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The Delmhorst BD-10 is an analog pin-type meter that can be used for measuring moisture in wood and other building materials. This no-frills, basic meter performed well in our accuracy tests between 8% to 20% MC. It does not maintain its accuracy when surface moisture is present. Readings also tend to be somewhat less accurate when MC falls below 8% or above 20%.
Although this meter lacks some of the handy features of other wood moisture meters, its reasonable accuracy makes it suitable for many applications where a pin-type meter is preferred.
Pros
- Intuitive, easy-to-use, two-button operation.
- Accurate between 8% to 20% MC.
- Capable of being used with a variety of building materials.
- Built-in calibration check.
- Ergonomically designed with sturdy construction.
Cons
- Issues with accuracy below 8% and above 20% MC.
- Questionable pin durability.
- Few extra features.
- Range does not extend below 6%.
- Surface moisture affects readings.
Objective Evaluation – Overall Score 3.3 out of 5.0
Accuracy – 4.4 out of 5.0
This meter provided reasonably accurate readings between about 8% to 20% MC. However, below 8% MC, there was a tendency for readings to be high when compared to ASTM D4442 oven-dry standards. Above 20% MC, there was a tendency to get low readings for pine samples, when compared to ASTM D4442 standards.
Learn about our accuracy test procedures
Surface Moisture – 1.0 out of 5.0
Surface moisture caused this meter to post readings about 10% higher than the baseline. These surface moisture results indicate that operating this meter in high humidity environments where condensation may form on the surface could lead to questionable readings.
Learn about our surface moisture test procedures
Meter Temperature Test – 4.5 out of 5.0
Meter temperature had some effect on this meter’s readings at both low MC and high MC. A low meter temperature of 34.8° F in the presence of high MC decreased the reading by about 1.5% MC compared to the room temperature reading. A high meter temperature of 110° F in the presence of low MC also increased the reading by about 1.5% MC.
Learn about our meter temperature test procedures
Wood Temperature Test – 4.0 out of 5.0
Wood temperature affected this meter’s readings to some extent. This was especially the case at a low wood temperature of 33.6° F in the presence of high MC, which showed a change in the reading of nearly 3% MC when compared to the room temperature reading. In other cases, wood temperature (either high or low) affected readings by less than 1% MC.
Learn about our wood temperature test procedures
Reading Repeatability – 3.0 out of 5.0
The readings of this meter were not entirely repeatable, showing some tendency to vary.
Learn about our repeatability testing procedures
Drift Test – 2.0 out of 5.0
Readings for this meter showed a tendency to drift about 0.5% MC after about 3 seconds.
Cable Interference – N/A
The cable interference test was not conducted for this meter.
Learn about our cable interference and drift testing procedures
Subjective Evaluation – Overall Score 3.4 out of 5.0
Learn about our subjective testing procedures
Ease of Use – 3.5 out of 5.0
This meter is intuitive to use with just two buttons, so little or no use of the manual is needed to operate it. The manual itself provides excellent documentation for resolving issues while using the BD-10.
Quality – 4.3 out of 5.0
Sturdy, durable construction. The meter itself is unlikely to break or malfunction with normal use. However, pin durability could have been better as we experienced problems with pin breakage during our testing.
Comfort – 4.5 out of 5.0
With an ergonomically-designed shape, this meter fits nicely in one’s hand. It is not compact enough to fit easily into a shirt pocket, but it does come with a case to protect the meter when transporting it from one job site to the next. The analog display is not the easiest to read when working in tight spaces.
Versatility – 1.0 out of 5.0
This is a single-mode meter (pin), which is typical. Readings on the display must be viewed upside down, which is not convenient, especially given this meter’s analog display. Capable of giving relative readings in a variety of non-wood building materials.
Range – 3.7 out of 5.0
The BD-10 reads from 6% to 40% MC. It is not capable of taking measurements at very low moisture levels below 6%.
Features – 2.1 out of 5.0
Readings using the analog display are precise to the nearest 1%. This is a basic meter without a lot of bells and whistles, but it does include a built-in calibration check. Lacks a HOLD function and low battery indicator.
Customer Service – 4.5 out of 5.0
Delmhorst’s customer service was knowledgeable, helpful and polite. The representative was able to answer all the basic questions about repairs, returns, etc. Fast response to both telephone and email inquiries. Manual available online.
Warranty and Repair Information:
- One-year warranty on all Delmhorst meters, and a 90-day warranty for optional electrodes.
- The meter must be physically inspected before the actual repair cost can be determined.
- 3-5 business day turnaround on repairs.
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.