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The Dr Meter MKL-W01 is a dual function pin and pinless meter and has settings for drywall, masonry as well as softwoods and hardwoods. This review is for the pin method. Please see a separate review for the pinless method.
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.
According to the manual, the moisture range is 5% to 50%. Species selection is in groups such as hardwood and softwood. This meter includes a soft case for carrying on a belt. A statement in the manual states this meter is not for professional use because the type and temperature of materials can affect results.
Pros
- Large backlit display
- Small soft carrying pouch
- Dual function pin and pinless measurements
Cons
- Not able to set meter for specific species
- Poor accuracy results
- Poor documentation
- No calibration check method
- No service center
Objective Evaluation – Overall Score 3.2 out of 5.0
Accuracy – 3.3 out of 5.0
The MKL-W01 had reasonable accuracy in pin measuring mode even though it read somewhat low compared to oven-dry results.
Learn about our accuracy test procedures
Surface Moisture – 1.0 out of 5.0
The MKL-W01 did poorly when subjected to wood surface moisture. The reading increased by almost 19% MC.
Learn about our surface moisture test procedures
Meter Temperature Test – 5.0 out of 5.0
The MKL-W01 scored well when cold and only varied slightly when warmed to 110 degrees F.
Learn about our meter temperature test procedures
Wood Temperature – 2.5 out of 5.0
The MKL-W01 read about 2.5% low when wood temperature was cold. It performed better on the high temperature wood sample.
Learn about our wood temperature test procedures
Reading Repeatability – 4.0 out of 5.0
This MKL-W01 did well when comparing sequential readings. It varied only about 1% moisture content.
Learn about our repeatability testing procedures
Drift Test – 4.0 out of 5.0
Very little drift over 3 seconds for this meter.
Cable Interference – N/A
No cable interference test for this meter since it was tested using built-in pins.
Learn about our cable interference and drift testing procedures
Subjective Evaluation – Overall Score 3.3 out of 5.0
Learn about our subjective testing procedures
Ease of Use – 2.2 out of 5.0
This Dr Meter scored low in this category primarily because the pins broke during testing. Points were also deducted since there is no lookup table to compensate for changes in the wood temperature. All pin meters are sensitive to wood temperature.
Quality – 3.7 out of 5.0
During tests, both the pins broke. The pins are not replaceable.
Comfort – 4.5 out of 5.0
This meter is small enough to fit in a pocket. The soft ballistic pouch is handy for wearing on a belt loop.
Versatility – 3.0 out of 5.0
The MKL-W01 scored fair in Versatility. Its inability to program individual species settings decreased this rating.
Range – 5.0 out of 5.0
This Dr Meter’s measuring range for wood according to the manual is 5% to 50%.
Features – 2.5 out of 5.0
The MKL-W01 is a compact meter and features both pin and pinless modes of operation. It has a large bright display. Its inability to check calibration and send to a service center for calibration decreased the star rating.
Customer Service – 2.5 out of 5.0
No specified warranty and lack of a service center decreased this star rating.
Warranty and repair information:
- No warranty period is stated in manual
- No service center or phone number
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.