Best Overall
Leatherman Wingman Multitool with Spring-Action
Runner-Up
Gerber Gear Truss Multitool with 17 Tools: Pocket
Best Bang for the Buck
WETOLS Multitool, 21-in-1 Hard Stainless Steel
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Black Friday Deals Happening Now!
Our budget - well-disposed pick , theWestols 21 - in-1 Stainless Steel Multi Tool is on sale for $ 19.97(save $ 9 ) and our favorite upgrade option , theLeatherman P4 Multitool is on sales agreement for $ 104.96(save $ 45.03 ) duringAmazon ’s Black Friday Sale . Hurry , this deal wo n’t last long !
A twist on the tried - and - dead on target Swiss Army knife , the aptly named multi - putz offers a number of DIY - friendly functions for habit at work , at home , or while on vacation — without have to bring along a cumbersome instrument box . Many consumers opt to endue in a quality model that rightfully perform well . Read on to witness out what happened when I test some of the most popular multi - tools on the grocery store today .
Thehand toolsthat earned a smear in our lineup had to prove they were rock-steady , well made , easy to practice , and safe . Each tool was extensively screen for timber , performance , and note value — and compared against other top model . Our top pick , theLeatherman Wingman Multitool with Spring - Action , shoot a line a solid and compendious figure that makes it ideal for everyday use .
We also reached out to another expert shopkeeper who apply multitools on a daily basis . onwards , learn what to look for when shop at for a multi - tool and ascertain out how I used test results to select the following model for this roundup of the dear multi - tools .
Our Top Picks
The market is awash in multi - tools , each claiming to offer the most rich model with the best functions . Rather than take the manufacturing business ’s word for it , I decided to prove today ’s top option . I did n’t go easy on the putz , either . If they arrive with knives , I tested their strength and edge . If they come with plyers or screwdrivers , I pushed those affair to their demarcation line on various fastener . pecker that go against were automatically eradicate . point were awarded for high - quality materials , durability , phone applied science , and overall note value . At the end of the examination , the follow multi - instrument clear a spot in this batting order . One is sure to be suitable for your needs .
From one of the top multi - tool producer comes the best overall pick in this batting order — the Leatherman Wingman Multitool . This tool is design around a duet of substantial steel plyers that offer spring action ( meaning the user only has to twinge the handles to shut them ; they bound open on their own ) .
I was impressed with the precise fit of the plyer ’ jaw tips . There is no gap or unevenness between the steel jaws , and I could hold on tiny conducting wire as easily as larger items . The Wingman also features 13 other cock functions : a tongue , small scissors ( not spring - loaded ) , wire cutters , screwdriver , and a bottleful opener . It also has a tiny rule but , unfortunately , the growth are n’t labeled , go out the exploiter to guess the literal precise measurements .
The look and tone of the Wingman are top quality . The blade is polished to a high-pitched sheen , the surface is exceptionally smooth , and the tools are easy approachable with minimal effort — no straining or breaking a fingernail to get one out . At just 7 ounce and valuate 3.8 inches long by 1 in by 2 inches , the Wingman is compact enough to bear in a tool belt pouch or stow in a automobile console for spry memory access .
Get the Leatherman Wingman multi - tool atAmazon , Ace Hardware , orThe Home Depot .
Gerber , a well-thought-of name in multi - tools , pocket tongue , and tactical gear , produces the 2d - to - top pick in this card . The Gerber Gear Truss Multitool is a pliers - ground tool that sport a total of 17 map . The pliers are heavy duty and leaping - lade for prosperous purpose , and the plier jaw meet cleanly at the tips , making it easy to grab even tiny point , such as telegram or paper , without slippage .
I was enjoyably surprise by the inclusion body of spring - loaded scissors because many models do n’t have this feature of speech . The Gerber Gear multi - putz fits nicely in the mitt with one exception : a mould polyethylene lanyard loop at the bottom of one hold bulge slightly , and when I grasped the cock tightly to exert force on the plyer , the loop poked into my thenar . This could become uncomfortable for someone who needs to use the pair of pliers for an extended period .
This multi - tool is made from attractive gunmetal gray sword that is urbane to a satin luster . Some of the functions , such as the screwdriver and the bottleful undoer , are somewhat gruelling to pull out , but they ’re solid and easy to use once they are stretch forth . Overall , this is a well - made plyers - based multi - dick that offer a compass of other functions , admit multiple screwdrivers , can and bottle untier , a single file , a saw-toothed saw , and more . It weigh in at 8.4 oz. and measures 1.75 in by 0.5 - inch by 4.35 in ( when closed ) .
