Then, opt for a multitool that does really well at those functions. We recommend starting your search by making a list of the three or four tools you use most often. What makes or breaks a multitool for any user is which tools you use most often. The majority of the tools on our list are made of stainless steel which is durable, yet relatively lightweight. The weight of a multitool only becomes a problem if it is too heavy to comfortably clip onto a belt or slip into a pocket. Each item on a multitool needs enough space from the others to work effectively, and make sure you have a good grip for leverage. A major reason to buy a multitool is to replace larger, bulkier tools, so a pocketable size is vital. The size and weight of your multitool is key for both functionality and portability. Note that, in their descriptions, manufacturers often count different capabilities of a specific tool individually to arrive at a higher number of “tools.” Pliers, for example, may be counted three or four times if they can function as needle-nose pliers, regular pliers, wire cutters, and wire strippers. The multitools we recommend have anywhere from 5 to 20 or more different functions, but before you choose, it’s key to pay attention to the quality of each tool and, of course, how often you’ll use them.įor instance, a multitool with a screwdriver attachment is great, but if that multitool grip doesn’t give you the leverage to twist off stuck on screws or only comes with one screwdriver bit, it’s far less effective in practice. While the number of tools and functionalities on your multitool isn’t the only measure of how helpful it’ll be, it does give you a sense of its versatility. Best Pliers: Gerber Dual-Force Multitool.Best Knife: Gerber Armbar Drive Multitool.Best Overall: Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X.Following our hand-on tests and some in-depth research, here are the multitools that get the job done, even when that job clears out your tool chest. To determine which multitools stand out from the pack, we tested out several options and recorded our results. These devices come with as many as 20 to 30 tools integrated into the frame and still fit comfortably in a pocket. Today there are dozens of multitools, from a slew of manufacturers such as Gerber, Leatherman, Victorinox, and more. The thin steel, while durable, isn’t meant to be twisted, hammered, or squeezed with the same force that a quality multitool endures regularly. Most of the tools on a Swiss Army Knife don’t have the thickness and durability of their multitool equivalent. While a Swiss Army Knife comes with several small tools that fold into its iconic red body, it lacks the durability and utility of a modern multitool. These implements have come a long way from Swiss Army knives of yesteryear. If you often encounter the unexpected and fancy yourself a real-life MacGyver-the type of person that waltzes in to save the day, with your tool kit in miniature at the ready-then chances are, you could use a multitool.

Stanley multi tool pliers