PDA

View Full Version : Speaking of Bore scopes...


BillyGman
04-09-2006, 11:06 AM
MAC had mentioned the use of borescopes in another thread, but since I didn't want to change the main topic of that thread, I decided to start a new one to ask this question....

not that I have any great or pressing need for a borescope, but I'm thinking that a borescope would be a pretty cool tool to have, and it might even come in handy some day too. The last time I did a search on the net for them though, the only ones I found were literally 1,000's of dollars.

Does anyone know of a source that has halfway decent ones for 100's of dollars instead of 1,000's of dollars??? I'm not even sure if there are any local places that rent those things out. Like I said, there's no great and pressing need for one that I have, so I wouldn't go spending BIG bucks for one either. Just thought I'd throw this out there. :)
Blackened300a
04-09-2006, 11:11 AM
Try looking on Ebay

,eBay - borescope, Industrial Supply, MRO, Parts Accessories items on eBay.com (http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?MfcISAPICommand=Get Result&ht=1&shortcut=0&from=R41&query=borescope&category0=)
Heres 36 of them for a reasonable price
BillyGman
04-09-2006, 11:33 AM
Ya know, I didn't even think of e-bay for that. Good call. I see one for $300, and another for $170. Now that's a little more tempting. Thanks.
Blackened300a
04-09-2006, 11:35 AM
No prob! :beer:
Ross
04-10-2006, 09:08 AM
Try the Garrett Wade tool catalog. The have one for a couple of hundred bucks.
www.garrettwade.com

try this http://www.garrettwade.com/jump.jsp?lGen=detail&itemID=106647&itemType=PRODUCT&iProductID=106647
BillyGman
04-10-2006, 10:45 AM
Try the Garrett Wade tool catalog. The have one for a couple of hundred bucks.
www.garrettwade.com (http://www.garrettwade.com)

try this http://www.garrettwade.com/jump.jsp?lGen=detail&itemID=106647&itemType=PRODUCT&iProductID=106647
Thanks Ross.
Krytin
04-10-2006, 11:52 AM
They are nice if you ever want to check out the inside of the cylinder/combustion chamber - I have even made some visual checks on valve seats and faces. You can also poke around gear cases w/out taking them apart.
rocknrod
04-10-2006, 07:40 PM
We use em alot in the power industry.
Long ones and VERY expensive.
Scary-Very.
BillyGman
04-11-2006, 05:34 AM
They are nice if you ever want to check out the inside of the cylinder/combustion chamber - I have even made some visual checks on valve seats and faces. You can also poke around gear cases w/out taking them apart. Now yer talkin' my language. ;) I just bought one.
Bradley G
04-11-2006, 06:09 AM
You just gotta see inside that Big Block, Huh?:D
Good for you BGM!
BillyGman
04-11-2006, 06:52 AM
You just gotta see inside that Big Block, Huh?:D
Good for you BGM! yep... :drool: :D
Paul T. Casey
04-11-2006, 04:27 PM
Looks like you've already found one. We use them often at work, looking into pipes, valves, etc. It'll take a little getting used to, I believe what you're actually looking for is a fiberscope, which can be manipulated around. Most people who don't have to test and certify on this equipment every 3 years however would call them all boroscopes. Back to the point, another good place to find them is as surplus from power companies (anytime a so called improved one comes out, the just have to replace the old ones), aircraft mechanical shops (same reasons), gov't surplus (same reasons, just more into new glitz). I'll look around, I've got a few good gov't surplus auctions sites stored somewhere, kind of like eBay, only more new never used items.
BAD MERC
04-11-2006, 04:47 PM
I actually have a cheaper Boroscope. It has a light on the end through fiber optics and has a focus adjustment. I think I paid about $300.00 for it (equivalent to a tank of gas!) from Matco tools. It was useful in determining if the pistons came in contact with the valves after a timing belt failure in a Daewoo. I would not purchase an expensive one unless you're a surgeon and you need 100% accurate tools. I will post more info on it tomorrow including a photo.
Todd
04-11-2006, 06:47 PM
http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog.jsp?&SKU=11897

$339

This one has a 24inch shaft. I think Eastwood Company has a couple that are different lengths. For around the same money.



I will be ordering this one soon. Its one of those tools that you hope you never NEED but if you did it would opay for itself in saved worries or at least confirmation on theories. If that makes sense.
BillyGman
04-12-2006, 04:23 AM
While shopping for one, I noticed that some are said to be "obedient" and some not "obedient". The "Obedient" variety are those that will hold their shape once bent into the desired position. Kind of like a pipe cleaner would stay put once you bent it into shape. The non-obedient ones are said to just flop around(or was this already pointed out by someone here?).
Todd
04-12-2006, 04:35 AM
While shopping for one, I noticed that some are said to be "obedient" and some not "obedient". The "Obedient" variety are those that will hold their shape once bent into the desired position. Kind of like a pipe cleaner would stay put once you bent it into shape. The non-obedient ones are said to just flop around(or was this already pointed out by someone here?).


I dont think anyone else pointed it out. But holding shape is one of the advantages. What if you want to look at the valve faces. Cant do that with one that has a mind of its own!!!

Thats another reason (although I didnt state my reasons) that I am looking to get the one I listed the link to above.

Then again, depending on the shape of the entrance and how much room you have to work, you may not be able to get it to keep its shape....
BAD MERC
04-12-2006, 09:49 AM
Here's where I got mine. http://www.provision100.com/. I will be at CarFixer's house Friday night for the Trilogy install. Whoever is there and wants to see it I will bring it with me for those who have never used one.
BillyGman
04-12-2006, 11:28 AM
I dont think anyone else pointed it out. But holding shape is one of the advantages. What if you want to look at the valve faces. Cant do that with one that has a mind of its own!!!

Thats another reason (although I didnt state my reasons) that I am looking to get the one I listed the link to above.

Then again, depending on the shape of the entrance and how much room you have to work, you may not be able to get it to keep its shape.... That's true. I think there are trade-offs with both types.