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CRITICAL FLAW ALERT!
The ET140 demonstrated poor accuracy on all species tested. It underestimated moisture content below 15% and overestimated above 15%. We deducted one star because of this critical flaw.
The Klein ET140 is a pinless moisture meter and can be used for measuring hardwood, softwood, drywall and masonry. It has a large white on black display and uses a simple 3-button operation.
The measurement range is 0% to 35% moisture content for hardwood and 0% to 55% for softwood.
Pros
- Large clear display
- Easy to use
- Low battery indicator
Cons
- Can’t set for individual species
- No carrying case or soft pouch
- Poor accuracy
Objective Evaluation – Overall Score 2.7 out of 5.0
Accuracy – 1.9 out of 5.0
The Klein ET140 meter rated poor for accuracy. It read too low on the lower moisture content wood samples and too high on the higher moisture content wood compared to ASTM D4442 oven-dry standards.
Learn about our accuracy test procedures
Surface Moisture – 1.0 out of 5.0
Moisture readings increased almost 3% when surface moisture was present on the wood.
Learn about our surface moisture test procedures
Meter Temperature Test – 3.0 out of 5.0
The ET140 didn’t vary on the high moisture content wood. The readings were off the chart on the low moisture content when the meter was both warm and cold.
Learn about our meter temperature test procedures
Wood Temperature – 2.5 out of 5.0
The ET140 was consistent on low moisture content wood when the wood was both warm and cold. However, the readings were off the chart on higher moisture contents.
Learn about our wood temperature test procedures
Reading Repeatability – 4.0 out of 5.0
This meter did well during consecutive readings. Readings only varied by 0.5%.
Learn about our repeatability testing procedures
Drift Test – N/A
No drift for the ET140 meter. As with any pinless meter, there is no observable drift in readings.
Cable Interference – N/A
No cable interference test for the Klein ET140. It is a pinless meter.
Learn about our cable interference and drift testing procedures
Subjective Evaluation – Overall Score 3.9 out of 5.0
Learn about our subjective testing procedures
Ease of Use – 3.8 out of 5.0
With its simple 3 button design, this meter is easy to use. The manual is short but complete. Need a screwdriver to replace the battery.
Quality – 3.7 out of 5.0
The ET140 has a rugged design and held up well during our testing. Points were deducted due to a lack of carrying case or soft pouch for transportability.
Comfort – 3.5 out of 5.0
This meter is rugged and small enough to fit in a shirt pocket. It features a large easy to read display. Lacks any kind of case for transportability.
Versatility – 3.0 out of 5.0
The Klein ET140 scored fair in Versatility. Its inability to utilize both pin and pinless measuring modes decreased this rating. The Hold button is useful for keeping the reading in tight spots.
Range – 5.0 out of 5.0
The ET140 scored high for its measuring range. It is 0% to 35% for hardwoods and 0% to 55% for softwoods. This range is good for all woodworking conditions.
Features – 3.2 out of 5.0
This meter scored fair in the Features category. It has the ability to hold a reading, has high moisture content alarm and a low battery indicator. Calibration can’t be verified by user but can be sent in for servicing or calibration.
Customer Service – 5.0 out of 5.0
The Klein ET140 user manual can be found online and carries a 2-year warranty. Good email response and telephone response time. A service center is located in the US for repairs and calibration.
Warranty and repair information:
- 2-year standard warranty for product defects
- Repair depot is 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.