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CRITICAL FLAW ALERT!
The model 7445 meter in pinless mode exhibits two critical flaws: poor accuracy and its inability to read below 8% moisture content. This meter read too high on every species and moisture content. It was particularly bad on hardwood which makes it unsuitable for flooring and furniture making. We deducted two stars from the overall rating to reflect these critical flaws.
The 7445 is a pin and pinless meter and can be used for measuring wood and building material. This review focuses on the pinless setting. Please see our review for the pin mode.
The claimed measurement range is 0.1% to 99% 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
- Poor accuracy
- Will not read below 8%
Objective Evaluation – Overall Score 3.2 out of 5.0
Accuracy – 1.4 out of 5.0
This meter scored the worst in accuracy of the meters tested. It read high on every species and is a result of only having one wood setting in the meter.
Learn about our accuracy test procedures
Surface Moisture – 1.0 out of 5.0
The moisture content increased dramatically with the addition of dew or surface moisture on the wood.
Learn about our surface moisture test procedures
Meter Temperature Test – 3.5 out of 5.0
The 7445 performed fair when the meter was exposed to hot and cold temperatures. It did better on the low moisture content, but read off the chart on the high moisture content wood.
Learn about our meter temperature test procedures
Wood Temperature – 3.5 out of 5.0
This meter performed very well on low moisture content wood that was cold (about 40 degrees F). However, it read off the chart on a high moisture content and high temperature piece.
Learn about our wood temperature test procedures
Reading Repeatability – 4.0 out of 5.0
The 7445 did very well when comparing sequential readings. Only a slight variation in moisture content observed.
Learn about our repeatability testing procedures
Drift Test – N/A
No drift for this meter. As with any pinless meter, there is no observable drift in readings.
Cable Interference – N/A
No cable interference test for the 7445. This is the pinless meter.
Learn about our cable interference and drift testing procedures
Subjective Evaluation – Overall Score 3.6 out of 5.0
Learn about our subjective testing procedures
Ease of Use – 3.8 out of 5.0
With only 3 buttons, this meter is easy to use. Display is bright and clear. The manual states it will automatically turn off after 3 minutes of inactivity but did not shut off at all. Had to manually turn it off.
Quality – 3.7 out of 5.0
The Calculated Industries 7445 meter held up throughout our tests. Points were deducted since there is no carrying case or soft pouch for storage and transportation.
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. Moisture alarm occurs even while measuring low moisture content which we found annoying.
Versatility – 3.0 out of 5.0
The 7445 scored fair in Versatility. It can utilize pin and pinless readings but the one setting for wood makes it inaccurate in the pinless mode.
Range – 5.0 out of 5.0
According to the manual, this meter has a good moisture range of 0.1% to 99.9% but we didn’t see any readings below 8% during our quantitative testing on drier wood samples.
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.