Score the Ultimate Garage Gadget with These Offers on Borescopes and Thermal Cameras
Michael Febbo
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"Where does he get those wonderful toys?" The Joker mused in 1989. Today's Joker wouldn't wonder about that. Instead, he'd browse Amazon for discounts on bat gadgets that enable engine inspections or contactless temperature readings. That's right. I've found some amazing deals on borescopes and thermal cameras that can bring a bit of Lucius Fox into your home garage—err, Batcave.
Last summer, I tested the Teslong TD450S Borescope and was astonished at its usefulness and affordability. Currently, that borescope is available for $119.99, and it’s not the only item on sale. Around the same time, I also reviewed a thermal camera, the Topdon TC004, which is currently priced at just $369.00.
So, what exactly does a borescope do, and why do you need one? Technically, it's more accurately referred to as an endoscope. These modern devices are essentially small cameras attached to a flexible rod. The TC004 has a rod that's approximately 5 feet long, featuring a head that can articulate through a 210° range in one plane. This design not only allows for a broader view but also aids in guiding the camera as you navigate inside whatever you’re inspecting. A borescope makes for a valuable tool in the garage. I used it to examine my turbo by simply removing the air filter. It's just as easy to inspect a throttle body on a naturally aspirated car. You can disconnect a sensor or vacuum line from the intake plenum to check for carbon buildup on the intake valves or observe your pistons through a spark plug hole.
But, THAT’S NOT ALL! There are many areas in my engine bay, outside of the engine, that are too cramped for me to see. You can position the borescope in tight spots to locate hidden fastener heads, inspect CV boots, and check for leaks. It’s also useful for examining your clothes dryer vent tube, inspecting inside walls, guiding a grabber tool to retrieve a Hot Wheels car from behind the refrigerator, or searching for a Lego piece that might have fallen into the sink drain. Honestly, you’ll find countless uses for one that you hadn’t even considered. And did I mention we have a buyer’s guide for the best borescopes if you need additional information for an informed choice?
More Borescope Deals
Teslong Two-Way Articulating Borescope with Light for $119.99
Kinpthy Endoscope Camera with Light, 1920P HD Borescope for $25.99 with coupon
Teslong Dual Lens Endoscope Camera with Light, Teslong 4.5" HD Camera for $76.49
BOSCH GIC5-27C Professional Borescope, Adjustable LED Light, 11ft. Removable Endoscope for $462.84
Now that you understand you can't live without a borescope, let's discuss how surprising it is that you've managed this long without a thermal camera. To start, check out my review of the Topdon TC004 camera, currently on sale for $369.00 on Amazon. I've wanted something like this since I was a teenager, especially to monitor tire temperatures during track days. By checking the temperature gradient across a tire's tread, you can figure out if adjustments to camber and tire pressure are needed. Back then, using a pyrometer with a probe to touch the tire felt like a primitive method.
With a thermal camera like the ones listed below, you can not only measure tire temperatures but also monitor individual exhaust runner temperatures in real-time. They enable observation of heat gradients across radiators (including intercoolers) and help identify leaks around your engine bay, oven doors, or refrigerators. You can even wander around your home searching for unused items that generate heat and waste electricity. Plus, you’ll likely become the neighborhood hide-and-seek champion with one of these devices. I've also included a FLIR unit that has a moisture sensor, making it a versatile "home tool" while still being applicable to your vehicle.
More Thermal Camera Deals
TOPDON TC004 Thermal Imaging Camera for $369.00
TOPDON TC002C Thermal Camera, Imager for iPhone 15/16 for $229.00
UNI-T UTi120S Infrared Thermal Camera 120×90 IR Handheld Thermal Imaging for $197.99
HSFTools HP96 Thermal Imaging Camera, 3.5" Touch Screen for $199.99 with coupon
FLIR MR160 – Thermal Imaging and Moisture Meter, With IGM for $488.10
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Score the Ultimate Garage Gadget with These Offers on Borescopes and Thermal Cameras
Make the most of significant savings on the borescopes and thermal cameras we've assessed, tested, and are currently using in our garages.