What Can go Wrong with Borescopes?
With proper care and maintenance, borescopes can last for many years. With that said, borescopes, while built to be rugged, do have some vulnerability due to the design, and the use of electronics in the camera and lighting are always prone to failure for a variety of reasons. Those reasons will be discussed in this article as well as ways one can use preventative measures to prolong the life of a borescope.
Borescopes, whether rigid or flexible, are designed for inspecting hard-to-reach areas and are generally durable. However, they are not indestructible and are susceptible to damage and breakage due to various factors, including:
Physical Damage to the Probe:
Borescopes frequently operate in tough conditions, and the probe is especially vulnerable to physical stress. Accidental drops, getting caught or wedged inside tight enclosures, or being pinched or crushed by surrounding components can lead to serious damage—or even complete failure. These kinds of impacts can permanently affect the probe’s performance, so careful handling is key to keeping it in working condition.
Borescopes frequently operate in tough conditions, and the probe is especially vulnerable to physical stress. Accidental drops, getting caught or wedged inside tight enclosures, or being pinched or crushed by surrounding components can lead to serious damage—or even complete failure. These kinds of impacts can permanently affect the probe’s performance, so careful handling is key to keeping it in working condition.
Improper Handling
While borescopes are built to be durable, they contain sensitive components that require careful handling. Think of your borescope like a smartphone: it’s a powerful tool, but not indestructible. The most vulnerable areas are the camera housing and the probe—especially if the device includes articulation. Over-flexing the articulating section can strain internal mechanisms and lead to damage. To avoid costly repairs, treat your borescope with the same care you’d give to any precision instrument.
While borescopes are built to be durable, they contain sensitive components that require careful handling. Think of your borescope like a smartphone: it’s a powerful tool, but not indestructible. The most vulnerable areas are the camera housing and the probe—especially if the device includes articulation. Over-flexing the articulating section can strain internal mechanisms and lead to damage. To avoid costly repairs, treat your borescope with the same care you’d give to any precision instrument.
Broken articulation camera tip due to forcing the bent head out of an enclosure
Pinched camera head from internal components inside structure (turning piston).
|
Camera head ripped off by getting snagged and forced out of enclosure
Broken articulation camera tip due to removing from enclosure while still bent
|
Careless Handling Due to Routine or Fatigue:
Technicians often rely on borescopes throughout the day, sometimes using them nonstop during a shift. Over time, routine tasks, job stress, and fatigue can lead to rushed work or less attention to detail—especially when handling the more delicate parts of the tool. It’s important to stay aware of how these factors can increase the risk of accidental damage. Taking a moment to be mindful during use can go a long way in preserving the borescope’s condition and avoiding unnecessary repairs.
Technicians often rely on borescopes throughout the day, sometimes using them nonstop during a shift. Over time, routine tasks, job stress, and fatigue can lead to rushed work or less attention to detail—especially when handling the more delicate parts of the tool. It’s important to stay aware of how these factors can increase the risk of accidental damage. Taking a moment to be mindful during use can go a long way in preserving the borescope’s condition and avoiding unnecessary repairs.
Heat Exposure Risks:
Unless specifically designed for high-temperature environments, most borescopes are vulnerable to heat damage. Excessive temperatures can melt the lens or compromise internal components, leading to blurry or completely unusable images. To prevent this, many standard borescopes are built to automatically shut down when they reach around 140°F—the maximum temperature they should be exposed to. Always check your device’s specifications and avoid using it in conditions that exceed its thermal limits.
Unless specifically designed for high-temperature environments, most borescopes are vulnerable to heat damage. Excessive temperatures can melt the lens or compromise internal components, leading to blurry or completely unusable images. To prevent this, many standard borescopes are built to automatically shut down when they reach around 140°F—the maximum temperature they should be exposed to. Always check your device’s specifications and avoid using it in conditions that exceed its thermal limits.
Exposure to Water, Chemicals or other Harmful Elements: Water and other abrasive solvents can damage the borescopes camera components. Do not immerse the probe or camera head into water unless your borescope has a waterproof rating that is intended for such applications. Placing the borescope into volatile fuels or areas where these materials are present can be very dangerous. Never use under these conditions unless your borescope is certified specifically for this use.
Not storing properly: Borescopes should be properly stored in a temperature controlled environment away from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures. When closing the case, make sure that the borescope is stored in the original protective case: Secure before closing: Ensure the probe is fully seated in its groove. Closing the case on an exposed probe can cause serious damage.
Store in a safe environment: Keep the borescope in a dry, temperature-controlled location in its protective carrying case to prevent accidental damage and to keep the components in premium condition.
4-Way or All Way Joystick Articulation Cautions: A good way to prolong the life of your 4-way or all-way joystick articulation borescopes is to make sure to recenter the joystick before shifting to another angle. This minimizes stress on the cables inside the probe while also ensuring that you will get the maximum bending back of the articulating tip.
Small Diameter Borescopes: Small Diameter borescopes are especially susceptible to damage. With some probes smaller than a shoestring, these scopes need to be handled with extra caution when being used. The tips or edges can be damaged with constant friction from rubbing up against rough edges inside of equipment causing a fraying of the top where the probe connects to the camera housing. Cables can be kinked, broken, or pinched by a carrying case easily if not handled carefully.
Small diameter borescope with a frayed end due to abrasion
|
A kink in a small diameter borescope due to trauma during use
|
Using the Wrong Accessories: Make sure to use all of the original accessories that are provided with your borescope for optimal function. Some accessories such as batteries or chargers are sometimes possible to be purchased from a secondary source, but always check with the manufacturer of the unit to be sure. Storage cards are often meant to hold a specific amount of gigabytes. Make sure to use the correct sized card or this could cause some issues with your borescope such as shutting down or at least, not being able to save photos. Make sure to read your instruction manual carefully to make sure you are using these accessories appropriately.
Avoid Overworking the Battery: If you have a borescope that requires or contains a rechargeable battery or batteries, make sure to power off your borescope after use making sure it has adequate charge. Leaving the device on unnecessarily or overcharging it can shorten battery life and affect overall performance.
Wear and Tear Over Time: Even with careful handling, borescopes naturally experience wear from regular use. Over time, certain components may need repair or full replacement. To get the most out of your tool and extend its lifespan, be sure to follow the care tips mentioned above. A little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your borescope working reliably.
Anticipating issues with borescopes are equally as important as choosing the correct borescope for your application. Paying careful attention to your tool and the environment which it is exposed will contribute significantly to its longevity and usability. Make sure to follow these guidelines when using your borescope to get the most out of your inspections and extend the life of this valuable tool.