Get the Gerber Gear multi - tool atAmazon , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
There ’s no need to spend a spate to get a adequate multi - cock with abundant functions . The WETOLS 21 - in-1 Multitool pop the question a full-bodied curing of plier and a host of other tools in a succinct size of it that ’s just 4.8 inches farseeing by 2.44 in by 1.65 inches . At 11.8 ounces , it weighs slightly more than some other multi - tool in this lineup , but it features a very politic hand feel , and all the tools are prosperous to extend and retract . Plus , it come at an attractive damage point .
I wish the ultra - smooth feeling of the WETOLS . It has no penetrating edge , and the outer edge of the handles appear to have some type of protective coating , which I prize . I was instill by the large ( and very sharp ) knife : The blade evaluate a full 3.25 inches , and when lock away in position , it measures 7 column inch from the tip of the blade to the bottom of the handle . That ’s almost unheard of in a pliers - found multi - cock where the knife is basically an add - on .
The WETOLS features many standard multi - tool functions , let in knives , files , and feeding bottle and can openers . It also offers something a little unusual and super - handy : a hexagon socket that hold four dissimilar driver bit that are kept in a pocket of the creature ’s canvas tent cocktail dress . The double - ended screwdriver bits include a flat - mind , a Phillips , and a Torx ( ace - frame ) . A strong magnet holds the bit snugly in place ; they did n’t fall out even when I shook the prick vigorously .
The can opener on this multi - tool worked better than the one I test on the other prick — it was acute and large enough to cut around the top of a can without mistake . All in all , I find out the WETOLS multi - instrument offered a lot of time value for its budget price .
Get the WETOLS multi - shaft atAmazonorWalmart .
Upgrade Pick
Leatherman, FREE P4 Multitool with Magnetic Locking
The second Leatherman multi - tool to make the batting order , the FREE P4 , is engineered to near - perfection , and it fare with a softly brushed untarnished brand finish that gives it an upscale face . Like almost all Leatherman multi - tool , the plier jaw on the devoid P4 are highly exact and fit together without so much as a hair ’s breadth of space between them . That tell , I was disappointed that the pliers were not spring - laden . Interestingly enough , the diminished span of scissorsisspring - loaded and cuts exceptionally well .
The individual tools are all promiscuous to stretch forth , and the loose P4 arrive with the nice inclusion of magnetic grip that interlace together to keep the tool closed but are unproblematic to crowbar apart . The destitute P4 come in with a untarnished steel air hole cartridge holder , and weigh just 8.6 oz. .
The saw on the FREE P4 is a courteous addition — I ascertain it quite incisive and capable to slice through a Ellen Price Wood joggle quickly and easily . The multi - tool comes with other standard functions , include a wire cutter and an smorgasbord of screwdriver and tongue . It also has a telegram stripteaser and a telegram crimper , but since the tool is solid steel and not insulated , working with electrical wire might not be the safest idea . Users should ensure all electric telegram are not hot ( i.e. , powered ) before using the striptease or the curler .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila Photo: Glenda Taylor
Get the Leatherman FREE P4 multi - tool atAmazon , Cabela ’s , orBass Pro Shops .
Best Everyday Carry
Mossy Oak Multitool, 21-in-1 Stainless Steel Multi
Right out of the box , I found the Mossy Oak ’s multi - instrument to be an impressive combination of quality and technology . The pliers on this plyer - based model are husky and rich . In add-on to precise needle - nose lead , they feature a large convex area toward the base of the jaws that is suitable for grabbing wider item , such as crackpot . The napped unstained steel handles are well made and very quiet — no rough or sharp spots .
The gamy quality of the plier , combined with the inclusion of a magnetic driver socket and four two-fold - ended screwdriver bits ( stored in its sail sheath ) , makes this multi - tool around a beneficial choice for express on a daily basis . It can be used to tighten or relax testicle and screws , abbreviate lightweight material , or charge wood or metal — and its ruler has labeled increments .
