What is your preferred tool of choice when checking for wood rot? I know most seem to use a screwdriver. Is there another out there?
Most guys I’ve seen use a BFS… big freakin screwdriver. 
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My eyes… rotted wood has a wavy, puckered look to it.
Definitely, don’t go ramming a screwdriver, ice pick, etc. into finished surfaces. Sellers get SUPER cranky. Once I see something I suspect, I usually just use a finger… VERY softly but it’s really just to confirm what my eyes have already told me. Don’t break the surface… just give it a little push and you can feel the lack of resistance.
In crawl spaces or other areas that generally aren’t finished? A screwdriver works just fine and I suppose allows me to move a bit quicker but I’m still pretty sure what I’m stabbing at. Honestly, the best method I’ve found for finding concealed rot/insect damage to things like sill plates is “sounding”. Hit the wood with the handle of your screwdriver and the hollow sound/feel when it’s damaged inside is unmistakable.
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Ice pick. . .
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Ditto.
It doesn’t take much.
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If it is a finished painted surface such as window/door trim, I am not making any holes. The touch and go method is sufficient. Decks, floor structures, etc. I will do gentle probing with a tool in an inconspicuous location.
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I use an awl. I tap with the handle and listen for a hollow sound. I also carefully poke suspected areas with the pointed end.
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An awl to probe lumber. As well, I used a moisture meter to measure the presents of moisture.
Screw drivers cause unnecessary damage. As well any one observing cringes.
A big screwdriver doubles as a digging tool for around deck posts buried in soil and landscape rock, and as a probing tool to test those poles. The long screwdriver lets you test further down, without having to dig further down.
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First I use my eyes, if I see suspected wood rot, I then use the tap test or push on it with a finger.
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Thank you to all who answered. I greatly appreciate it.
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Who knew. I’ve been throwing those away for years. Every time I break the tip off a misused flathead, I’ve created “The Prober”.
