Inspection cameras, bore scopes

[awkknottedup]

I am researching those small hand held cameras with the fiber optic extension for getting into small spaces. HF has one for $150 and a similar looking unit on Amazon for $180.

Anyone have any experience or recommendations?

This will be for home use and for inspecting a house we are looking at. The house may have water damage from burst pipes and I want to look into walls.

 

[D.B. in Mi.]

I have seen the one Rigid makes and it is a good unit. The other manufacturers are made about the same. I can see where they could come in handy if you are doing work in an existing structure.

 

[ScottP]

I have been looking at them also.
One thing to keep in mind is the size of the lens end of the cable. The rigid lens is 3/4" some are a lot smaller. The smallest I have seen are around a 1/4" however they are not as cheap.

Scott

 

[schmuck]

I work for a class 1 railroad and they use one all the time to check for cracked pistons. But, the pistons are 9" across and weigh about 47 pounds....

 

[Anonymous-0]

HF's version works pretty good for me, just scoped out a gas tank with it. I got a coupon out of the NRA magazine, every month, its worth 20% off any single HF item, comes in handy. The camera comes in very handy, looking for leaks, and loose parts.

 

[Nolan]

I have the harbor freight one. Works just fine. Works real well in fact.

Downside is the size of the unit. Won't fit into small sparkplug holes.

 

[steve706]

The rigid one is actually very good for the price,plus the cable is waterproof so the camera can be submerged. If you take a look at aircraft tool suppliers they usually have quite a few types. The one I use for work is snap on and has very high resolution and can be downloaded to your computer. If you shop around there are some really good prices.

 

[Anonymous-0]

SNAP-ON IS $400 JUST BOUGHT ONE CAN GET WITH EITHER 10MM WAND OR THE NEW THINK IT'S A 5.5MM COMES WITH 3FTLEAD OR IN MY CASE GET THE LONGER ONE I THINK IS 5 OR 6 FT.JUST LIKE WATCHIN AQ VIDEO IN COLOR AN CAN DOWN LOAD TO UR COMPUTER!! GRET TOOL

 

[jim in N M]

We use them all the time in our Inspection business,can record on CD or video tape,Also use Infra-Red cameras ,can see them in Negative or Positive mode.........Jim in N M

 

[jim in N M]

Forgot to mention, high maintaince on both ! Jim in N M