Everyone needs a multi-tool. Here are 10 we love.

We’ve all been there. You need to perform a particular task—perhaps tighten a bolt, loosen a screw, or trim a branch. But of course, you rarely have the specific tool you need with you at the time. That’s where a multi-tool comes in handy.

Adorning the belts of tradespeople, outdoor lovers, and grandads nationwide, multi-tools allow users to make quick and easy fixes with one simple gadget. For decades, multi-tools have been practically synonymous with Leatherman, but several other brands make quality tools as well.

It’s important to remember that these multi-tools aren’t meant to replace the single, purpose-built tools hanging in your workshop; multi-tools are for when you need to make a fix right now but don’t have access to those tools. The best multi-tool will allow you to do basic tasks like pulling a nail, stripping a wire and tightening a bolt on a windshield wiper.

The best multi-tool options

Whether you’re camping, hiking, or always want to be prepared, one of these multi-tools is bound to be right for you. 

Best overall multi-tool: Leatherman Arc

Buy it now at Cabela's or Bass Pro Shops

Why we like it: The Arc features 20 tools, including pliers, diamond-coated file, saw, scissors, and replaceable wire cutters, but retains a relatively compact profile. The pliers open and close fluidly with a gentle snap when it’s ready to go. Testers raved about its weight and feel; it feels right in your hands. 

The knife is made of special MagnaCut steel, which people seem to rave about due to its corrosion resistance, ability to retain sharpness over time, and general all-around toughness.

Keep in mind: The middle tools can be a bit stiff to release. The Arc’s high price tag may turn off potential buyers. If so, the SOG Power Access and Gerber Center Drive are worthy alternatives.

Product details: Weight: 8.6 ounces | Closed dimensions: 4.25 inches | Tools included: MagnaCut blade, needle nose pliers, regular pliers, large bit driver, diamond-coated file, and more | Blade length: 2.76 inches

Best value multi-tool: SOG Flash MT

Buy it now at SOG

Why we like it: Multi-tools are like cameras—the best one is the one you have with you at that moment. People who don’t need to carry a huge multi-tool for work mostly want a lightweight, minimal multi-tool that they can just slip into their pocket and forget about until it’s needed. The SOG Flash MT only offers a handful of tools—an open-assist blade, double-headed bits, and bottle opener—but executes them nearly perfectly in a featherweight device. Because this multi-tool is more than likely going to be floating loose in your front pocket, the designers added a safety latch to keep the knife from being accidentally jarred open.

Keep in mind: The Gerber Suspension NXT offers more tools, such as a file, scissors and Phillips- and flat-head drivers, and can frequently be found on sale for less than half the cost of the Flash MT. 

Product details: Weight: 4.7 ounces | Closed dimensions: 3.4 inches | Tools included: Compound leverage pliers, wire cutter, magnetic bit holder and bits, bottle opener, assisted open clip point blade, flat head screwdriver | Blade length: 2.4 inches

Best do-it-all multi-tool: Gerber Dual Force

Buy it now at REI

Why we like it: The adjustable pliers on the Dual Force were the best and most useful of all the multi-tools tested, even if they didn’t come to a needle-nose point. The extra-large teeth and beefy handles make gripping and torquing easier. Gerber’s extending bit driver feels the closest to a standard screwdriver. (The accompanying nylon pouch comes with a slot for a full-bit set, which isn’t included with this model.) The saw slices through wood like a knife through butter, while the beefy knife easily slices into a reviewer’s thumb.

Keep in mind: The tool’s sturdiness comes with a weight penalty; it’s one of the heaviest multi-tools reviewed. The wire cutters are not replaceable.

Product details: Weight: 12 ounces | Closed dimensions: 4.65 inches | Tools included: Blunt nose layered construction jaws, small fastener pliers, regular pliers, and more| Blade length: 3.25 inches

Best outdoor-survival multi-tool: Leatherman Signal

Buy it now at REI

Why we like it: The Signal is relatively light (less than a half-pound) and compact for its versatility. The 420HC stainless steel combo knife is sharp out of the packaging. The aggressive sawteeth makes quick work of pruning branches or preparing kindling for a campfire.