Weighing in at 11.8 ounces , it ’s on the beefy side , but it have the functions I consider most likely to be used regularly . A pouch clip would be a great add-on to the Mossy Oak , but as it is , I retrieve the tool highly usable .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Get the Mossy Oak multi - tool atAmazonorWalmart .
Best Car-Carry
dpnao Multitool Wrench With 7 Tools/Pliers/Wire
While the dpnao multi - prick is a pliers - free-base model , it comes with an adjustable crescent twist that allow the user to loosen or tighten a variety of nut sizes , such as those constitute on automobile habitue , engines , and stamp battery .
Of all the multi - peter I tested , this one was the well suited for bring on underage machine yield . I used it to tighten electric battery cables and remove a frozen shank jacket crown from a tire . While the dpnao come with a inflexible stainless steel pocket clip , when I go to retrieve the tool from my pocket , the protruding end of the wrench argufy my hired man . That was only a minor inconvenience ; this is a very gracious niggling tool in general .
It comes with just seven functions : spring - load plyers , the adjustable wrench , wire cutters , two screwdrivers , a sharp knife , a handle that accommodates a socket , and nine number one wood morsel that shop in the grammatical case .
Photo: Аmazon
Everything on the dpnao multi - pecker is visceral — the rubber ignition lock is in spare sight , as is the rotary adjustment for the wrench . The movement is still but whole , and the tool is made from brushed untarnished steel . It matter just 6.7 ounce , make it get off enough to gestate in a air pocket or handbag , and it measures 5 inches by 1.4 inch by 0.4 inch .
Get the dpnao multi - peter atAmazonorKmart .
Best Camping
Dr.Liliang Multitool Camping Accessories
On first review , I was slenderly surprised but pleased to discover that the Dr. Liliang multi - tool come with a overnice - size hammer for good affixed to the handle . While the hammer dominates , this is a knife - based multi - tool , as it comes with a very sharp fish - scaling tongue , a sharp all - purpose vane , and a cloggy - duty saw blade .
This multi - prick would work well at a camping area when used to lumber tent stakes into the ground . The power hammer is self-coloured and weighted , and indented finger grip on the hold make it easy to sustain and manoeuvre .
ramp up into the hammer ’s caput is a screwdriver hole that accepts any of the four minute find in a fold - out tray on the back of the handle . The brain also comes with a hexagon hole that can be used as a wrench .
Photo: Аmazon
In increase to those tools , the Dr. Liliang multi - puppet features a file , a claw for pull nails , and openers for butt and bottles—13 creature in all . The peter measures 5.9 inch by 2.95 column inch by 0.78 inch and weighs in at 10.88 ounces .
Get the Dr. Liliang multi - tool atAmazon .
Best Compact
Gerber Gear 30-000469N Dime Mini Multitool Keychain
As small as the Gerber Gear Dime Mini Multitool is — just 2.75 inches long — it amazingly features practicable , natural spring - debase pliers with firm gripping jaw . The Dime Mini also comes with a set of discriminating ( although tiny ) scissors that are outpouring - loaded as well . The napped - black stainless blade makes for a robust tool that ’s compact enough to carry without feeling weighed down .
The tools themselves are slightly stiff and were take exception to extend at first , but a quick spritz of WD-40 had them all opening smoothly . Weighing in at only 2.25 ounce , this piffling multi - tool is the right size of it for carry on a keychain or for hold back in a pocket or a bag .
A bottle unfastener is locate at the very end of the handle , so there ’s no pauperism to fold anything out to uncap a beer . Once the pliers - based tool is whole open , a little hardening of pair of tweezers can be remove from the outside handle . I witness the pincer less than exact , but the other tools are well made . The overall feel of this multi - creature is one of character and smoothness .
Photo: Аmazon
Get the Gerber Gear multi - tool atAmazonorWalmart .
Best Easy-Access
Leatherman, Wave Plus Multitool with Premium
For those who ’ve had to let go of a feed dismissal or Basel of hay just to open a knife to cut the sacque or the cord , the Leatherman Wave Plus Multitool offer a convenient result . On either side of the shut tool are sword — one is serrated and the other is smooth — and both feature a groove in their handles . By holding the multi - tool in my mitt and maintain press with my thumb , I was capable to start the blade one - handed . Once I got used to the motion , I could open either blade chop-chop just by feel .
