| Best Overall |  |
Leatherman Rebar |
Many people use Leatherman and multitool interchangeably, and that should tell you a lot about what the brand stands for. |
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| Best Value |  |
Wallet Ninja Multitool |
Short on space? No problem–take this Wallet Ninja multitool with you everywhere you go. It’s even TSA-friendly. |
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| Honorable Mention |  |
RoverTac Multitool |
If you need extra capabilities for something like a survival kit or bug-out bag, this multitool offers advantages you won’t get from the competition. |
You’re not alone if you consider your garage the best room in the house. With room for all your projects and a tool for any job, it’s a downright masterpiece of self-reliance. The thing is, it’s not very portable. You’ve probably thrown a box of hand tools or a few select power tools in the trunk to help a buddy with their weekend project, but the truth is that most tools just aren’t that useful on the go. Even if you have a trusty everyday carry knife, there are still plenty of jobs it can’t account for. That’s why you need a reliable multitool. With all the essentials neatly folded into a compact package like a contractor’s version of origami, you’ll have just what you need at a moment’s notice.
There are a few different styles to choose from, designed for everything from survival situations to international travel. Let’s see which one is right for you.
Multitools like the Leatherman Rebar are so prominent that the brand has become synonymous with the concept of multitools. Innovation spanning generations of product development results in one of the strongest, most well-designed multitools on the market. This one boasts 17 tools, including pliers, a file, saw, ruler, flathead and Phillips-head screwdrivers, bottle and can openers, multiple knives, and several tools for working with electrical wires. All these components lock into place to avoid accidents and increase strength. The whole multitool measures four inches long and weighs less than seven ounces. Stainless steel and a rugged protective coating create a tool that won’t let you down, and Leatherman stands behind this product with a 25-year warranty. This is one of the more expensive options out there, and it’s worth every penny.
Those of you looking for a tactically minded multitool will love the SOG Powerlock. This robust multitool packs 18 tools into a package the size of a pocket knife. Inside, you’ll find necessities like pliers, wire cutters and crimpers, scissors, a ruler, bottle and can opener, awl, file, two cutting blades, and several kinds of drivers. Hell, there’s even a blasting cap crimper; how metal is that? Speaking of metal, this multitool uses 100-percent metal construction and can be had with either a satin or black oxide finish. There are other innovative features, too. The pliers use a compound leverage design that doubles the input force for enhanced grip, and each half of the handle includes a hinged cover to protect tools when not in use. This is another premium option that we’re confident you’ll love.
Of course this list wouldn’t be complete without the Gerber Suspension NXT, and this multitool brings the noise with undeniable bang for the buck. You’ll get 15 of the usual suspects, like pliers, knives, screwdrivers, and (of course) a bottle opener. All tools open outboard for easy access. Locking mechanisms in each half of the handle keep tools securely tucked away or fixed in the open position. A spring assist in the pliers takes some of the strain off your hands. A built-in clip runs the full length of the handle to keep this multitool in place when you clip it to your belt, gear, or inside a pocket. Skeletonized handles help keep the weight down despite this multitool’s beefy all-metal construction.
Related: The best EDC knives worth relying on
Multitools are as diverse as the jobs they perform. What’s best for another person might not be what you need, so compare several different styles and determine which option you prefer. Some are built for the outdoors, and you can even get a multitool with a hammer and hatchet included. Travel-oriented multitools are slim enough to tuck away in your wallet and get TSA approval to be carried on commercial flights. Most fall somewhere in between these extremes and provide essentials like knives, screwdrivers, and pliers. All make some concessions in the name of saving space, so don’t expect any component in your multitool to be quite as robust as its full-size counterpart. Still, the versatility of a quality multitool can’t be denied and we highly recommend adding one to your kit.
- Number of tools: The first differentiating factor you’ll notice when shopping for a multitool is the number of components each one provides. Do you need a pocket-sized toolbox, or will a few everyday tools suffice? Make sure to determine which tools you need most, and find a multitool that delivers.
- Materials: Most multitools are designed to withstand hard use, so you’ll primarily see heavy-duty steel alloys and weather-resistant composites. If you’re particularly hard on gear, pay special attention to things like fasteners and material thickness.
- Size: Multitools are compact by nature, but there is still room for variation. The standard size will fit in a pocket or provided MOLLE pouch. Large multitools are better suited to a camping or survival kit. The smallest options are no larger than a credit card.
- Intended use: Multitools are incredibly handy, but a wide selection of screwdrivers and hex keys probably won’t do you much good in the wilderness. On the other hand, a hatchet isn’t going to be very useful in your car or bicycle repair kit. It’s important to know why you want a multitool before you hit that “Buy Now” button.
The main selling point of multitools is portability. A good multitool can keep you up and running at times when carrying a fully equipped tool box isn’t possible or practical. Most of us are used to carrying some form of pocket knife on a daily basis anyway, and a multitool can provide a cutting blade and so much more without adding much in terms of size. Even for quick jobs around the house, pulling out your multitool is much easier than running back to the garage because you grabbed the wrong kind of screwdriver. The bottom line is this: multitools save time. Who doesn’t need more of that?
For as much convenience as they offer, multitools are incredibly affordable. The most basic, one-piece multitools cost as little as $15. Premium options that can withstand the worst you or mother nature can throw at them are only about $70. Elsewhere on that price spectrum, you’ll find plenty of quality options that will get you through the daily grind without a hiccup. Our recommendations are big on all-metal construction. As you move up the food chain, you’ll notice more robust materials, hearty weather-resistant coatings, and finer machining on each component. Just remember that getting the right tool for the job is more important than maxing out your budget. You might be able to get everything you need without spending top dollar.
Related: 9 of the best survival knives worth carrying
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