The first modern multitool (ancient ones have been discovered, more about that at the end of this article) was developed in the early 1980’s by Tim Leatherman.
Called the “Pocket Survival Tool”, it contained a dozen tools ready for roadside repairs, emergencies, around-the-house fixes, and pretty much anything else you can think up.
Since then, the multitool has reinvented itself for decades, getting lighter, easier to carry, and more versatile.
Anyone who owns a multitool will say it’s the most useful thing in their pocket (or purse), so we wanted to have a look around at some of the best multitools on the market today. Here’s what we found…
The Best Multi-Tools Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. LEATHERMAN Wingman |  Top Pick |
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| 2. Victorinox Swiss Army Swisstool |  |
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| 3. LEATHERMAN, Super Tool 300 |  |
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| 4. RoverTac Multi Tool Camping Tool |  |
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| 5. Swiss+Tech ST53100 19-in-1 Micro Pocket Multitool |  |
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| 6. Swiss+Tech 9-in-1 Micro Pocket Multitool |  |
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| 7. Pro-Master 15 in 1 Portable Pocket Multifunctional Multi-Tool |  |
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| 8. Gerber Truss Multitool |  |
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| 9. Gerber Mini Multi-Tool |  |
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| 10. LEATHERMAN, Skeletool Lightweight Multitool |  |
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1. LEATHERMAN Wingman — Best Multitool Knife
A classic yet comprehensive multitool, The Leatherman Wingman is perfect for everyday carry for everyday jobs. Comes complete with pliers, screwdrivers, knife, wire cutter, wire stripper, scissors, file, bottle opener, can opener, package opener, and a ruler.
All the tools are convenient one-hand opening, including the outside-accessible locking blade for those times you’ve only got one hand to spare.
Spring-action jaws and quality stainless-steel make this tool as durable as it is useful, yet lightweight and the perfect size to fit right in your pocket.
Specs
- Dimensions: 3.80 x 1.00 x 2.00 in.
- Weight : 6.88 oz.
- Materials: Stainless Steel
Pros
- Lightweight, and features removable pocket clip so your Wingman says put, and is easy to find
- All tools are easily opened with one hand, and feature a locking blade
- Contains a bottle opener, can opener, file, ruler, package opener, wire stripper, wire cutters, pliers, screwdrivers, and knife.
- Every Leatherman product is backed by a 25-year warranty
- Made here in the US at Leatherman’s Portland Oregon factory
Cons
- Some users reported the scissors spring didn’t work
- Some users reported the tool broke within a short amount of use
- Some reported that some of the tools weren’t easy to access
2. Victorinox Swiss Army Swisstool
From the makers of the original Swiss army knife, the Victorinox Swisstool can not only accommodate 27 functions, it’s surprisingly beautiful. It’s also constructed with stainless steel, and is incredibly lightweight.
Don’t let the lightweight elegant design fool you, however. This multitool came to work, and it’s durable enough to do any job over and over without giving out on you.
It features 4 screwdrivers, needle nose pliers, wire cutter, bottle opener, strong crate opener, scissors, metal saw, wood saw, metal file, straight edge blade, isolation length cutter, reamer, chisel/scraper, wire bender, stripper, scraper/round cutter, can opener, hard wire cutter, multi-purpose hook, coupling for corkscrew, and spear-tipped blade.
Lightweight and ergonomically designed, this tool can easily go with you in your pocket, but also comes with a leather carrying pouch and lanyard hole for more transport options.
Ten individual springs and a lock release mechanism ensures this tool won’t close on your fingers while you’re using it, and each tool is accessible outside of the handle.
This work of art is made in Switzerland and includes a lifetime guarantee against defects.