I found the immediate - access tongue to be among the best features of this Leatherman dick . The plier are precise , but they ’re not outpouring - charge , which just add to the motions a user must make to open up and close them . The included scissors , ironically , are spring - loaded . The Wave multi - tool feature a sum of 18 function , include all the unwashed ones — screwdriver , can and bottle openers , file , wire cutters , and a saw . Still , the quick - access knives set this one apart .
The Wave Plus weighs 11.2 ounces and measures 4 inches by 1.5 inches by 0.8 inch . It ’s unruffled to the ghost and made from quality brush stainless sword . It ’s a lovely multi - tool that could have been almost perfect with natural spring - loaded plier .
Photo: Аmazon
Get the Leatherman Wave Plus multi - tool atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orAce Hardware .
Best Hammer
RoverTac 14-in-1 Hammer Multitool
The first affair you ’ll note about the RoverTac 14 - in-1 multitool is the hammer and ax on the handle . Though the cock is heavyset , the hammer and axe are both decent sizes that can be used for legion intent , whether you ’re camp , hiking , or catching up on chore around the home . The stay tools , which include a knife , saw , pair of pliers , bottle untier , wire cutting tool , and Phillips - headland screwdriver , are pucker neatly into the handle for easy access . However , there are no scissors , which puts it at a disadvantage compare to many other multitools .
At just under 7 inch prospicient and 3.5 inches wide , the RoverTac power hammer multitool is a good size to keep on hired man for when you need it . It also comes with a ready to hand bang pouch so you may keep it on your person without cluttering up pockets or bags . It ’s relatively tripping at 14.7 Panthera uncia , so you wo n’t require to vex that it ’ll librate you down . However , the tool is too bulky to meet into a regular pocket .
Get the RoverTac 14 - in-1 Hammer multi - tool atAmazonorWalmart .
Photo: Аmazon
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Multi-Tools
To get a well - round perspective on what to look for in a great multi - creature , we reach out to general contractor and Owner ofIllig Properties , Ben Illig , who boasts several decades of experience in the contracting industry . When asked what his essential occasion in a multi - tool are , he say , “ I see for multitools with a honorable sword , strong plyers , and a change of screwdriver head word . ” Specifically for DIYers looking for a versatile tool , he added , “ a knife , pliers , screwdrivers , and wire tender are of the essence tool for daily household undertaking . ” We took this advice in mind when picking our lineup for testing .
Then , for consistency in the examination itself , I used a rubric to award point to each multi - tool in different areas , include caliber of construction , ease of manipulation , durability , and the ability to use each let in tool function successfully .
While I considered top multi - tool manufacturer , such as Leatherman and Gerber , I did n’t automatically eliminate models from smaller or niche manufacturers as long as they offered a calibre ware that was made to last .
Photo: Аmazon
I screen each multi - tool by putting its private functions to the test . I used the screwdriver to undo and tighten holdfast ; the knives to cut through cardboard , drywall , and leather ; and the wrenches to tighten and loosen nuts . The scissors were betray both on sharpness and ease of use . plyer had to grip various materials firmly and not slip off when pulled .
The multi - tools were not grade on solace or ergonomics since multi - tool rarely offer a in high spirits degree of comfort during use of goods and services . Still , I did mention tools or functions that were especially uncomfortable or hard to utilise . After examination , the score were tallied , and I used them to determine the ripe manipulation awards for each multi - putz . The multi - tools that did not meet my gamy standards were eliminated and do not appear on this list .
What to Consider When Choosing a Multi-Tool
Why carry a purse - full , backpack - full , or glove compartment - full of tools when you’re able to have a legion of functions in one thickset package ? Multi - prick have long been favorites of DIYers , homeowner , commuters , andcampers , among others , simply because they offer a panoptic variety of tool options that can be helpful in unanticipated place .
Keep in mind that the creature available in a standard multi - creature are not designed to match a single - use tool ’s level of functioning . For example , plyers on a multi - tool will not perform at the same level as a pair of high - quality plumber pliers . But multi - dick are n’t designed to contend with high - oddment pliers . Instead , the instrument in a standard multi - tool are made to allow the exploiter to perform specific tasks in a pinch — when single - use of goods and services tools are n’t uncommitted .
Types
Though today ’s multi - tools offer many functions , they fall into two principal category : tongue - based and pliers - based .
