WoodSavr MT600-Y
WoodSavr MT600-Y Pin & Pinless Moisture Meter User Manual
Model: MT600-Y
1. Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the safe and effective operation of your WoodSavr MT600-Y Pin & Pinless Moisture Meter. Please read this manual thoroughly before use and retain it for future reference.
The WoodSavr MT600-Y is a versatile 2-in-1 moisture detector designed for measuring moisture content in various materials, including wood, lumber, concrete, and other building materials. It features both pin-type and pinless (non-invasive) detection modes, an upgraded sensor, a backlit screen, and 9 calibration scales for wood.
2. Safety Information
- Always handle the meter with care. Avoid dropping or subjecting it to strong impacts.
- When using the pin-type mode, exercise caution as the pins are sharp. Keep the protective cap on when not in use.
- Do not attempt to measure live electrical circuits with the meter.
- Keep the device away from water and high humidity environments to prevent damage.
- Store the meter in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight.
- Replace batteries promptly when the low battery indicator appears to ensure accurate readings.
3. Product Overview
The WoodSavr MT600-Y moisture meter combines advanced technology with user-friendly design for reliable moisture detection.

Figure 3.1: Front view of the WoodSavr MT600-Y moisture meter, showing the display and control buttons.
3.1 Key Features
- Dual Detection Modes: Pin-type for precise contact measurement and Pinless for non-invasive scanning.
- Backlit LCD Screen: Ensures clear readability in various lighting conditions.
- 9 Wood Density Grades: Allows for accurate calibration across different wood types.
- Audible Alerts: Notifies the user of high moisture levels.
- Data Hold Function: Freezes the current reading on the display.
- Auto Shut-off: Conserves battery life.
- Low Battery Indicator: Alerts when battery replacement is needed.
3.2 Parts Identification

Figure 3.2: Diagram illustrating the various parts and controls of the MT600-Y moisture meter.
- 1. Building materials moisture value
- 2. Pin-type measurement mode indication
- 3. Wood moisture value
- 4. Moisture value display
- 5. Temperature value
- 6. Hold and °C/°F conversion button (HOLD button)
- 7. Wood/building material conversion button (W/B button)
- 8. Moisture bar display
- 9. Wood type and density indication
- 10. Building material type indication
- 11. Pinless measurement mode indication
- 12. Measurement value lock indication
- 13. Low battery indication
- 14. Measurement mode conversion button (MODE button)
- 15. Power and density button (POWER button)
4. Setup
4.1 Battery Installation
The WoodSavr MT600-Y requires one 9V battery (included). To install or replace the battery:
- Locate the battery compartment cover on the back of the device.
- Open the cover.
- Insert the 9V battery, ensuring correct polarity.
- Close the battery compartment cover securely.
4.2 Self-Testing Function
Before initial use or if accuracy is doubted, perform a self-test:
- Select wood density class 2 using the DENSITY button.
- Insert the meter's pins into the two holes on the protective cap.
- A reading between 16.6% and 20.6% indicates normal operation. If the reading falls outside this range, the unit may require service.

Figure 4.1: Performing the self-test by inserting pins into the protective cap.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1 Power On/Off
Press the POWER/DENSITY button to turn the meter on. The backlit display will illuminate. The meter will automatically shut off after a period of inactivity to conserve battery life.
5.2 Selecting Measurement Mode (Wood/Building Material)
Press the W/BLD button to switch between Wood and Building Material measurement modes. The display will indicate the currently selected mode.
5.3 Pin-Type Measurement
The pin-type mode is suitable for precise and fast moisture detection, especially for architectural lumber, drywall, and wood panels.
- Remove the protective cap from the pins.
- Gently push the pins into the material to be measured. Ensure both pins make good contact.
- Read the moisture content percentage on the display.
- After measurement, carefully withdraw the pins and replace the protective cap.

Figure 5.1: Demonstrating pin-type detection on a tree trunk for precise measurement.
5.4 Pinless Measurement
The pinless mode provides non-invasive moisture detection, ideal for finished surfaces like wooden furniture or antique woodwork, preventing surface damage.
- Ensure the protective cap is removed or positioned to allow the sensor to contact the surface.
- Place the sensor pad flat against the surface of the material.
- The display will show the moisture content.

