Last reviewed: May 2026 · MLC editorial team · UK trade workshop perspective
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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 |
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| Resolution | 0.01mm |
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| Accuracy | ±0.02mm |
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| IP | IP67 |
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| Battery | CR2032 |
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Pros
- Industry-reference brand
- Absolute scale
- IP67
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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 |
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| Resolution | 0.01mm |
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| Accuracy | ±0.03mm |
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| IP | IP67 |
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| Battery | CR2032 |
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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 |
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| Resolution | 0.001mm |
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| Accuracy | ±0.002mm |
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| IP | IP65 |
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| Battery | SR44 |
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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 |
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| Resolution | 0.001mm |
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| Accuracy | ±0.003mm |
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| IP | IP54 |
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| Battery | SR44 |
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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 |
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| Resolution | 0.01mm |
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| Accuracy | ±0.04mm |
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| Scale | ABS digital |
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| Base | Granite-true |
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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 |
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| Resolution | 0.01mm |
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| Accuracy | ±0.05mm |
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| Scale | Digital |
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| Base | Hardened steel |
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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. |
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| Choose Moore & Wright if | you want UK-brand support, trade-grade accuracy without the Mitutoyo premium, and don't need inspection-room recognition. |
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| Best caliper (overall) | Mitutoyo 500-196-30 - the inspection standard |
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| Best caliper (value) | Moore & Wright MW110-15DBL - UK brand at half price |
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| Best precision micrometer | Mitutoyo 293-340-30 - ±2 micron |
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| Best height gauge (budget trade) | Moore & Wright MW192-30D - under £400 |
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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.
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