Specs
- Dimensions: 0.03 x 0.08 x 0.03 in
- Weight : 0.01 oz
- Materials: Stainless Steel
Pros
- At 0.01 oz, it’s incredibly lightweight, yet durable
- Features 4 screwdrivers, needle nose pliers, wire cutter, bottle opener, strong crate opener, scissors, metal saw, wood saw, metal file, straight-edge blade, isolation length cutter, reamer, chisel/scraper, wire bender, stripper, scraper/round cutter, can opener, hard wire cutter, multi-purpose hook, coupling for corkscrew, and spear-tipped blade
- Made in Switzerland by the makers of the original Swiss army knife, and comes with a lifetime warranty
- Ergonomically designed for less hand fatigue with use, and secure locking mechanism ensures safety
Cons
- Some users said the handles weren’t aligned well
- Some reported the scissors weren’t quality
- Some said the finger snick ridges used to open the tool were difficult to use.
3. LEATHERMAN, Super Tool 300
The Leatherman Super Tool 300 boasts 19 tools in one, featuring extra strong pliers, replaceable wire cutters, and extra-long serrated and straight blades as well as knives, screwdrivers, an electrical crimper, bottle and can openers, a saw, a file, an awl, and a ruler.
The handle is designed with better grip, and all the tools (except the pliers) are locking for safety. It’s compact, and features a lanyard ring for more portability options.
Specs
- Dimensions: 5.2 x 4 x 1.97 in.
- Weight: 12.9 oz.
- Materials: Stainless Steel
- Includes Leather Sheath
Pros
- Includes safety features such as all-locking tools and a handle designed to be held with gloves
- Convenient and portable design comes with a lanyard ring for more portability options
- Made from sturdy stainless steel in the US at Leatherman’s factory in Portland, Oregon
- Includes 25-year warranty
- Features serrated and straight knives, screwdrivers, pliers, wire cutters, a wire stripper, an electrical crimper, a file, an awl, a saw, a bottle opener, a can opener, and a ruler
Cons
- Some users reported the pliers broke
- Some users said the wire cutters broke
- Some said the blades rusted easily after getting wet
4. RoverTac Multi Tool Camping Tool
This 14-in-1 tool is perfect for the boy (or girl) scout in your life, or for anyone who loves hiking, camping, backpacking, fishing, hunting, and outdoor adventures. Features an axe, hammer, fish descaler, pliers, saw, knife blade, multiple hex wrenches, screwdriver, file, and bottle opener.
The RoverTac Multi-Tool Camping Tool is made from durable stainless steel, and because it includes a nylon pouch that covers the blade, this is the perfect tool to keep in your car or backpack. Includes a 100% satisfaction guarantee, lifetime warranty, and no reason return policy.
Specs
- Closed Dimensions: 6.9” x 3.5” x 0.9” in.
- Open Dimensions: 9.9” x 3.5” x 0.9” in.
- Weight: 15.0 oz
- Materials: Stainless Steel
- Includes Nylon Pouch
Pros
- All stainless steel for durability
- Includes 100% satisfaction guarantee, lifetime warranty and no reason return policy
- Features 14 tools, including axe, hammer, fish descaler, pliers, saw, knife blade, multiple hex wrenches, screwdriver, file, and bottle opener
- Safety lock and durable nylon pouch for safety
Cons
- Some users said the tool was poor quality
- Some reported the hammer and axe were too small to be useful
5. Swiss+Tech ST53100 19-in-1 Micro Pocket Multitool
This multitool features 19 useful tools in a package small enough for your pocket, but also includes an integrated patented, quick-release locking system that attaches to any key ring or key chain for quick and easy accessibility.
Made of polished stainless steel, this tool includes 2 rulers and ruler extensions (mm and in.) 2 hex wrenches, 6 screwdrivers, pliers, wire cutter, stripper, and crimper, file, bottle opener, and hand drill.
It’s great for many uses anywhere you need, from camping, for emergency auto repair, home, and everywhere in-between.
Specs
- Dimensions: 1.89 x 1.3 x 0.24 in.
- Weight: 3.2 oz
Pros
- Durable stainless steel design ensures your tool will be around for many fixes to come.
