Otoscope/Opthalmoscope

[salzi684]

All right everyone, its about time to buy a new tool and I'm thinking about either an otoscope or an opthalmoscope or maybe even both but, I have a few questions.

Which tool would be better for inspecting the keyways of pin tumbler locks?

What is a good brand, I was thinking about the Hiene mini 2000 set or the Riester mini set, any opinions?

If anyone has any experience using either of these tools for examining pin tumbler locks please post. Currently I am not that interested in reading wafer locks but if anyone has any experience using either one of these tools for that purpose please describe your impressions.

[Zoooooble]

I've never actually used an opthalmoscope, so I can't talk from experience on that, but I do use an otoscope. (And I love it).

I haven't looked through the brands, but I'd just say to buy a relatively quality one. Don't get a crappy plastic thing that'll just break. Also, try to get one that has one or two extra moveable lenses to increase magnification. (My otoscope only has one extra lens, but I've seen ones in lock catalogs that have two... and I wish mine did).

I find it really useful for looking into just about any kind of lock, and it's nice that you can put the tip of it up against the keyway so you have a steady view. To me, this would be the advantage of the otoscope instead of the opthalmoscope.

[Zoooooble]

I just checked and, in case you're wondering, my otoscope is a Riester R-3185. Just google it and you can find a bunch of places selling it.

Seems it's going for about $75-$100.

[mattc]

I've tried using both an ophthalmoscope and and otoscope for inspecting pin tumbler locks and I prefer my ophthalmoscope. Being able to adjust the focus and the brightness of the light really improve my view inside the lock.
If you can, try both out and see which you like best, and if you still can't decide, you can buy diagnostic sets with interchangable heads so you can switch between them.

[salzi684]

Thanks for the responses guys.

Zoooooble, I took a look at the riester, and it looked really nice. I was also looking at one by a U.S. importer and I thought it might be the same scopes under a different name what do you think? http://www.proppermfg.com/catalog/dsp_v ... _id=196100

Mattc, what brands have you used? Any recomendations?

[cormu]

what u really need is one that straps to your head leaving both hands free for pickiing ..

[mattc]

The ophthalmoscope I use is a Keeler, with a simple white light source (some have a switch to colour the light green or red) and a dial for adjusting the depth of focus. The otoscope is a Eurolight with 2.5x magnification. I sometimes find it difficult to get a good view inide particularly narrow or heavily warded keyways with the otoscope, but I am better practiced with the ophthalmoscope. Working in a hospital I had the opportunity to try a few, but ultimately it can down to what I could afford; combined diagnostic sets can be expensive.
I'm sure you've probably found a supplier but from experience I can recommend:
SP Services (UK, not too sure about export)
http://www.999supplies.com

Galls/Dynamed (UK site, US company)
http://www.galls.co.uk