Having said that, the one disadvantage of this meter is that it may not cine the easiest learning curve. The second is that the Proster can provide impressive accuracy to within 0. For instance, it comes with a big, easy to read, color LCD screen, and an LCD flashlight function which makes it quite easy to use this device even in the dark. By taking the reading yourself, you avoid having to call a professional inspector and paying fine woodworking moisture meter review qual costly fee only to find no moisture problem exists. The premium moisture meter by Calculated Industries offers you the option to woodworkig moisture content not just accurately, but also quite quickly.

We also like its dual-depth feature for getting readings at two different depths in the wood. The Wagner Meters Orion is a pinless moisture meter that can be used for measuring moisture in wood, wood floor, and other building materials. Its rugged build should stand up well to extended use, and its simple, intuitive design makes it easy to use. We also like its extra features such as its ability to take dual-depth readings. The Lignomat Scanner D is a pinless, capacitance-type meter capable Fine Woodworking Moisture Meter Review Design of reading moisture in wood, bamboo, and other building materials.

The Lignomat VersaTec with its advanced microprocessor technology offers three modes: pin mode, scan mode pinless meter with selectable measuring depths, and a relative humidity RH mode that measures temperature and RH. Its cons include the fact that surface moisture significantly affects readings; readings for some wood species only go down to 6. The Delmhorst BD lcd display pin meter can be used to measure wood, sheetrock, and other building materials.

Pros include its use with many types of building materials, built-in calibration check, an audible alarm to signal readings above a selected value, and capability of storing and averaging up to readings.

The Delmhorst J-4 analog pin meter can be used to measure MC in wood and other building materials. Pros include better accuracy than most other meters, built-in calibration check, easy 2-button operation, and ergonomic design. Our choice for the best handheld moisture meter is any of the meters in the Orion line by Wagner Meters. These pins are what measure the moisture percentage.

Using a pin moisture meter requires aligning the pins with a spot on the material, and then pushing them so they penetrate the material. Once the pins are inserted, you can operate the moisture meter with a control pad to send an electrical signal down one pin. This signal travels through the material on its way to the other pin.

This method of measurement is considered invasive because it requires puncturing the material to obtain a result. However, pin moisture meters are the only type that can help identify the exact location of moisture. Pinless moisture meters, so named for their lack of measurement pins, do not penetrate the material to get a reading.

Instead, a plate on the back of the meter lays flat against the material and a high-frequency signal travels through it. The main benefit of pinless moisture meters becomes clear when testing drywall. Having to drive holes into drywall to detect moisture can quickly turn it into Swiss cheese.

A pinless moisture meter can check for moisture multiple times without damaging the drywall. Although pinless moisture meters are less invasive than pin meters, their readings show moisture in a general area rather than a specific spot. A good option for regular moisture detection is a multifunctional moisture meter.

Multifunctional moisture meters use both methods of measurement for noninvasive, generalized moisture detection initially and precise moisture detection if an issue is discovered. DIYers and pros looking for a moisture meter place accuracy as one of the most important factors in deciding which one to buy. A unit lacking in accuracy is essentially useless for measuring moisture. However, not all units advertise the same accuracy rate. High-quality moisture meters should be accurate to within 0.

For a less-expensive option, some moisture meters are accurate to within 5 percent. This still represents a reasonable accuracy rating for the average DIYer, but if a project or professional requires a more precise measurement, it is best to stick to the high-end models. 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 Fine Woodworking Moisture Meter Review 04 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. The second is that the Proster can provide impressive accuracy to within 0. The pin moisture meter settings can switch between four different wood groups and 50 wood species for precision measurement. The pin moisture meter comes calibrated for use with wood and wood products, but it boasts an accuracy of 0.

The sturdy body is easy to hold and use, with sharp pins that can push through even the toughest wood. The body of the moisture meter holds a longer second set of pins for deeper penetration, but the real benefit of this model is the simplicity of the design. Select the wood type to be measured, then push the pins into the material. A unique on-off switch between the pins activates the meter so the user only has to look at the reading on the bright, digital LED display.

The pinless moisture meter uses a measurement range of 0 percent to 53 percent for softwoods like pine, a range of 0 percent to 35 percent for hardwoods like maple, and a relative scale for drywall and masonry.

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