The Signal includes a removable ferro rod (embedded in a plastic whistle) that you strike with the back of the saw to start a fire with no lighter or matches. It works pretty well, especially if you’ve packed some Vaseline-soaked cotton balls, but adding a file pattern on the back edge of the saw could be an improvement. 

Keep in mind: You can only access a few of the Signal’s tools, like the awl (a pointed tool for making small holes) and can opener after opening the pliers, but this isn’t a dealbreaker. Having both a carabiner and belt clip seems a bit like overkill. A beefier ferro rod would be a welcome change for future models.

Product details: Weight: 6.5 ounces | Closed dimensions: 4.5 inches | Tools included: safety whistle, ferrocerium rod, diamond sharpener, knife, saw, bottle opener, can opener, hammer end, carabiner clip | Blade length: 2.73 inches

Best minimalist/EDC multi-tool: Leatherman Skeletool

Buy it now on Amazon

Why we like it: This everyday carrying tool (EDC) Leatherman offers only the basics: a 2.6-inch blade, pliers, (non-replaceable) wire cutters, and a bit driver. It’s relatively light, in part due to the strategically placed holes throughout its aluminum body, but still feels solid. The Skeletool doesn’t come with a case, but the attached carabiner clip allows it to be stashed on a belt loop or backpack chest strap.

Keep in mind: The bit driver is located in an awkward position on the tool and can poke your hand when opening the knife.

Product details: Weight: 4 ounces | Closed dimensions: 4 inches | Tools included: needle nose pliers, regular pliers, hard-wire cutters, wire cutters, 420HC knife, carabiner/bottle opener, large bit driver | Blade length: 2.6 inches

Best Swiss-army knife style multi-tool: Victorinox Pioneer X Alox

Buy it now on Victorinox or Amazon

Why we like it: It can be argued that Swiss Army knives are the original multi-tool. The Victorinox Pioneer X Alox looks and feels gorgeous—very sleek, with aluminum scales that offer a subtle, tactile pleasure to the touch—and features the most common tools you might need while day-hiking with your Scout troop, such as a knife, can opener, bottle opener, awl, and scissors. 

Keep in mind: Some tools that are practically synonymous with the classic Swiss Army knives are missing, but when was the last time you ever used the corkscrew on your knife? (If you prefer the more classic style Swiss army knife, the Gerber Armbar Drive may be a better option. It is much more industrial and minimal-looking than the Pioneer X Alox but arguably offers more functionality, including a 2.5-inch blade (about the same length as the Pioneer), wood saw, awl, and removable bit driver.

Product details: Weight: 3.3 ounces | Closed dimensions: 3.7 inches | Tools included: blade, can opener, screwdriver, bottle opener, wire stripper, reamer, scissors, key ring, can opener | Blade length: 3.6 inches

Best credit card multi-tool: Victorinox Swiss Army Swiss Card

Buy it now on Victorinox or Amazon

Why we like it: Most credit card-style multi-tools are as useful as an expired Diners Club card. However, Victorinox’s version has some useful, albeit tiny, tools that can come in handy in a pinch, including scissors, nail files, letter openers, screwdrivers, tweezers, and ballpoint pens.

Keep in mind: Frequent flyers might want to think twice about this one, as the scissors and letter opener may be confiscated by airport security. (You can simply leave them at home before heading to the airport, but let’s face it; you’re probably going to forget. Victorinox does sell separate replacements if that happens.)

Product details: Weight: .9 ounces | Closed dimensions: 3.2 inches | Tools included: blade, scissors, nail file, screwdriver, ruler, pin, tweezers, toothpick,  Blade length: 1.4 inches 

Best mini multi-tool: Leatherman Micra

Buy it now on Amazon

Why we like it: For many people, the Micra will be the only multi-tool they need. The 10 tools are ideal for opening mail and Amazon boxes, as well as filing down sharp fingernails and other basic, everyday tasks. It’s small enough to attach to your keyring, so you can always have it with you.

Keep in mind: If you do any DIY work at all, this mini tool may not be up to the task.

Product details: Weight: 1.8 ounces | Closed dimensions: 2.5 inches | Tools included: 420HC knife, spring-action scissors, flat/phillips screwdriver, ruler, nail cleaner, tweezers, bottle opener, nail file | Blade length:1.6 inches 

Best multi-tool for small hands: SOG PowerAccess

Buy it now on Amazon

Why we like it: The PowerAccess offers a lot of features (a claimed 18 tools) in a light (less than 6 ounces) and tight (slightly over 4 inches closed) package. Like the other SOG multi-tools, opening the pliers was smooth, and all the tools were easy to access and use. 