Figure 5.2: Illustrating pinless detection on a cut log for traceless measurement.
5.5 Wood Density Calibration
For accurate wood moisture readings, select the appropriate wood density grade. The MT600-Y offers 9 grades.
- In Wood mode, press the DENSITY button repeatedly to cycle through the 9 wood density grades (1-9).
- Refer to the table below to match your wood type with the corresponding density grade.

Figure 5.3: Wood measurement mode and common wood selection grades.
| Grade | Wood Types |
|---|---|
| 1 | Linden, Cottonwood, Cypress, Redwood, Whitepine, Sugar pine, Radiationwood, Hard firminana, Okoume |
| 2 | Pine, Fir, Cedar, Alder, Aspen, Birch, Cherry tree, Hemlock, Philippine mahogany, African mahogany, Khaya, Poplar, Spruce, Manchurian Walnut |
| 3 | Ramin, Iroko, Black Walnut, Shadlock, Eucalyptus saligna, Maple, color wood, Larch, Elm, Manchurian ash, Chinese ash |
| 4 | Rubber tree, Beech, Red oak |
| 5 | Faber oak, Merbau |
| 6 | Keruing, Jatoba, Olive tree, Chicken wing wood, Quercus, Scarlet eucalyptus ligna, Australian mahogany, Hickory |
| 7 | Ormosia henryi |
| 8 | Cumaru |
| 9 | Ipe |
5.6 Data Hold Function
Press the HOLD °C/°F button to freeze the current reading on the display. Press it again to release the hold function.
5.7 Temperature Unit Conversion
While the data hold function is active, press and hold the HOLD °C/°F button to switch between Celsius (°C) and Fahrenheit (°F) temperature units.
5.8 Over-Range Alert
The meter provides an audible alert when moisture levels exceed certain thresholds:
- For Wood: Alert sounds if moisture is ≥ 16%.
- For Building Materials: Alert sounds if moisture is ≥ 20%.

Figure 5.4: Visual representation of over-range alerts for wood and building materials.
5.9 General Usage Tips
- For pinless measurements, ensure the sensor is flat against the surface for accurate readings.
- Avoid measuring materials with surface moisture (e.g., condensation) as this can lead to inaccurate results.
- Take multiple readings in different spots to get a comprehensive understanding of the material's moisture content.
6. Maintenance
6.1 Cleaning
Wipe the meter with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents. Ensure the pins are clean and free of debris after each use.
6.2 Storage
When not in use, store the meter in its protective packaging in a dry, cool environment. Always replace the protective cap over the pins.
6.3 Pin Replacement
If the measurement pins become bent or dull, they can be replaced. Refer to the product packaging or contact customer support for replacement pins and instructions.
7. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Meter does not power on. | Dead or incorrectly installed battery. | Check battery polarity. Replace with a new 9V battery. |
| Inaccurate readings. | Incorrect wood density grade selected; pins not fully inserted (pin-type); sensor not flat on surface (pinless); surface moisture present. | Ensure correct wood density grade. Fully insert pins. Ensure full contact for pinless. Wipe off surface moisture. Perform self-test. |
| Display is dim or flickering. | Low battery. | Replace the 9V battery. |
| No reading in pinless mode. | Sensor not making proper contact; material too thin or outside measurement range. | Ensure the sensor pad is flat against the surface. Verify material thickness is within the meter's capabilities. |
8. Specifications
- Model: MT600-Y
- Detection Modes: Pin-type, Pinless-type
- Wood Moisture Range (Pin-type): 6% - 60% (±2%)
- Building Material Range (Pin-type): 0% - 33% (±2%)
- Wood Moisture Range (Pinless-type): 0% - 60%
- Wood Density Grades: 9 selectable grades
- Resolution: 0.1%
- Power Supply: 1 x 9V battery (included)
- Auto Shut-off: Yes
- Display: Backlit LCD
- Operating Temperature: Up to 50°C (122°F)
- Dimensions: 8.35 x 3.39 x 1.97 inches
- Weight: 9.14 ounces (with battery)
9. Warranty and Support
For warranty information or technical support, please refer to the documentation included with your purchase or contact WoodSavr customer service. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase.
Manufacturer: WoodSavr
Ask a question about this manual
Ask about setup, troubleshooting, compatibility, parts, safety, or missing instructions. Manuals+ will review the question and use this page’s manual context to help answer it.