Last reviewed: May 2026 · MLC editorial team · UK trade workshop perspective
caliper measuring tool on a dusty industrial surface." width="800" height="533" loading="lazy" style="width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:8px">Photo by Ahmet Çiftçi on Pexels
Mitutoyo is the global metrology standard; Moore & Wright is the UK heritage brand reborn under Bowers. Both manufacture calibrated, IP-rated precision tools for trade use, including micrometers, calipers, and height gauges. Your choice hinges on where your measurements need to be traceable - ISO 17025 accredited labs like Mitutoyo’s or UKAS-accredited Moore & Wright - and how much you’re willing to spend. For instance, a basic Mitutoyo digital micrometer might cost around £150, while a comparable Moore & Wright model could be found for less than £100. In the workshop, knowing these specifics helps ensure your tools meet quality and budget requirements without unnecessary frills.
How we picked these
- Test the same nominal tools side-by-side: 150mm caliper, 0-25mm micrometer, 300mm rule.
- Compare accuracy class, IP rating, materials, country of manufacture.
- Look at calibration certificate availability - UKAS-traceable matters in audited workshops.
- Consider resale value and inspection-room recognition.
- Weigh in spare-parts availability - battery covers, anvil tips, jaw inserts.
Reviewed picks
Mitutoyo 500-196-30 Absolute Caliper (150mm)
Price: £140-£190 | Best for: daily inspection bench
The Mitutoyo 500-196-30 Absolute Caliper at £140 to £190 is a stalwart for daily inspection work in UK workshops. Its IP67 rating and absolute scale make it reliable and precise, but the premium price tag may give some pause.
| Range | 0-150mm |
|---|
| Resolution | 0.01mm |
|---|
| Accuracy | ±0.02mm |
|---|
| IP | IP67 |
|---|
| Battery | CR2032 |
|---|
Pros
- Industry-reference brand
- Absolute scale
- IP67
Check Mitutoyo 500-196-30 Absolute Caliper (150mm) on Amazon UK →
Moore & Wright MW110-15DBL Caliper (150mm)
Price: £75-£110 | Best for: UK trade workshop
The Moore & Wright MW110-15DBL caliper is a solid choice for UK workshops, offering a 0-150mm range with IP67 protection and a CR2032 battery. At £75 to £110, it's half the price of Mitutoyo models while maintaining British quality. Its ±0.03mm accuracy is slightly less precise than Mitutoyo’s ±0.02mm but still reliable for most trade tasks.
| Range | 0-150mm |
|---|
| Resolution | 0.01mm |
|---|
| Accuracy | ±0.03mm |
|---|
| IP | IP67 |
|---|
| Battery | CR2032 |
|---|
Pros
- UK heritage brand
- IP67
- Half Mitutoyo price
Check Moore & Wright MW110-15DBL Caliper (150mm) on Amazon UK →
Mitutoyo 293-340-30 Digital Micrometer (0-25mm)
Price: £170-£230 | Best for: precision machining inspection
The Mitutoyo 293-340-30 Digital Micrometer offers a range of 0 to 25mm with ±0.002mm accuracy and a resolution of 0.001mm. Priced between £170 and £230, it features a robust IP65 rating and is made in Japan. Its friction thimble provides smooth operation, but its limited range restricts use for broader applications. Ideal for precision machining inspection.
| Range | 0-25mm |
|---|
| Resolution | 0.001mm |
|---|
| Accuracy | ±0.002mm |
|---|
| IP | IP65 |
|---|
| Battery | SR44 |
|---|
Pros
- ±2 micron
- Friction thimble
- Japan-made
Check Mitutoyo 293-340-30 Digital Micrometer (0-25mm) on Amazon UK →
Moore & Wright MW270 Digital Micrometer (0-25mm)
Price: £95-£140 | Best for: workshop precision at UK price
The Moore & Wright MW270 Digital Micrometer (0-25mm) is a solid choice for UK workshops needing precision at a reasonable price, ranging from £95 to £140. It offers 0.001mm resolution and ±0.003mm accuracy, with an IP54 rating and SR44 battery. A notable pro is its friction thimble, enhancing tactile feel during measurements. However, it falls short of Mitutoyo's dust resistance at IP65 and has a slightly less accurate ±3 micron compared to ±2 micron.
