Does anyone have a moisture detector that they prefer over others and a reason why.
I am working to be a new inspector and cant afford to waste money buying something useless or ineffective. I’m not afraid to step up and pay any price as this will be part my livelihood. Just looking for some friendly advise.
Thank you
I use a Protimeter Surveymaster. I like it because it does pin and pinless readings. Delmhurst makes a good meter and there are several on Ebay Opinions vary on a message board like this, you might be better off going to the manufacturers, downloading the manuals and reading the reviews
Don’t be afraid to buy used equipment. You can save substantially. Make sure the ad says it works and that returns are allowed (on Ebay if it doesn’t work as advertised they have to refund).
One nice thing about Surveymaster is it calibrates in the field.
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Buy the cheapest one you can find in any box store… at this level they’re all about the same and no one is gonna pick up on it. You are a generalist and this meter will let you know if the material in question is outside normal conditions. Anyone can sell you a Cadillac 
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https://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Moisture-Meters/zgbs/hi/553270
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I have this one on my list of future tools to buy. I have two larger meters in my bag but it is time consuming to go get them when needed, even though my bag is in the house. This one you can easily carry in your tool pouch and isn’t too expensive.
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Thank you guys , great input
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I am with Mr. B. on this. Purchase something inexpensive.
As you, your company, skills develop and mature and you start putting money away, you can purchase a professional moisture meter that covers a variety of materials accurately.
Your starter equipment will be used as backups when your professional equipment malfunctions or in dirty conditions.
Good luck.
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The FLIR MR40 is available on Inspector outlet
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Thanks guys , I took your input and just ordered the Flir MR40.
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Remember pin probing is destructive testing. Surface contact is not. Pinless meters, which use electromagnetic waves, take moisture readings without invasive pin penetration. Not much more expensive. ><30.00.
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That is more good info , I have heard and read that the pinless meters are not as accurate , have you had any issues with them? Do you have 1 you recommend over another , I am happy to purchase a 2nd meter because i believe as a business owner you should have backup tools.
As a generalist, you pretty much need to distinguish wet from dry. Pinless are non-intrusive and “good enough”.
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Great point , thank you
No but this meter, RYOBI Pinless Moisture Meter, Model # E49MM01, is ><$85.00 dollars. Can not go wrong with that price. If you lived near me I would give you a pinless meter I hardly use. Now I own Delmhorst TechCheck Plus and Tramex MRHIII. Combined over $2000.00 dollars with tax and addons.