- Patented key ring locking system keeps your multitool handy wherever you go.
- Features 19 tools in one small package, including two hex wrenches (1/4 and 7/16 Inches), 3 flat screwdrivers, 3 phillips screwdrivers, inch and mm rulers with extensions, pliers, wire stripper, cutter, and crimper, hand drill, nail file, and bottle opener.
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a blade
- Some users said the tools loosened after a while
6. Swiss+Tech 9-in-1 Micro Pocket Multitool
More doesn’t always mean better. Nice and simple, this model features 4 ANSE standard screwdrivers, pliers, wire crimper, stripper, and cutter, and a bottle opener.
Like with all Swiss+Tech multitools, this 9 in 1 comes with their integrated quick-release locking system that secures to a keyring or keychain, but is also small enough to fit in your pocket so it’s ready to go wherever you are.
The rugged, stainless steel design means even the busiest tinkerer will get a lot of use out of it, and it’s limited lifetime warranty guarantees that if it breaks, you’re covered.
Specs
- Dimensions: 2.00 x 1.50 x 0.38 in
- Weight: 2.9 oz
- Materials: Stainless Steel
Pros
- 4 ANSI standard screwdrivers are easy to change out and snap into place
- Features Swiss+Tech’s patented quick-release key ring mechanism
- Made from polished stainless steel
- Includes 4 screwdrivers, pliers, wire crimper, stripper, and cutter, and a bottle opener.
Cons
- Some users said the tools bent easily
- Some reported the tool was too heavy for pocket use
- Some reported the tools became loose after lots of use
7. Pro-Master 15 in 1 Portable Pocket Multifunctional Multi-Tool
This 15 in 1 multitool will be ready when you need it in any situation. The durable, heavy-duty stainless steel design stands up to big jobs, but it’s compact and portable enough to fit easily in your pocket or comfortably on your belt in its sheath holder.
With 15 tools, including needle nose pliers, regular pliers, wire cutter, hook remover, fish scaler, double-sided nail file, can opener, flat knife, folding saw, bottle opener, ruler, and four different screwdrivers, you’ll never be caught unprepared.
The Pro-Master 15 in 1 multitool comes with a lifetime product warranty, and no questions asked, double your money-back guarantee. Seriously, all you have to do is let them know you’re not satisfied, and they’ll send you a new one. You don’t even have to send your old one back.
Specs
- Dimensions: 9.75 x 4.13 x 5.63 in
- Weight: 0.51 lbs
- Materials: Stainless Steel
Pros
- Features 15 useful tools including needle nose pliers, regular pliers, wire cutter, hook remover, fish scaler, double-sided nail file, can opener, flat knife, folding saw, bottle opener, ruler, and four different screwdrivers
- Great for fishing, camping, auto repairs, home repairs, wherever. You need it? This tool can handle it.
- Durable stainless steel construction
- Comes with belt looped holding pouch
- Includes lifetime warranty and double your money-back guarantee
Cons
- Tools don’t have a safety lock
- Some users said the metal on some of the sub-tools was flimsy
- Some reported the blade on the knife was too dull to use
8. Gerber Truss Multitool
The Gerber Truss multitool was crafted with the needs of the professional in mind. This multitool features 17 tools including spring-loaded needle nose pliers, standard pliers, wire stripper and cutters, saw, 3 flathead screwdrivers, dross driver, scissors, serrated blade, can and bottle openers, ruler, awl, fine edge blade, and file.
It comes with a lanyard hole, and belt-looped sheath to give you wearability options. The sheath is also Molle-compatible for workers requiring pack mounting or Molle vest options, and it fits horizontally or vertically on your belt for optimal comfort and accessibility.
Constructed from solid stainless steel, this multitool can stand up to even the hardest jobs, and features all outboard, all locking tools with spring-loaded pliers for accessibility, safety, and easy use.
