Broach Busters Inspection Scope - your thoughts?

[Mark S.]

Greetings fellow Cross-Flags enthusiasts. Has anyone out there used the Broach Busters Inspection Scope to view the Engine Stamp Pad? Is the Broach Busters an effective tool or would you recommend an alternative? Many thanks in advance.

[Bill W.]

Re: Broach Busters Inspection Scope - your thoughts?

Ive had one for years . The older I get the more I need it .

[Garry B.]

Re: Broach Busters Inspection Scope - your thoughts?

Mark, it can be, but you still need to know what an original stamp pad (characters, spacing, broach marks, etc.) looks like in your minds eye to know if you are looking at an original or well done forgery. There are so many nuances even with original stamps based on the model year you are viewing that it takes a great deal of experience to know for sure.
Garry Barnes 18531

[Tim G.]

Re: Broach Busters Inspection Scope - your thoughts?

I have one and I use it, it's a wonderful tool.

[Mark S.]

Re: Broach Busters Inspection Scope - your thoughts?

Mark, it can be, but you still need to know what an original stamp pad (characters, spacing, broach marks, etc.) looks like in your minds eye to know if you are looking at an original or well done forgery. There are so many nuances even with original stamps based on the model year you are viewing that it takes a great deal of experience to know for sure.
Garry Barnes 18531

I can't agree with you more Garrry. Although a Cross-Flags enthusiast and owner of numerous cars over the years, I am just now getting into the "as left the factory" authenticity arena, specifically C2 400/435 cars. I am admittedly learning and truly appreciate the wonderfully talented and helpful members of this NCRS forum. The forum is filled with individuals whom are graciously willing to educate and extend a helpful hand

[Gene M.]

Re: Broach Busters Inspection Scope - your thoughts?

The name "Broach Busters" is a bit scary. After all it is a magnification device. A great tool when looking at cars to buy. But the on judging field it is not standard NCRS issue judging equipment. If it was every judge on engines and every class would be issued one along with the pencil and clip board. Come to think of it judges are pretty much on their own for flash lights.

[Mark S.]

Re: Broach Busters Inspection Scope - your thoughts?

The name "Broach Busters" is a bit scary. After all it is a magnification device. A great tool when looking at cars to buy. But the on judging field it is not standard NCRS issue judging equipment. If it was every judge on engines and every class would be issued one along with the pencil and clip board. Come to think of it judges are pretty much on their own for flash lights.

What caught my attention from their advertising is the benefit of distance magnification from a comfortable standing position. Battling lower back issues over the years, I need all the help I can get....

[Edward J.]

Re: Broach Busters Inspection Scope - your thoughts?

I know alot of people don't have a i-phone 4 or5 but works just as well as a broach buster or if you have a i-pad. I have seen what either of these devices can do. I was just a judging meet at a local chapter on a questionable pad and had a broach buster, I took out my i-phone and took a pic. of the pad and zoomed in and saw some broach marks . the new technology is being used, our last regional the mechanical judges were using a i-pad.Its a super tool.

[Ara G.]

Re: Broach Busters Inspection Scope - your thoughts?

I bought one (and if you're an NCRS member you get a discount) and had it for a short period of time. I really liked it when I had it. I ended up donating it to one the NCRS Chapters (I am embarrassed to say I can't remember which Chapter). Neat piece...and very helpful....ARA

[Dick W.]

Re: Broach Busters Inspection Scope - your thoughts?

The name "Broach Busters" is a bit scary. After all it is a magnification device. A great tool when looking at cars to buy. But the on judging field it is not standard NCRS issue judging equipment. If it was every judge on engines and every class would be issued one along with the pencil and clip board. Come to think of it judges are pretty much on their own for flash lights.

Go to a Regional or National and you will see almost every Mechanical judge using them

[George W.]

Re: Broach Busters Inspection Scope - your thoughts?

Mark,
The Broach Buster is a wonderful tool, I use it; get one, you will use it often.
Dr. George

[Terry M.]

Re: Broach Busters Inspection Scope - your thoughts?

Greetings fellow Cross-Flags enthusiasts. Has anyone out there used the Broach Busters Inspection Scope to view the Engine Stamp Pad? Is the Broach Busters an effective tool or would you recommend an alternative? Many thanks in advance.

The first ones of this style were (and these may still be) spotting scopes that shooters use. They come from shooting supply sources and gun shows. Historically in NCRS the use of these closely and swiftly followed the use of lighted medical magnifying devices first used by a certain now former National Team Leader (I will let him identify himself if he chooses to). Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and we all flattered the dickens out of him. I think I still have one of his medical devices around here.

The C4 and up mechanical judges have a variety of vision assisting devices including bore scopes with viewing screens that can also be connected to pads or lap tops. I have seen later C3 judges borrow this equipment for cars where options tend to obscure the view of the engine pad.

Nothing is "standard issue" for judges. We all have our favorite lights or clipboards or vision assisting devices and they can run the gamut from crude to sophisticated. It is all for fun anyway, Right?

[Patrick H.]

Re: Broach Busters Inspection Scope - your thoughts?

Greetings fellow Cross-Flags enthusiasts. Has anyone out there used the Broach Busters Inspection Scope to view the Engine Stamp Pad? Is the Broach Busters an effective tool or would you recommend an alternative? Many thanks in advance.

If you look for a "short focus monocular" you can find that there are other versions of this same tool that are less expensive. I purchased several almost 10y ago and sold them to friends for a fair amount less. So, do some shopping and save some money. Having said that, the iPhone works really well as a substitute.

[Dick W.]

Re: Broach Busters Inspection Scope - your thoughts?

The first ones of this style were (and these may still be) spotting scopes that shooters use. They come from shooting supply sources and gun shows. Historically in NCRS the use of these closely and swiftly followed the use of lighted medical magnifying devices first used by a certain now former National Team Leader (I will let him identify himself if he chooses to). Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and we all flattered the dickens out of him. I think I still have one of his medical devices around here.

The C4 and up mechanical judges have a variety of vision assisting devices including bore scopes with viewing screens that can also be connected to pads or lap tops. I have seen later C3 judges borrow this equipment for cars where options tend to obscure the view of the engine pad.

Nothing is "standard issue" for judges. We all have our favorite lights or clipboards or vision assisting devices and they can run the gamut from crude to sophisticated. It is all for fun anyway, Right?

Weren't me, but as I age, my back hurts, my eyes have gotten weaker, the lighted borescope has become the tool of choice. I originally bought it to use when doing machine tool appraisals, but have found when doing pre-purchase inspections I can see the inside of the frames, get numbers off transmissions, differentials, etc that otherwise would have required a lift. My borescope has wireless capabilities and also allows you to make a movie or still picture. And it was less than $250.00 I believe with the optional 8mm lighted probe. First borescope I purchased was over $4k and had a rigid probe. As they say "you have come a long ways baby"

[Mark D.]

Re: Broach Busters Inspection Scope - your thoughts?

I don't need a flashlight or a monocular. I can stand straight up and see every detail of the pad with my naked eye. Sometimes, just to make it sporting, I wear a blindfold. I will say, if it's totally dark and there is kryptonite close by, I might have to squint.