Something is rattling somewhere in a 6" round metal ceiling HVAC duct network, not near any vents. Maybe it's a loose damper. The ducts are now behind finished wallboard and since the airflow to all vents is adequate it's not worth destructive inspection.
I was thinking that a cheap wired robot with camera – probably designed and sold as a toy – could crawl through the ducts to inspect them. My search for such a product has only turned up 4-figure robots designed for commercial HVAC operations.
Are there any clever and inexpensive tools, robotic or otherwise, for inspecting deep into 6" round rigid ducts?
Best Answer
I can't imagine needing anything more than a cheap borescope and a fish tape. The trick would be attaching the borescope in such a way that it doesn't collect gobs of lint as you work it down the duct.
I'd actually forego the camera to start and just knock a fish tape or light plumbing auger around a bit. Maybe you'll knock the thing into a more favorable position.
You could also work a powerful vacuum down there with hose extensions. Be sure to tape them together well to avoid a worse situation.