| Range | 0-25mm |
|---|
| Resolution | 0.001mm |
|---|
| Accuracy | ±0.003mm |
|---|
| IP | IP54 |
|---|
| Battery | SR44 |
|---|
Pros
- UK brand
- Half Mitutoyo price
- Friction thimble
Cons
- IP54 not IP65
- ±3 micron not ±2
Check Moore & Wright MW270 Digital Micrometer (0-25mm) on Amazon UK →
Mitutoyo 570-302 Height Gauge (300mm)
Price: £520-£720 | Best for: inspection room
The Mitutoyo 570-302 Height Gauge is a precision tool for inspection rooms, offering an ABS digital scale with a range of 0 to 300mm and accuracy within ±0.04mm. Its granite base ensures stability, backed by Mitutoyo's certification chain. Priced between £520 and £720, it delivers reliable measurements but comes at a premium cost.
| Range | 0-300mm |
|---|
| Resolution | 0.01mm |
|---|
| Accuracy | ±0.04mm |
|---|
| Scale | ABS digital |
|---|
| Base | Granite-true |
|---|
Pros
- ABS Absolute scale
- Inspection-grade base
- Mitutoyo cert chain
Check Mitutoyo 570-302 Height Gauge (300mm) on Amazon UK →
Moore & Wright MW192-30D Height Gauge (300mm)
Price: £320-£440 | Best for: workshop second-bench
The Moore & Wright MW192-30D Height Gauge (300mm) is a solid choice for UK workshops on a budget, offering a range of 0 to 300mm with an accuracy of ±0.05mm at £320 to £440. Its hardened steel base provides durability and stability, making it ideal as a second-bench tool. However, its slightly lower accuracy compared to Mitutoyo's ±0.04mm is noticeable for precision work.
| Range | 0-300mm |
|---|
| Resolution | 0.01mm |
|---|
| Accuracy | ±0.05mm |
|---|
| Scale | Digital |
|---|
| Base | Hardened steel |
|---|
Pros
- UK brand
- Hardened steel base
- Inexpensive
Check Moore & Wright MW192-30D Height Gauge (300mm) on Amazon UK →
Recommendations at a glance
| Choose Mitutoyo if | you need inspection-room recognition, AS9100 / ISO 9001 traceability, or work in aerospace / motorsport where the brand is the de-facto reference. |
|---|
| Choose Moore & Wright if | you want UK-brand support, trade-grade accuracy without the Mitutoyo premium, and don't need inspection-room recognition. |
|---|
| Best caliper (overall) | Mitutoyo 500-196-30 - the inspection standard |
|---|
| Best caliper (value) | Moore & Wright MW110-15DBL - UK brand at half price |
|---|
| Best precision micrometer | Mitutoyo 293-340-30 - ±2 micron |
|---|
| Best height gauge (budget trade) | Moore & Wright MW192-30D - under £400 |
|---|
Related reference on MLC
Frequently asked questions
Is Moore & Wright still made in Sheffield?
Moore & Wright is now part of Bowers Group (UK). Some product lines are still UK-finished; others are sourced from Asian factories to Bowers' spec. The brand retains UK warranty and service network.
Will an inspection auditor accept Moore & Wright in place of Mitutoyo?
For ISO 9001 yes - both brands provide UKAS-traceable calibration certs. For aerospace AS9100 some auditors prefer Mitutoyo for the global recognition. For automotive TS 16949 either is accepted.
Do they share calibration accuracy?
Class-for-class they're equivalent. Mitutoyo Absolute scale calipers spec at ±0.02mm vs M&W ±0.03mm - a 33% difference but only 0.01mm absolute, irrelevant for most work.
Which holds resale value better?
Mitutoyo - second-hand Mitutoyo retains 60-70% of new price for 5 years. Moore & Wright is closer to 40-50%. Reflects brand recognition more than build quality.
Can I mix brands in an inspection room?
Yes - most workshops have a Mitutoyo height gauge with M&W rules and a mix of micrometers. As long as each tool has its own calibration cert, the brand mix doesn't affect traceability.
As an Amazon Associate, MLC earns from qualifying purchases. The product links on this page support our work at no extra cost to you. Reviewer-style guidance is editorial; prices and stock change without notice.