I did a search for moisture meters, and only seemed to come up with a few mentions on the FAQ pages. I am wondering if anyone can offer a little advice on moisture meters. I have never had one, only time I have even seen one used was on a boat survey. There are a whole bunch of different ones out there on amazon, the biggest difference is pins or no pins. It seems to me like pins may be better for firewood due to uneven surfaces, but I would potentially use a pinless for more things around the house. So... what say you, hoarders?
You don't need to pay more than $30 for a moisture meter. General is a popular brand. Others say a calendar is a good meter--get on a 3 year plan and you won't have to worry about whether your wood is dry or not. Pins seem to be the way to go. Remember, to get an accurate reading with a meter, you have to check it on a fresh split face. It is possible to get a reading less than 20% if checking the end of a piece but in the middle it could be above 35% or higher.
I agree with Erik B I picked up a "Smart Sensor" moisture meter, but it came with instructions in Chinese. Had to find (a member may have linked to) instructions more appropriate for my reading. I'd go with pins. They also have some that work with a smartphone, a member has one I believe. But not something you need to spend mucho denero on.
I have a 2 pin type made by General Tool that I bought at Lowes. It works fine for my needs. They are not exact by any means but great for getting an average. Most are calibrated for Douglas fur and should be used in the center, lengthwise, of a fresh split, at room temperature. The pins need to be pushed in as far as possible to get a good reading. There are species and temperature conversion charts available from online sources if you feel the need for accuracy. BUT...like I always say: "The best device for measuring the moisture content of split firewood is a multi-year calendar!"
I bought a General, and it seems to have crapped out. Theres no way the readings its giving me are accurate. Way too low. I'm done with them. I'm back to making sure the ends are cracking, the bark comes off, and I get more of a 'tink' sound than a 'thunk' sound when hitting 2 splits together. That method served me well for years and itll serve me well for many more.
My moisture meter has 2 handles on it. Its built out of steel, and its almost fool proof. Its called a stove. If the wood is dry, the stove puts out good heat. If its a little damp, not so much heat, and plugs up the chimney/stove pipe. I also have a back up moisture meter, its my wife, if i put some slightly unseasoned wood it, the wife say's ''is that wood wet, or THAT's wet wood isn't it''. I call that my Verbal moisture meter. Both work pretty good, but, i think the verbal moisture meter is the best, it has other uses as well,
Okay, so let me ask this a different way... I want a new tool/toy to measure moisture with. I know I don't need it, but i think it would be interesting. I am a bit disorganized for the 3 year plan, though I am generally aware of the age of any particular pile of wood around here. My stove definitely doesn't like some of what I have fed it this year. That's my fault for playing all summer. The wife method sounds costly, and would involve a lot of time shopping. I just want to buy a new gadget!
Very true. Ahh, honesty, truly refreshing. I can only say that I use mine very infrequently, and without a way to ensure any calibration, it is to be taken with the proverbial "grain of salt". But, it's up to you to decide how to spend your $$.
Im just going to Lowes and get the General. Not because I have dry wood but it would be nice to check my Ash.
You realize, you don't need any gadgets to "check your ash". Edit.. it's "good"?? to know you don't have dry wood
I picked up a General from Lowes when I was cutting dead standing red oak. Mostly to know if it could/should be burned this year or not. Also to see how fast it was drying out in January cold. I use it infrequently as well. Last time was on some pine logs I kinda lost track on how long they had been pushed aside. Was good to have a number to know they were/were not ready to burn. And for those that were not ready how far not ready.
Pinless moisture meters Are for lumber and Flat surfaces they don't work on firewood, the Back of the meter must be laid flat on the stock to get an accurate reading. Don't pay any attention to people they say you don't need one, they are a nice tool to have , I use mine all the time . Here Is some threads I found searching Moisture Meter Basics? Wood moisture meters.. Wood moisture readings Digital Moisture Meter
I have 2 different meters; a General from Lowe’s, and a Ryobi that hooks to my phone from Home Depot. I prefer the Ryobi meter, as it’s smaller, you can change the settings for hard or soft wood, and can take pictures of the moisture reading so you can track different stacks of wood.
Just go to Lowes and get the General Brand Moisture Meter. It uses a 9volt battery and is pretty reliable. Cheaper MMs use odd batteries that can end up costing you more than the meter pretty quick. Nothing wrong with using a moisture meter especially if you find some dead wood or end up buying some to supplement your stash.
I ordered the General pin type from Amazon for $22 I'll get it Wednesday, and have the long weekend to play with my new toy.
Wait for a harbor freight coupon and get a free multi meter. Set it on Mohms, sharpen the probes on a grinder and stick them in the end of a log. If the reading is less than 2 M ohms (2 million ohms) then the wood is dry. Yes, there are charts on the net but 2 or 3M or higher is a good approximation and if you manage to run the meter through your log splitter then just wait a few months for another coupon and get another. Really dry wood will be 3 or 4 M. just do not do it on wood that has been sitting in the open, only wood under cover. I have 4 or 5 of these.
This is my method and glad to hear you tried the meters, but think this way is accurate or satisfactory. I was starting to wonder if I was being stupid for not ever using a meter.