Material and Finish
The salutary multi - tools are made from high - calibre brand and feature of speech engineered locomote parts . The goal is to produce a tool that shut down into a relatively thick place yet is made from caliber cloth that will last for year .
unstained brand is a favorite for multi - tools , and it come in a miscellany of finishes . Today , one of the more popular finishes is brushed gunmetal , which supply a tactical look . Other finishes are highly polished sword , brushed nickel , satin , and inglorious stainless steel . Most multi - tools do not have padded grip , but a few feature slog inserts in the handles that make using the puppet more comfortable .
Size and Weight
Multi - puppet are typically small and lightweight , with the bulk weighing in under 1 pound and measuring just 4 to 7 inches in length . Much smaller models are available , design for carry in a bag or a pocket ; these weigh just 3 to 4 ounces and are less than 3 inches long . Typically , the small the multi - tool , the fewer unique puppet it will contain , but this is n’t a concentrated - and - fast rule . Some larger multi - tools that weigh over a pound will have only four or five individual tools , so a wide of the mark variety live .
Functions
The most common single tools in a multi - instrument are pliers and knife , since they provide the most look for - after mathematical function . After that , expect to find a variety of screwdrivers , include flat - oral sex and Phillips , bottle openers , files , can openers , and even scissors and tweezers , depending on the model .
In the model I tested , I did n’t focus as much on the number of purpose but rather on the caliber and carrying into action of those include . Having a multi - tool with 25 different functions for certain covers a mass of usage understructure , but each mathematical function adds a bit to the tool ’s weight , and some function may never be used , such as a knife sharpener or a whistle .
Ergonomics
The economic value of a multi - tool lies in the power to get at mini variant of standard tools when the need arises . However , most multi - tools are not as well-fixed to apply as high - closing , single - use tools . For example , a received hammer will often arrive with a padded nonslip grip that deoxidise manus tiredness and helps the user savvy the gadget well . liken that to ahammer on a multi - toolthat might feature ergonomic indentation for fingers but wo n’t provide any real comfort accompaniment .
The individual functions on multi - tools are made for quick , limited usance , such as pound a collapsible shelter stake into the ground . In direct contrast , a full - size hammer is made to drive as many nail as necessary to construct a projection .
Portability
One of the top draws of multi - tools is the ability to take them anywhere — except , perhaps , in carry - on luggage when fly . They ’re small enough and unhorse enough to err in the pouch of a tool belt or tuck into a tenting duffel . Multi - tools replace a battalion of stock putz in a stocky form .
The smallest model can easy be kept on a keychain or in pant pockets without being burdensome . Even the gravid modelling are well-situated to sway in a car console table or a backpack . The addition of a karabiner clip is a boon for attach the tool to a strap , and if the multi - tool comes with a case , it often has a loop for securing on a belt .
FAQs
Virtually anyone looking for a tool in a pinch could benefit from have a multi - pecker around . They ’re not in competition with full - size tools . Instead , they ’re made to keep and ecstasy where stock tools are n’t handy — in motorcar , in a desk drawer , or in a pocketbook . Those shopping for a first multi - tool may still have some questions .
The two are similar , and some folks apply the terms interchangeably . A multi - cock is generally design around a individual primary tool , either a tongue or plyers , that serves as a focal dot . Swiss Army knives offer a variety of smaller tool without any that stand out as a primary puppet .
Knives and pair of pliers are the most uncouth , and a multi - tool may have more than one of each . After that , screwdriver , wire cutlery , bottleful openers , scissors , and filing cabinet are frequent minimal brain dysfunction - ons .
Photo: Аmazon
A gamy - quality multi - tool will come up with a locking function that holds the chosen tool assailable and stable until you urge on a lock - acquittance button to close it .
Wipe off gunk , grease , or dust with a soft cloth . When necessary , utilize a small atomizer lubricator , such as WD-40 , to soften hardened slime and then scrub it away with an old toothbrush . Most multi - tools can be washed in warm soapy water , but they should be dry out quickly with a towel or an air compressor to keep them from rusting .
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the construction , remodeling , and real demesne industries . She and her husband own a general contracting company , and Taylor is experience in both residential and commercial building applications . She tests a wide range of power dick as well as other home betterment , household , and lawn - and - garden products .
Everything You necessitate for a Lush and Healthy Lawn
hold open your green goddess green and your plants thriving does n’t just take a green pollex — it starts with the right pecker and supplies .
Photo: Amazon
Photo: Amazon
Photo: Amazon
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
