How to Use a Borescope? | Step-by-Step Inspection Guide

Knowing how to use a borescope correctly turns a dark, inaccessible cavity into a clear picture you can diagnose from. Whether you are inspecting engine cylinders, checking plumbing pipes, or looking inside wall cavities, the process follows the same core steps: insert the probe, navigate the cable, adjust the lighting, and observe the live feed on your screen. This guide walks through the full procedure from preparation through cleanup so you get usable images every time. For a rundown of the best models for DIY jobs, see our guide to the best borescope for home use.

How Do You Prepare a Borescope for Use?

Good preparation prevents damage and saves rework. Start by making sure the vehicle or equipment is turned off, parked on level ground, and fully cooled. A hot engine can damage the probe or cause injury.

• Secure the engine: Turn the ignition off and let the engine cool completely before removing any components.
• Access the inspection point: Remove spark plugs or access port plugs to open the inspection area — typically a cylinder or valve cavity.
• Clean around the opening: Wipe away dirt and debris around the access point so nothing falls inside or blocks the view.
• Charge the battery: Make sure the borescope battery is fully charged, and keep a spare ready for longer jobs.
• Assemble accessories: Attach mirrors for angled views, magnets for retrieval, or side-facing optical tips as needed for your specific inspection.

Using a Borescope for Engine Inspection: Step-by-Step Procedure

A methodical insertion and observation sequence gives you the best chance of spotting cracks, wear, or blockages without damaging the tool. The procedure below follows standard practice for automotive borescope work.

1. Insert the probe gently into the spark plug hole or access port. Never force it — if it meets resistance, adjust the angle.
2. Position the piston at the bottom of the cylinder to see the largest extent of the cylinder walls. Crank the engine manually to move the piston if needed.
3. Adjust the lighting using the brightness control. Reduce brightness when the camera is close to the target — high light at close range washes out the image.
4. Angle the tip toward the target rather than pointing straight at it. Angling creates visible depth, making cracks and defects easier to identify.
5. Observe the live feed on the monitor while slowly moving the probe. Look for wear, scoring, cracks, corrosion, or blockages as you sweep the area.
6. Document findings using the zoom and freeze-frame functions. Capture multiple images and video clips of any anomalies for later reference.
7. Record video while withdrawing — start recording after the insertion tube is fully in place, then pull it slowly toward you for a complete sweep recording.
8. Return the joystick to center before removing the tube. Keep one hand on the tip to prevent the bending section from dropping and snagging.
9. Withdraw smoothly without twisting or kinking the cable. Avoid snagging on internal components by maintaining a straight pull path.

These steps are based on standard automotive inspection procedures as detailed in JB Tools’ borescope inspection guide.

Common Borescope Mistakes That Ruin the Image

Most first-time issues come down to lighting, angle, and handling. The table below shows the most common errors and the simple corrections that fix them.

How to Capture and Save Borescope Images and Video

Documentation is the whole point of using a borescope — you need the evidence to judge severity or share with a repair shop. Most borescopes connect to a smartphone, tablet, or computer for live viewing and capture.

• Android devices: Download the “Smart Endoscope” app or the manufacturer’s app (Klein Tools app for Klein models). Connect via USB Type-C or micro USB. Allow the app to access photos and audio for full recording features.
• Windows PC: No app needed — plug the borescope into a USB port and open the built-in Camera program. The feed appears as a standard webcam source.
• Mac: No app needed — open Photo Booth, click the camera dropdown menu, and select the borescope (listed as “Teslong Camera” or similar).
• Dedicated monitor models: Units like the ViewTech VJ-3A include a built-in display with buttons for capture and recording. Insert an SD card before use.

Use the freeze-frame function to examine still details, and zoom in on suspicious areas before saving.

How to Clean and Store a Borescope After Use

A clean borescope produces sharp images on the next job. Oil, coolant, and dust left on the lens degrade performance fast.

1. Clean the lens first: Wipe with a microfiber cloth or Clorox wipe. Follow up with an alcohol crush tube for the lens — rubbing alcohol cuts oil without scratching.
2. Clean the probe body: Use warm water or rubbing alcohol for the insertion tube. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners unless the manual specifically allows them.
3. Straighten the bending section before storing to avoid setting a permanent curve in the articulation joint.
4. Return all accessories (mirrors, magnets, optical tips) to the case. Store the borescope in its original case in a dry, room-temperature location.

Borescope Models and Device Compatibility

Different borescopes connect to different screens. The table below shows common models and how they interface with your device.

Borescope Inspection Checklist

Run through these checks before every borescope job to avoid wasted trips and missed defects.

• Engine off, cool, and on level ground
• Access point (spark plug or port) removed and area cleaned
• Battery fully charged; spare battery on hand
• App installed and permissions granted (for phone-based models)
• SD card inserted and formatted (for recording models)
• Brightness set low at close range, higher for deep cavities
• Tip angled toward target, not straight-on
• Joystick centered before removal
• Lens and probe cleaned and stored straight after use