Borescopes

How to Choose a Borescope

A borescope (or industrial endoscope) is a long flexible tube with a camera at the tip and a screen at the operator end. The right borescope depends on the diameter of the spaces you inspect, the level of detail needed and whether you need to record video.

Camera Diameter

• 5.5 mm and below. Small engine cylinders, valve trains, plumbing inside walls, automotive HVAC ducts.
• 6 to 9 mm. Most general HVAC, electrical and mechanical inspection. The most popular size.
• 9 to 13 mm. Large duct, industrial pipe, sewer lateral inspection.

Cable Length and Stiffness

Cable lengths range from 3 feet for small cavity work to 30+ feet for HVAC duct surveys. Semi rigid cables hold their shape and push around bends, which helps reach distant inspection points. Soft cables coil more tightly for storage but kink when pushed too hard.

Resolution and Lighting

HD 720p and 1080p cameras read well on the built in screen and on saved files. Most borescope tips include a ring of LED lights with adjustable brightness; without them the camera shows mostly black. Look for at least 6 LEDs for general inspection work and 8+ for darker industrial spaces.

WiFi vs Wired

WiFi borescopes stream live to a phone or tablet, which makes the screen larger and lets you save and share images instantly. Wired models with a built in screen are more reliable in cold and wet environments and do not depend on phone battery life. Many techs carry both and use whichever suits the job.

Pair a borescope with a thermal imager to find the hot spot first and a moisture meter to confirm wet areas inside walls.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a borescope and an endoscope?

The two terms describe the same tool: a long flexible tube with a camera at one end and a screen or interface at the other. Endoscope is the medical term, borescope is the industrial term. The construction and target use are different but the physical concept is the same.

Are WiFi borescopes reliable?

Mid and high end WiFi borescopes work well at distances under 30 feet from the phone. Cheap models can drop signal or lag during recording. For industrial use a wired borescope with built in screen is more reliable.

What size borescope camera do I need for engine cylinders?

For most automotive cylinder inspection, a 5.5 mm camera fits through the spark plug hole. Some smaller motorcycle and lawn equipment engines need a 4 mm or smaller camera. The depth of the cable should be 3 to 5 feet to reach into the cylinder bore.

Can borescopes record video?

Yes. Most borescopes record 1080p video to internal storage or a microSD card. WiFi models save to the phone's storage. Recordings let you walk a customer through what you found and serve as proof of pre repair condition.