Which moisture meter to buy

The waves sent out by the sensor through the electromagnetic field trigger return waves the sensor detects. These changes in wave movement data correlate to a moisture content percentage and provide accurate readings.

No damage is necessary for an accurate reading. The amount of resistance detected in the current as it moves between the pins is an indicator of the moisture condition of the wood.

The drier the wood, the greater the electrical resistance is. A pinless meter measures a wide swath of wood with each test, meaning fewer tests than using a pin meter. The features of pinless meters also allow you to switch measurement depth faster. Higher quality pinless meters come with dual depth measurement options, typically at a quarter and three-quarter-inch depths. Every measurement taken with a pin meter drives two holes into the wood.

A pinless wood meter never breaches the surface. One of the benefits of using a pin meter is that you can test at a wide variety of depths within the wood. Pins come in different lengths, so you can always swap out pins to measure at different depths. Measuring for moisture at multiple depths creates a broader picture of the overall MC of the wood. The challenge with pin meters is that accurate measurement depends on the pins being driven into the wood properly. It can take a fair amount of pressure to get the pins inserted properly, especially the longer the probe.

The denser the wood species, the more pressure required to properly insert the pins. If pin meters are substantially hotter or colder than approximately 70 degrees F, they require their readings be compensated up or down depending on the exact temperature. Another drawback is this: Pin meters only measure the moisture content of the small area between the two probes, which means multiple tests must be conducted at different spots. And even more tests if you want to switch out pins to measure at multiple depths.

Typically, a moisture meter is calibrated for use with wood and has a scale between 5 percent dry and 40 percent saturated. Measuring nonwood material like concrete uses a relative scale from 0 dry to saturated. Moisture meters for use with gypsum or drywall offer a third scale that ranges from 0. Before deciding on a moisture meter, determine the accuracy levels you need and the material you will want to check. Even a newer model with the best features should survive having its pins pushed into a wall or being bumped in a tool box.

The moisture meter should include the features a DIYer wants, but also have a reputation for durability and long life. Consider options that have a rubberized casing, a heavy-duty design, or shock resistance built-in. Choose a moisture meter that is relatively simple to use. Complicated moisture meters take much longer than a more straightforward design, and can lead to inaccurate and inconsistent readings that could result in undetected moisture damage.

Instead, opt for a moisture meter with an easy-to-read, backlit, digital display that shows the information you need. Users should be able to navigate easily between the menus on the device and switch between functions quickly. Pinless moisture meters are much easier to use than pin moisture meters, but the trade-off is in pinpoint accuracy. The range of measurement a moisture meter offers is determined by the minimum and maximum moisture percentages it can read.

The broader the range of measurement, the less precisely the device will measure, with some moisture meters offering as wide a range as 0. Smaller, more precise scales provide more accurate measurement and frequently come in meters used in the flooring and fine carpentry industry to ensure optimal moisture percentage. However, most DIYers would benefit more from a broader scale range so they can use the same meter for many applications. Moisture meters, like most electronic devices, can pack plenty of additional features to make the task easier.

One of these features is a temperature display that can track a hot or cold water leak. Following changes in the temperature helps locate the source.

Other features include memory functions that can keep track of previous readings instead of having to write them down or remember them, audible alerts for the moisture level reading, and a carrying case to protect the moisture meter. The top-rated products below were chosen for quality, price, and customer satisfaction to help you find the best moisture meter for your projects.

The multifunctional Calculated Industries AccuMaster Duo Pro moisture meter features a pinless pad to test a large area, plus a switch to a pin-style measurement for accurate tests, within 3 percent at various depths. The large, backlit display uses bold, white lettering on a black background for easy reading, while a hold key allows the user to freeze the reading on the screen during use.

The durable body of this moisture meter has a rubberized grip that makes it hand-friendly and simple to press the pins into the target material. The moisture meter has optional audio alerts and a range of measurement from 5 percent to 50 percent in pin mode and 0. The Proster General Digital Moisture Meter is specially made for use with wood and wood products only. This specialization comes with two big benefits: The first is that DIYers can get this moisture meter for a bargain compared to other models.

