Moisture Meter Parts

Professionals across various industries rely on moisture meters for diverse applications. Despite their rugged design, these tools can sometimes break under stress. If you find yourself with a broken moisture meter, your first question might be, “How can I fix it?”

Here are a few tips to help you repair a broken moisture tester:

Inspect the Moisture Meter for Easy Fixes

Begin by assessing the actual damage to your moisture meter. There are numerous reasons why a moisture meter might seem “broken,” many of which can be easily fixed. Check the following:

1.  The Condition of the Meter’s Shell: Look for cracks, dents, or other damage on the outside of the moisture meter. The extent of this damage can indicate whether the meter is truly broken. Severe cracks or holes may allow water or debris to enter, potentially causing permanent damage to internal components.
2. The Meter’s Pins or Scanning Plate: For pin-type meters, inspect the pins; for pinless meters, check the scanning plate. Damage to these parts can cause the meter to malfunction, but they are typically easy to replace.
3. The Meter’s Batteries: Sometimes, a “broken” moisture meter simply has low power. Check the battery and replace it with a fresh one to see if this resolves the issue.
4. The Meter’s Mode: Many high-end moisture meters have multiple functions, including different reading modes and moisture scales. Ensure the meter is in the correct mode for the reading you are trying to take. For instance, a 2-in-1 moisture meter with both pin and pinless modes won’t provide a valid reading if set to the wrong mode.

After a thorough inspection, you might find that the problem is an easy fix. However, this isn't always the case.

Test the Moisture Meter’s Calibration

If the moisture meter is giving abnormal or inconsistent readings after verifying it’s in the correct mode, it may be out of calibration. There are a few ways to check this, depending on the type of moisture meter:

1.   Built-in Calibration Checks: Some moisture meters have a built-in calibration check feature. Testing the calibration is as simple as pressing a button. This method is generally the easiest and most reliable.
2. Moisture Content Standard (MCS) Checks: An MCS device tests the calibration of pin-type moisture meters by simulating a specific moisture content. Press the meter’s pins against the MCS and take a reading. If the reading matches the MCS value, the meter is accurate. If not, it needs repair or replacement.
3. Moisture Block Tests: Some manufacturers provide moisture blocks to check the calibration of pinless moisture meters. Press the pinless meter against the block and take a reading. If the measurement matches the block’s calibration, the meter is accurate. Otherwise, it is out of calibration.

By following these steps, you can diagnose and potentially fix your broken moisture meter, ensuring it continues to provide accurate and reliable readings.