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The 7445 is a pin and pinless meter and can be used for measuring wood and building material. This review focuses on the pin setting mode. Please see our review for the pinless mode.
As with all pin meters, it can be very difficult to insert the pins far enough into hardwoods to obtain accurate readings. Attempting to do so often results in bent or broken pins. Also, short pins will not reach far enough towards the center of thicker slabs where higher moisture is found. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, boards should be read at a depth of one-fourth to one-fifth of its thickness.
The claimed measurement range in pin mode is 5% to 50% moisture content. There are only two mode settings, one for wood and one for building material.
Pros
- Large white on black display
- Easy to use
- Pin and pinless modes
Cons
- Only one setting for wood measurements
- No carrying case or soft pouch for transportability
- No calibration check method
- No service center
Objective Evaluation – Overall Score 3.4 out of 5.0
Accuracy – 3.9 out of 5.0
This meter scored reasonably well in accuracy despite only having one setting for measuring wood. Accuracy diminished above 15%.
Learn about our accuracy test procedures
Surface Moisture – 1.0 out of 5.0
Moisture readings increased substantially using the 7445 with a small amount of surface moisture. This meter is greatly affected by condensation on the wood surface.
Learn about our surface moisture test procedures
Meter Temperature Test – 5.0 out of 5.0
The 7445 performed very well when the meter was exposed to hot and cold temperatures. It read a little less than 2% low on high moisture wood when the meter was cold.
Learn about our meter temperature test procedures
Wood Temperature – 3.5 out of 5.0
The 7445 meter performed fair on cold and warm wood.
Learn about our wood temperature test procedures
Reading Repeatability – 2.0 out of 5.0
The 7445 did poorly when comparing sequential readings. The biggest difference was the last reading which was 1.4% different from the previous reading.
Learn about our repeatability testing procedures
Drift Test – 4.0 out of 5.0
There was very little drift for the 7445. The reading only changed by 0.2% after 3 seconds.
Cable Interference – N/A
No cable interference test for the 7445. This is a pin meter with built-in pins.
Learn about our cable interference and drift testing procedures
Subjective Evaluation – Overall Score 3.5 out of 5.0
Learn about our subjective testing procedures
Ease of Use – 3.5 out of 5.0
With only 3 buttons, this meter is easy to use. The display is bright and clear. No correction chart provided for differences in wood temperature.
Quality – 3.0 out of 5.0
The Calculated Industries 7445 meter held up throughout our tests. Pins tend to bend and need to be replaced often.
Comfort – 3.5 out of 5.0
The 7445 scored fair in Comfort. It fits in the palm of your hand and can be stored in a shirt pocket. Points were deducted since there is no carrying case or soft pouch.
Versatility – 3.0 out of 5.0
The 7445 scored fair in Versatility. It can utilize pin and pinless readings. Star rating was reduced since there is only one setting for wood.
Range – 5.0 out of 5.0
According to the manual, this meter has a good moisture range of 5% to 50%. Moisture readings below 8% were recorded, which is good for flooring and furniture making.
Features – 2.8 out of 5.0
The 7445 has many features including a battery low indicator, data hold capability, and alarm triggering. User has no way of checking the calibration and no service center available.
Customer Service – 3.5 out of 5.0
Could not find a manual online, and as mentioned above, there is no service center in the US for calibration and repairs.
Warranty and repair information:
- 1-year standard warranty for product defects
- No repair/calibration facility located in the US
Our review is based on Moisture Meter Experts' independent evaluation of the meter, which was purchased by Moisture Meter Experts or provided free of charge by the manufacturer. By purchasing this meter through the links above, Moisture Meter Experts may be compensated either by your purchase directly from Moisture Meter Experts or from commissions from an affiliate. View our Review Procedures section to learn more about our proprietary evaluation procedure and expertise in the field of moisture meters.