Specs
- Dimensions: 1.75 x 0.5 x 4.35 in
- Weight: 8 oz
- Materials: Stainless Steel
Pros
- Features 17 tools including spring-loaded needle-nose pliers, standard pliers, wire stripper and cutters, saw, 3 flathead screwdrivers, dross driver, scissors, serrated blade, can and bottle openers, ruler, awl, fine-edge blade, and file
- Features all outboard, all locking tools for safety and easy use
- Spring-loaded needle nose pliers prevent hand fatigue
- Molle-compatible sheath fits vertically or horizontally to your belt for easy access
- Constructed from durable stainless steel
Cons
- Some users reported the pliers broke easily
- Some said the tool wasn’t aligned properly
- Some reported the sheath belt strap broke easily
9. Gerber Mini Multi-Tool
This tiny tool is perfect for your pocket or keychain and is sturdy enough to stand up to the biggest tasks. Made from stainless steel, it contains 10 tools, including wire cutter, fine edge blade, package opener, spring-loaded needle-nose pliers, scissors, a crosshead driver, and medium flat screwdriver, a bottle opener, tweezers, and file.
It also features a lanyard ring for multiple carrying options, so it goes with you wherever you need it.
Specs
- Dimensions: 2.75 in closed, 4.25 inches open
- Weight 2.2 oz
- Materials: Stainless Steel
Pros
- Comes in multiple color options and a bladeless version as well if you’d like to simplify even more
- Ultra-lightweight and small, this is the perfect pocket multitool
- Made with durable stainless steel
- Features 10 tools: wire cutter, fine edge blade, package opener, spring-loaded needle-nose pliers, scissors, a crosshead driver and medium flat screwdriver, a bottle opener, tweezers, and file
Cons
- Some users reported the tools were very tight and difficult to remove
- Some said the pliers were not quality
- Some users said it was a poor quality product
10. LEATHERMAN, Skeletool Lightweight Multitool
This multitool features the super handy function of one-hand access. (Apologies for the pun, but it couldn’t be helped.) This means extra convenience for you, and the removable pocket clip makes it easy to grab when you need it, even with your hands full.
It contains a combo knife, pliers, wire cutters, an exchangeable bit driver with an extra bit stored in the handle, and a carabiner/bottle opener, all you need for everyday tasks.
Leatherman is made here in the US in their Portland, Oregon factory, and includes a 25-year warranty for lifetime use.
Specs
- Dimensions: 4.00 x 1.00 x 1.00 in
- Weight: 5.01 oz
- Materials: Stainless Steel
Pros
- Contains a combo knife, pliers, wire cutters, an exchangeable bit driver, and carabiner/bottle opener. An extra bit is stored in the handle.
- Super lightweight, fits easily into your pocket and with a removable pocket clip, it stays there until you need it
- Made by Leatherman, a leading name in tools
- Made in the US, includes a 25-year lifetime warranty
Cons
- Some users reported the pocket clip broke, causing the tool to be lost
- Some users reported the blade on the knife broke easily
- Some said the pliers broke easily
Best Multi-Tool — A Buying Guide
No one wants a drawer full of sub-par multitools. The pliers on that one broke, this one is too loose, that one has dull blades, on and on– you get the idea.
As with most things, paying more for something doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve got insurance that it’s going to work perfectly, and lower pricing doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to break right out of the package.
The successful purchase of a multitool lies with three things; quality of materials, quality of craftsmanship, what kind of warranty of quality guarantee does it have.
Material
Most of us expect our multi tool to do what we ask it without complaint. The first part of this equation is finding a multitool made from quality materials:
Stainless Steel
There’s a good reason why most multitools are made primarily from stainless steel. It’s sturdy enough to hold up to abuse, and it doesn’t rust or corrode.
Vanadium Carbide Steel (S30V or S35VN)
Pricey, but worth it if you need your multitool to work overtime in the cutting department. Vanadium carbide steel is perfect for super sharp blade edges.