Keep in mind: The knife width was too narrow, which left doubts about how it might hold up after years of use. There’s also no interchangeable bit driver.

Product details: Weight: 5.9 ounces | Closed dimensions: 4.1 inches | Tools included: Driver, awl, blade, bottle opener, can opener, file (3-Sided), flat screwdriver, gripper, jewelry driver, phillips screwdriver, pliers, ruler, wire cutter | Blade length: 2.5 inches

Best bike multi-tool: Crank Brothers M19

Buy it now at Backcountry

Why we like it: If you look into a mountain biker’s hydration pack, you’ll likely find this Crank Brothers multi-tool. Not only can you tighten standard hex (sizes 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8) and Torx (T-10, T-25) bolts with the M19, but you can also repair a broken chain, tighten a spoke, and even remove a pedal with this tool. Made of high-tensile steel, the M19 and its siblings are hefty and practically indestructible.

Keep in mind: The tool can be a bit stiff and prone to surface rust if left wet.

Product details: Weight: 6.1 ounces | Closed dimensions: 3.5 inches | Tools included: #2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 hex, screwdrivers, Torx T-10, T-25, chain tool | Blade length: N/A

Best hammer multi-tool: Leatherman Signal

Buy it now at REI

Why we like it: Hammer-based multi-tools are, almost universally, terrible. If you must use your multi-tool as a blunt instrument, the butt end of the Leatherman Signal is designed to hammer in tent stakes. It’s also surprisingly proficient in driving Brad nails into a pine 2x4.

Keep in mind: If you don’t keep your hand well up on the tool, you run the risk of hitting the nail or tent stake with your hand.

How we chose the best multi-tools

Each of the tools chosen were personally tested by myself. 

• Third-party reviews: When I felt that my expertise was lacking, I referred to expert sources on the internet, including product reviews.

• Brand reputation: I chose to restrict the tools reviewed to those made by the most highly respected manufacturers. I’ve bought cheap multi-tools in the past, and nearly all of them have been given away or donated over the years.

• Material: Each of the multi-tools I reviewed are made from quality materials that shouldn’t snap or break under normal use.

• Tools offered: With the exception of the Leatherman Signal, which is meant for the outdoors, I tried to pick tools that both average people and more experienced tradespersons would gravitate toward.

Tips for buying a multi-tool

When purchasing a multi-tool, what should be your main considerations? 

Features

Some prospective buyers automatically gravitate to the multi-tools with the most features. What’s the purpose of having 20 tools if you only use three? Ask yourself: What features do I truly need? What ones will I never use? The fewer the features, generally the lower the cost of the multi-tool.

Cost 

We’re all on a budget. While some buyers want a tool with everything, others automatically want to buy the cheapest multi-tool they can find. You can definitely find multi-tools for $20 or less on Amazon or at a big-box store, but in most cases, you get what you pay for.

Quality

The tools reviewed here are from established brands renowned for their quality. Most of them have locking tools that won’t slice your finger when it unexpectedly folds back on you. You don’t need to worry about breaking the pry tool because of an inferior grade of steel or improper tool casting. 

Warranty

Companies with quality products stand behind them with exceptional warranties. Leatherman offers a 25-year warranty on all their multi-tools, while Victorinox, SOG, and Gerber stand behind their tools with a limited lifetime guarantee (free of defects in material and workmanship). 

Frequently asked questions

How much does a multi-tool cost?

A quality multi-tool will set you back about a minimum of $50. However, many of these tools frequently sell for less on Amazon or specialty stores. You can pay up to $150 or even $200 and up for a quality tool. 

Which multi-tool has the best knife?

The reason the Leatherman Arc costs so much is because it uses MagnaCut steel for the knife blade. It’s sharp, strong, and rust-resistant.

What’s the best multi-tool for a handyman?

The Gerber Dual Force features the best adjustable pliers of all the multi-tools tested. The extra-large teeth and beefy handles make gripping and torquing easier. Gerber’s extending bit driver feels the closest to a standard screwdriver.