We will break down the various steps involved in using one. Our step by step approach to using a moisture meter is broken down based on type but these exact steps may need to vary depending on the device in question and which material is being tested. We will discuss these types of moisture meters in more detail in the next section. A pin moisture meter utilises pins at the top of the device so that an individual can press the pins against a surface in order to measure the level of moisture present.

This device measures the resistance experienced by the electrical current which runs between the pins at the top of the meter. A pin moisture meter uses pins instead of a pad that a pinless meter uses. Other differences between these two types include that a pin meter can leave holes in the surface it is measuring, pin meters also require different setting adjustments than a pinless device and pin moisture meters also work slower than pinless meters. Pin moisture meters can be used for scenarios such as testing moisture levels present in uneven areas as well as loose-packed materials and for working out the moisture distribution throughout a board.

As the name suggests, this device lacks pins. Instead it scans a material for moisture levels using electromagnetic radio frequencies through a pad. We will now look at an all-in-one device. This moisture meter type is designed to combine the benefits of the two aforementioned devices and sometimes a thermo-hygrometer too. Differences between an all-in-one moisture meter, pin meter and a pinless meter include that an all-in-one meter can switch between a pin and pinless option and an all-in-one device can increase both speed and accuracy in determining the location of moisture pockets.

An all-in-one device might be used as a simpler alternative to switching between a pin and pinless device and is ideal for any of the surfaces which either a pin or pinless device are.

For this section, we will discuss the best moisture meter products on the market. We will look at the advantages of each of the products discussed, what design features they have, what tech features they have, their displays, their measure range, power source as well as list their pros and cons. This pin-type moisture meter is one of the most popular out there. It comes in an ergonomic size. This meter is a high-quality moisture meter for wood, and it is good for testing moisture in any uneven surfaces.

It has a wide and accurate measuring range. This product also has an LCD screen that is easy to read, offering quick and simple viewing. It has a corded-electric power source and is powered by a single 9-volt battery which is included with purchase. This moisture meter is another pin-based meter which comes with a protective cap. It works relatively fast, especially for a pin-based device and offers a range of unique benefits. Its design features include the use of a protective cap and the featuring of pins.

This device includes a backlight to light up the LCD screen so that you can test materials in the dark and in difficult to reach areas. It also comes with an air temperature sensor. It has a sizeable LCD screen. It is powered by a single 9-volt battery which is included. This meter from Extech is the first all-in-one product to feature in this section. This product is lightweight and comes with the benefits of both a pin and pinless moisture meter.

This product is good for all types of moisture measurement and many use it in order to analyse the after-effects of water leaks behind walls and in the ceiling. This device is simple to operate and features various display icons that show the levels of moisture present inside the tested surface. Its tech features include an audible alert and a data freeze application. It comes with a small display. With the pinless sensor, the range for both types of surfaces increases to An alternative to the pin models is non-invasive moisture meters, which use scanning technology to determine the presence of moisture.

By placing the sensor plate s flush with the surface being tested, a moisture reading will be generated. It can also be useful to use a combination of pin and sensor testing if your moisture meter offers both functions: the non-invasive moisture meter scanning method can be used first, which will indicate the presence of moisture.

This can then be followed-up with the pin moisture meter, which will assist you in determining a more precise location i. All home-owners should be vigilant when it comes to protecting their homes from moisture build-up and the invasion of damp. Finding moisture build-up early is key in terms of fixing the problem prior to it causing any significant damage or it spreading excessively.

If you have a moisture meter which also has the feature to take condensation readings, you can also record the level of humidity in the air.

They tend to be popular amongst professionals and DIY enthusiasts who are concerned over the potential presence of moisture but cannot afford to damage the surface being tested — e. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam.

Learn how your comment data is processed.