Klein Tools ET140 Pinless Moisture Meter for Non-Destructive Moisture Detection in Drywall, Wood, and Masonry; Detects up to…
Best for
Best overall
Amazon rating
Amazon aggregate, one input among many in the Verdict Score
Based on 3 trusted sources
Current price
$49.80
Updated Jun 27, 2026 · 1 min read
Sources behind this verdict
10 reviewers weighted by source trust
The consensus
What reviewers found
Synthesized across the trust-weighted source mix below.
Across the reviewers we read, the Klein Tools ET140 is the most broadly recommended affordable pinless meter. A high-trust r/woodworking poster directly compared it to a friend's Wagner Orion 950 and reported the readings 'weren't exactly the same but' close enough to validate the ET140 for the money, which is the kind of cross-check that anchors its reputation. Lowe's verified reviewers commend its solid construction, lightweight feel and the reading-lock function, and woodtalkonline testers noted no notable difference measuring 3/4-inch versus thicker boards, consistent with its rated 3/4-inch (19 mm) depth.
What reviewers liked
- Largest verified-purchase base among sub-$50 pinless meters (6,270 ratings at 4.5 stars)
- High-trust r/woodworking comparison rated it close to the far pricier Wagner Orion 950
- Lowe's customers praise build quality, lightweight feel and the reading-lock display
- Non-destructive scanning across drywall, wood and masonry modes
Where it falls short
- A high-trust r/Carpentry thread documented a confusing 46% subfloor reading that needed context to interpret
- A YouTube reviewer flagged it as 'both excellent and flawed,' citing limitations
- Pinless design only reads to 3/4-inch depth, so deeper moisture can be missed
- Community consensus is pinless gives ballpark, not absolute, moisture content
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Across the reviewers we read, the Klein Tools ET140 is the most broadly recommended affordable pinless meter. A high-trust r/woodworking poster directly compared it to a friend's Wagner Orion 950 and reported the readings 'weren't exactly the same but' close enough to validate the ET140 for the money, which is the kind of cross-check that anchors its reputation. Lowe's verified reviewers commend its solid construction, lightweight feel and the reading-lock function, and woodtalkonline testers noted no notable difference measuring 3/4-inch versus thicker boards, consistent with its rated 3/4-inch (19 mm) depth.
- WATER LEAK DETECTOR detects relative moisture content from leaks and flooding
- PINLESS MOISTURE METER measures relative moisture content in building materials
- NONDESRUCTIVE DETECTION up to 3/4-Inch deep using Electromagnetic field (EMF) technology
- USE ON DRYWALL, MASONRY, HARDWOOD, AND SOFTWOOD; calibrated for these materials only
- REVERSE-CONTRAST DISPLAY for easy viewing of reading and nine LED bars to indicate moisture range
- FULL FEATURE TOOL includes hold, low battery, and auto-power off functions
- COMPLETE MOISTURE METER KIT includes meter with 2m drop protection, 9V battery, and instruction manual
The pinless reading is good for a quick ballparking type of read, whereas using pins gives a more accurate reading of moisture content. The pins ...
I'm using a Klein ET140 pinless moisture meter and have compared it to a friends Wagner Orion 950. The readings weren't exactly the same but ...
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“The Klein ET140 Moisture Meter is both EXCELLENT and FLAWED” · ... 3:01
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