We take pride in our testing standards. Read more about that here.
CRITICAL FLAW ALERT!
This meter exhibits a critical flaw—namely its very low score for accuracy. The meter also has a relative lack of precision when measuring wood samples above 12% moisture content (MC). We deducted one star from our overall rating to reflect its critical flaw related to accuracy.
The Timber Check B350 is a pin-style wood moisture meter with a significantly different design and a cylindrical shape that distinguishes it from any other wood moisture meter that we tested. It may appeal to the budget-conscious user looking for a pin-style meter that is extremely simple to use.
However, the user should keep in mind that this meter has some limitations. Although reasonably accurate for measuring moisture in wood at or below 12% MC, at higher moisture levels, its design only allows for four different readings (14%, 18%, 22%, and 25% or greater).
This relative lack of precision (to the nearest 2 to 4%) means that it may not be appropriate for applications where greater precision and accuracy is needed in the mid to high MC range.
Another significant consideration is that battery installation and replacement is much more difficult than for most other moisture meters.
Pros
- Simple to use with a dial that effectively functions like a HOLD button
- Adjustment for wood species available using the included table
- 3-year warranty that includes free repair/replacement
Cons
- Meter only precise to the nearest 2 to 4% above 12% MC
- Pins are prone to breaking and bending
- Battery installation is difficult and might be considered a deal breaker
- No capability for calibration checks or re-calibration
Objective Evaluation – Overall Score 2.9 out of 5.0
Accuracy – 3.2 out of 5.0
This meter provided readings that are reasonably accurate from 6% to 12% MC when compared to ASTM D4442 oven dry standards. Above 12% MC, readings may only be accurate to the nearest 2-4% because of the design of the dial, which can only register readings at 12%, 14%, 18%, 22%, and 25% MC.
Learn about our accuracy test procedures
Surface Moisture – 1.0 out of 5.0
Surface moisture caused this meter to post readings more than 7% 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 – 2.3 out of 5.0
Meter temperature had a significant effect on this meter’s MC readings when meter temperature was higher. Our tests found that a high meter temperature of 110° F in the presence of low MC increased the reading by almost 2% MC. A low meter temperature of 34.8° F did not affect meter readings compared to the room temperature reading.
Learn about our meter temperature test procedures
Wood Temperature – 2.7 out of 5.0
Wood temperature affected this meter’s readings.
A low wood temperature of 33.6° F in the presence of low MC showed a 2% increase in the reading when compared to the room temperature reading. In the presence of high MC, the reading decreased slightly.
A high wood temperature of 110° F in the presence of low MC showed more than a 3% change in the reading when compared to the room temperature reading. In the presence of high MC, the reading decreased by about 4%.
Learn about our wood temperature test procedures
Reading Repeatability – 5.0 out of 5.0
The readings of this meter were entirely repeatable, showing no tendency to vary.
Learn about our repeatability testing procedures
Drift – 5.0 out of 5.0
Readings for this meter showed no tendency to drift after 3 seconds.
Cable Interference – N/A
This meter does not offer cabled accessories so the cable interference test could not be conducted.
Learn about our cable interference and drift testing procedures
Subjective Evaluation – Overall Score 2.8 out of 5.0
Learn about our subjective testing procedures
Ease of Use – 2.5 out of 5.0
This meter is simple to operate and requires little use of the manual except for species adjustments. However, battery installation and replacement is significantly more difficult than it is with other meters. This issue alone might be a reason to steer clear of this meter.
Quality – 3.0 out of 5.0
This meter is intended for the budget-conscious individual. No carrying case is provided, and the pins are subject to bending or breakage.
Comfort – 2.0 out of 5.0
This meter’s unusual cylindrical shape is acceptable for getting measurements but doesn’t lend itself to storing in a pocket for easy transport to your next job site. The dial that is used to obtain readings is quite easy to operate.
Versatility – 2.0 out of 5.0
This is a pin-style meter that is intended for wood only. It is calibrated for red oak, but a table is provided for making species adjustments.
Range – 3.7 out of 5.0
Measures moisture content from 6% to 25%, which may be adequate for most applications.
Features – 1.7 out of 5.0
Readings precise to the nearest 1% in the range from 6% to 12% MC. For MC above 12%, this meter is only precise to the nearest 2-4%. No low battery indicator, and no capability for calibration checks. The design of the dial effectively provides a HOLD function for getting readings.
Customer Service – 5.0 out of 5.0
Comprotec Canada offers a three-year warranty and provides free repair or replacement as well as free shipping if the meter has any problems during the warranty period. The free replacement does not cover the pins, which are prone to bending and breaking. Fast and friendly telephone service.
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.