The Delmhorst BD-2100 is a digital pin-type meter that uses resistance technology for measuring moisture. Our tests indicated that this meter provides readings that are somewhat low compared to the actual moisture content of wood.
It can accommodate an array of optional accessories, including electrodes, insulated pins, and a slide hammer to assist in taking measurements.
In addition, it features three scales for use with wood, plastic/concrete, and gypsum, along with color-coded indicators of moisture content for each. One has to adjust for species and temperature using correction tables in the manual, which makes this meter less convenient than some of the other meters we tested.
Although the meter reads somewhat lower than the actual moisture content of the wood sample, it may still be an acceptable choice for many applications where a pin meter is preferred.
Pros
- Designed for use with many types of building materials
- Audible alarm that buzzes when the reading is above a selected value
- Built-in calibration check
- Capable of storing and averaging up to 100 readings
Cons
- Questionable pin durability
- Temperature and species adjustments require using a table
- Readings somewhat lower than actual moisture content (MC)
- Range does not extend below 6%
- Surface moisture significantly affects readings
Delmhorst BD-2100 Slide Hammer
This meter includes hammer probe accessory, which we also tested.
Objective Evaluation – Overall Score 3.8 out of 5.0
Accuracy – 3.9 Out Of 5.0
This meter provides readings that are somewhat low when compared to ASTM D-4442 oven dry standards. Meter gives a reading of -5.8% at very low moisture content levels, due to its inability to read below 6% MC. Accuracy starts to diminish above 20% MC.
Learn about our accuracy test procedures
Surface Moisture – 1.0 Out of 5.0
The surface moisture test showed a significant difference of 7.1% in MC readings from 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 – 4.7 Out Of 5
Meter temperature had an effect on this meter’s readings.
A low meter temperature of 33° F in the presence of a low MC sample decreased the reading by 0.2% when compared to a meter temperature at 70° F. While in the presence of high MC, the reading dropped by 1.1%.
A high meter temperature of 110° F in the presence of low MC decreased the reading by 1.3% also compared to a meter temperature of 70° F. In the presence of high MC, the readings decreased by 1.6%.
Learn about our meter temperature test procedures
Wood Temperature – 4.0 Out Of 5.0
Wood temperature had a small effect on this meter’s readings.
A low wood temperature in the presence of low moisture content increased the reading 1.3% compared to room temperature, while in the presence of high moisture content, the reading barely decreased.
A high wood temperature in the presence of low moisture content barely decreased the reading compared to room temperature, while in the presence of high moisture content, the reading decreased by 1.2%.
Learn about our wood temperature test procedures
Reading Repeatability – 4.0 out Of 5.0
BD 2100 meter readings were mostly repeatable but did show some tendency to vary.
Learn about our repeatability testing procedures
Drift – 3.0 Out Of 5.0
Readings with this meter drift somewhat after 3 seconds. Delmhorst Customer Support acknowledges that drift occurs with this meter. If more than 3 seconds are needed to obtain readings, expect some inaccuracies.
Cable Interference – N/A
Unless an optional cabled accessory such as the slide hammer is used, the BD-2100 is not able to be tested for cable interference.
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
This meter is easy to operate. Little use of the manual is needed except for using the tables to adjust for species and wood temperature.
Quality – 4.3 out of 5.0
Constructed of impact-resistant plastic, this meter is unlikely to break or malfunction with normal use. The non-insulated pins, however, are not very durable and break more frequently than one would expect.
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 hard case to protect the meter when transporting it from one job site to the next.
Versatility – 1.0 out of 5.0
This is a single-mode meter (pin), which is typical. The species correction table in the manual must be used to adjust for wood species. Readings on the display must be viewed upside down, which is not convenient when working in tight spaces. May be used with either the built-in pins or a slide hammer electrode accessory. Capable of being used with a variety of building materials in addition to wood.
Range – 3.7 out of 5.0
This meter reads from 6% to 40% and is not capable of taking measurements when the moisture content is below 6%.
Features – 3.5 out of 5.0
Readings precise to the nearest 0.1%. Features include the ability to store and average up to 100 readings, a built-in calibration check, an audible alarm to alert the user that the reading exceeds a selected value and three scales for use with different building materials. No low battery indicator. Slide hammer electrode accessory is available. Two types of contact pins available: non-insulated, which are pushed into the wood to their full length of 5/16th of an inch, and insulated pins, which can be driven to the desired measurement depth.
Customer Service – 4.5 out of 5.0
Delmhorst 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 for all Delmhorst meters; 90-day warranty for electrode accessories.
- 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.