Abstract: A coating thickness gauge for measuring the thickness of a coating on a surface of a can is described. The gauge comprises a probe head and a probe head locating mechanism. By employing the probe head locating mechanism the probe head can be easily orientated relative to the surface of a can. The ability to select and fix the measurement orientation of the probe head provides the coating thickness gauge with enhanced flexibility such that it can be employed to take measurements from all surface sections of the can, both interior and exterior. This ability is not dependent on the experience, knowledge or skill of a particular operator. As a result the gauge provides for a fast means of measuring the thickness of a coating which can be used within an in line feedback system, on a commercial scale.