8 mm. Anyway I like it because it uses double a batteries so I don't have to mess with chargers in the service truck. Good camera so far. Had one for around 2 years. Fits down cat injector holes. Only like 120 bucks if I remember right

 

[DanarchyCustoms]

My F150 spit out a spark plug a few weeks ago and I was unsure about the condition of the threads, piston and head. Purchased the $100 Ryobi Inspection Camera and it worked perfectly. I was able to tell that the piston was still in one piece, unmarred and that the threads were just screwed up. Saved me a headache or two wondering how the cylinder was. Also during the repair it allowed me to make sure everything was going to plan. Definitely recommend one for the toolbox.

 

[Danglerb]

$28/ebay/china waterproof and 30' cord powered by USB works with any PC/laptom. Head is I think 12mm, fits down a sparkplug hole or flush it down the toilet to check pipes.

If you are not sure you need one, makes a cheap way to find out.

 

[ttpete]

I just bought an Autel scope. It has a 5.5 mm diameter head, so you can go down a 1/4" hole with it. Has data capture on a micro SD card or direct into a laptop. Also has TV output.

http://www.autelshop.com/wholesale/autel-maxivideo-mv208-55mm-digital-inspection-videoscope.html

 

[tymbo]

I just ordered one of these to scope my drain pipe to septic tank. The rental rate for a professional one was $118 for 4 hours!

$28/ebay/china waterproof and 30' cord powered by USB works with any PC/laptom. Head is I think 12mm, fits down a sparkplug hole or flush it down the toilet to check pipes.

If you are not sure you need one, makes a cheap way to find out.