Titanium, Carbon Fiber, Rubber
If you find these materials in your multitool, you’ll find them added to the tool’s handle scales for better grip. Rubber, of course, is softer and gives a more solid grip than plain steel, and if you’re trying to tighten a screw outside somewhere in the middle of winter, you’ll be glad to have it.
Construction
You can have the best materials in the world, but if they’re not put together well, it’ll do you zero good. There are a few things to consider when looking for quality craftsmanship:
Hinges
In most multitools, the mechanism that moves the tools inside (pliers, wire cutters, screwdrivers, etc.) is a hinge. A hinged tool doesn’t necessarily signal poor quality, but many report the hinges can loosen easily over time, causing the tool’s functionality to lessen over time.
Also, pin-hinged tools often require the use of both hands to open or close it.
Sprung Tools
Many higher quality tools feature spring-action hinges instead of hinges with pins, making it much easier to open with one hand. It also ensures the tool will close solidly, without movement within the handle once it’s closed.
Geared Tools
Some of the best multitools feature gears or compound leverage instead of the usual hinge or lever mechanism to open and close the tool. The advantage to a geared tool is the added force applied when in use, making the tool tougher and more effective.
Locking Tools
Higher quality multitools will feature a locking system to keep the tools securely in place when in use, making them safer and easier to work with.
Outside Opening Tools
Many higher quality multitools will also feature the convenience of outside opening, meaning the tools can be opened and pivoted, leaving the rest closed and secure within the handle.
Guarantee
Warranty
If your multitool doesn’t come with some sort of satisfaction guarantee or warranty, choose another. Look for 25 years to lifetime, although some even offer double your money back. If you don’t like it, keep it and they’ll send you a brand new one.
Refurbished
Occasionally you’ll see quality brand tools refurbished and resold for less. While this may be good for the pocketbook, it’s not such a great idea if you’d like a guarantee that you’ll be taken care of if something happens. At that point, the warranty will most likely be null and void.
Multi Tool Comparison: Which Multi Tool Is Right For You?
The whole multitool marketing situation can get a little… out of control, for lack of a better phrase. The best example?
A multitool fashioned in the 1880’s to showcase the talents of its makers featured 100 different blades, each with its own purpose, a cigar cutter, a tuning fork (you know, in case you have an emergency piano situation), daggers, pliers, and literally countless other things, including a tiny .22 caliber pistol. (We know you’re dying of curiosity… go here and have a look for yourself.)
To be honest, there are plenty of multitools out there with “gimmicky” features that not only will you probably never use, but even if you do need them, won’t work well enough to help.
What will your multitool be used for most? Will you use it in your backpack for camping and outdoor use, or will it stay in your glove box for emergency auto situations. Most carry theirs in their pockets or on a keychain for everyday just-in-case scenarios.
Regardless, the best thing about a multitool is no matter what your specialized needs, it can still be infinitely useful in ways you may not anticipate.
Most say a helpful mini tool will at least feature pliers, a sturdy blade (although some say the blade is so useful it warrants its own tool, like a folding pocket knife), screwdrivers (preferably both a flat head and Phillips), scissors, bottle opener, and a corkscrew.
Not because you need to be entertaining, although that’s great, but because there are a ton of other ways a bottle opener and maybe especially a corkscrew, can come in handy too.
Final Thoughts
The first example of a rudimentary multitool was found in the Alps. It was estimated to be from 3000 BC, and was a folding knife with a small hole, presumably for carrying on a string.
A silver and iron folding tool featuring a fork, spoon, knife, spatula, spike, and pick was discovered in the Mediterranean area during an excavation. Its estimated age? 1900 years old. Similar devices have been traced back to the middle ages, Victorian England, and the industrial era.
The usefulness of the multitool is timeless. Each carries its own history full of stories of fixing things, getting out of sticky situations, and even on occasion saving lives.
If you want to get one for yourself right this minute, you really can’t go wrong with Leatherman’s Wingman with its 14 tools folded into one.
