What is the Right Endoscope or Borescope for Industrial Use

Introduction

inspection technology has become a cornerstone of preventive maintenance, diagnostics, and operational safety. Two of the most critical tools for internal visual inspection are the borescope and endoscope. Though originally from different fields, they’re now widely used across automotive, plumbing, HVAC, and manufacturing industries.

Choosing the right tool for your application isn’t just about specs—it’s about selecting the correct diameter, flexibility, resolution, and lighting to match your inspection task.
Get this wrong, and you risk poor diagnostics, equipment damage, or wasted costs.

Key takeaway: Whether you’re peering into a car engine, a pipeline, or a complex piece of machinery, using the right inspection camera helps you work faster, safer, and more efficiently.

What’s the Difference Between a Borescope and an Endoscope?

While the terms are often used interchangeably in online marketplaces, they originally served different purposes:

• Borescopes are designed for industrial applications and are often rigid or semi-rigid, making them ideal for inspecting machinery, engines, and static structures.

• Endoscopes, in contrast, are typically more flexible, and while originally used in medical contexts, they’ve become common in inspecting softer pathways like plumbing and HVAC ducts.

Key Differences:

? Related Product: Grabo PRO-Lifter 20 – Vacuum lifter for surface inspection tasks
Use with endoscope tools to check tile or surface integrity before lifting.

Key Industrial Use Cases

Let’s break down the practical, real-world uses where a borescope or endoscope becomes essential:

Automotive Inspections

• Cylinder and piston checks

• Combustion chamber inspections

• Timing belt and valve assessments

• Turbocharger diagnostics

? Relevant Tool: Shinano SI-1490B Air Impact Wrench – Often used alongside borescopes in engine work.

Plumbing and Pipework

• Clogged drains and pipe blockages

• Leak detection inside walls or underground systems

• Corrosion checks in metallic pipelines

? Support Product: 

HVAC Systems

• Ductwork inspections for mold or blockage

• Coil corrosion and airflow restriction checks

Aircraft and Aviation Maintenance

• Jet turbine checks

• Structural inspection of tight compartments

• Scheduled airframe diagnostics

? Inspection Accessory: Maxxeon WorkStar 5000 – Area Light – Ideal for illuminating inspection environments.

Heavy Machinery & Manufacturing

• Visual diagnostics for gearboxes, bearings, and mechanical systems

• Routine preventive maintenance

? Matching Accessory: Shinano SI-2210 Belt Sander – Surface prep after internal inspection

Important Features to Consider

To choose the right inspection camera, you must understand the technical specs that impact functionality:

Camera Resolution

The higher the resolution, the more detail you'll capture:

• 720p: Basic level for simple diagnostics

• 1080p or 2MP+: Ideal for clear imaging in automotive and manufacturing

• 4MP+ or dual lenses: Professional-grade inspections

If you’re inspecting critical moving parts or corrosion, always opt for HD or above.

? Advanced Tool: [VEVOR Industrial Endoscope – Coming Soon to TendSupplies]

Cable Type & Length

• Rigid borescopes are great for straight-line access like engine blocks.

• Semi-rigid cables offer slight flexibility, suitable for most HVAC or pipe jobs.

• Flexible endoscopes work well for winding plumbing systems or irregular ductwork.

Lengths range from 1 meter (for desktop work) to 15+ meters (for underground pipelines).

Probe Diameter

Critical for access in tight areas:

• 3.9mm – 5.5mm: Needed for spark plug holes, injectors, or tight cavities

• 6mm – 10mm: Best for general pipe inspections, HVAC ducts, and engine chambers