Products for home projects

Klein Tools Pinless Moisture Meter

For comparing a suspect surface with a known-dry area of the same material while documenting a water stain or moisture concern.

ET140Tools

Klein Tools · ET140

Pinless Moisture Meter

Non-invasive material checks

For comparing a suspect surface with a known-dry area of the same material while documenting a water stain or moisture concern.

Consider before choosing

  • A relative reading does not identify the leak source or diagnose mold.
  • Near-surface sensing cannot establish conditions through an entire wall assembly.
  • Metal and material conditions require the manual’s interpretation; avoid scanning on or near live circuits.

Key manufacturer facts

  • Non-invasive material-moisture sensing to a stated depth of 3/4 in (19 mm), with drywall, masonry, hardwood and softwood modes. Manufacturer source
  • Drywall and masonry use a 0–100 relative scale; it is not ambient relative humidity or absolute material moisture percent. Manufacturer source
  • Wood ranges in the manual differ: hardwood 0–35%, softwood 0–55%. Manufacturer source
All manufacturer sources

Sources checked 2026-11-04.

  1. manufacturer product page
  2. manufacturer product page

Use a reference area of the same material

The ET140 scans without pin punctures and provides separate drywall, masonry and wood modes. A useful observation compares like material in the appropriate mode with a known-dry reference area. Record the location and mode along with the number so later readings have a consistent context.

Sources: Klein Tools — manufacturer product page; Klein Tools — manufacturer product page.

Know which numbers are relative

The manual uses a 0–100 relative scale for drywall and masonry, while its hardwood and softwood ranges differ. Those are not interchangeable measurements and are not room relative humidity. A high reading is a reason to investigate the pattern and conditions, not a diagnosis of mold or the source of a leak.

Sources: Klein Tools — manufacturer product page.

Respect the depth and interpretation limits

The stated sensing depth is up to 3/4 inch. A surface scan cannot establish the moisture condition of an entire concealed wall assembly. Material conditions and nearby metal can affect interpretation; use the manual’s precautions, including those around energized circuits. Choose a pin meter instead when a localized contact reading and small pin marks suit the task.

Sources: Klein Tools — manufacturer product page; Klein Tools — manufacturer product page.

Go deeper before choosing

How we selected these

We compare manufacturer specifications, fit and everyday use. We have not tested these products in person. Sources last reviewed 2026-11-04.

How we choose and explain products