Coleman Cosby, a project manager and landscape design specialist at Yardzen, advises, “The best multi-tools are made of stainless steel. It’s best if each tool, and especially blades, lock in place when unfolded. Don’t automatically assume that the more included tools, the better; remember that the more features, the heavier and bulkier the multi-tool. Consider what tools you are likely to actually use on a regular basis, and choose a multi-tool that includes just those. And once you have your multi-tool, clean and lubricate it regularly to keep it in prime working condition for years.” Our top-scoring multi-tool, the Leatherman Wave+ Multi-Tool, is brilliantly designed for easy use, even with one hand, and includes just about any everyday tool you are likely to need. Each of the tools locks in place when fully extended to prevent annoying slipping or folding while you work. And you don’t even have to open the entire multi-tool to use most of the features; many of the individual tools on this ingenious device are accessible while the multi-tool is in its folded position. Nor does it take both hands to select and open the desired tool. You can easily open the entire Wave+ and then unfold any of its 18 tools with just one hand, including the saw, two blades, can opener, or diamond-coated file. We found that each tool has just enough resistance when opening or closing; not overly stiff, but also not so loose that the tool slipped out of our grasp. Choose from regular stainless steel or stainless coated with black oxide, which gives a slightly better grip. Either way, the Wave+ weighs only 7 ounces and measures 4 inches when closed. An optional small lanyard ring allows you to hang the tool from a strap if desired. The multi-tool comes with a nylon sheath, which has a belt loop if you want to keep your Wave+ by your side. And as with all Leatherman products, it’s covered by a 25-year limited warranty. Price at time of publish: $110 At 2.2 ounces, the Dime is one of the lightest multi-tools available; you’ll barely notice it’s in your pocket. When closed, it measures a mere 2.75 inches in length. Open it up, and it’s 4.25 inches. It’s made of stainless steel and available in black, green, and red. Note that the tools on this mini multi-tool are correspondingly small; our tester found it a bit difficult to work the individual tools. Nor will you be able to exert a lot of force with the features on this multi-tool, but it’s undeniably a useful tool to have in your pocket for those small tasks that seem to crop up during the day. Price at time of publish: $29 In theory, it only takes one hand to open the entire Free P4 or to open the individual tools, but we found that some of the features required two hands to easily open. Still, everything opened smoothly; no broken fingernails or frustration here. Thanks to the ergonomic design, you can open most of the tools with just a push of your thumb. Plus, the magnetic opening/closing system makes it smooth and easy to use the multi-tool. Don’t worry that this stainless steel beauty will weigh you down; it’s only 12 ounces. Closed, the Free P4 is 4.25 inches. It includes a removable pocket clip. Price at time of publish: $150 When not in use, the included nylon sheath covers the hammer and ax heads, so there’s no need to worry about accidents or damage. There is no locking mechanisms on the tools, however, which slightly lowered our score. The RoverTac is entirely made of stainless steel, with a black oxidized coating over the tools and a red oxidized coating over the handle. At 15.9 ounces, it’s not the lightest multi-tool out there, but you won’t find many that include a hammer and small ax. The tool measures 7 inches in length, and the head with hammer and ax is 3.6 inches across. Price at time of publish: $27 Like all Leatherman multi-tools, you can open the various tools with just one hand, and you don’t need to fully open the multi-tool to reach them. The knife locks in place when fully extended. The Skeletool is made of stainless steel and is available in several colors, including tan, green, and blue. It weighs 6 ounces and measures 5 inches when closed. Price at time of publish: $75 Made of alloy steel, this is a durable and strong multi-tool, but be aware that the metal tire lever is for emergency use only. The chain tool is compatible with single and multi-speed chains up to 12 speed. The Mini 18+ weighs only 6.5 ounces and, when closed, measures 3.2 inches long and 1.7 inches across. Price at time of publish: $43 There’s no need to open the entire tool if you just want to get one of the incorporated features; each tool is accessible from the closed position. Plus, you only need one hand to open the tools, leaving your other hand free. That’s very convenient when you need to hold something in place with one hand while cutting or filing with the other. We did find that while the tools opened and closes easily, it could be a little tough to get them started, due to their small size. The Squirt PS4 is made of stainless steel and is available in black, red, and blue. Price at time of publish: $40 You can access all of the tools without opening the entire multi-tool, and once extended, all of the tools lock in place, so you won’t have to deal with annoying slips or unwanted folding while you work. We found that the first few times opening and closing the tools, they were a bit stiff, but they loosened up after that. The Truss is made of stainless steel and is available in black or gray. It weighs 8 ounces and measures 4.35 inches when closed and 6.5 inches when fully open. Price at time of publish: $60 Most of the features can be accessed with one hand while the tool is closed. At 7 ounces and 3.8 inches in length when closed, this is a fairly compact multi-tool, but still very useful. Our tester commented that it was comfortable to hold, even when carrying out a lengthier task like driving multiple screws. On the downside, the belt clip broke in our drop test, although the overall usability of the multi-tool was unaffected. Price at time of publish: $70 This is a relatively heavy and bulky multi-tool; it weighs almost 12 ounces and is a little over 4 inches long when closed. You probably wouldn’t carry this in your pocket, but it includes a carrying pouch with a belt loop, which also serves as the storage spot for the screwdriver bits. Our tester commented that although it took a little wiggling to close the blades, they were sharp, and overall, the 21-in-1 is a very reasonably priced addition to an emergency kit. Price at time of publish: $30 All of the features lock in place when opened, allowing you to apply pressure when using the tool without fear of slipping or folding. It can be slightly challenging if you have small hands, but for most users, the tool opens and closes easily. At 9.6 ounces in weight and 4.5 inches in length when closed, this heavy-duty multi-tool is a bit heavier and longer than many others, but it still fits in a pocket or can be attached to your belt with its clip. It also has a lanyard ring if you want to wear it around your neck. It’s available in matte black or stainless steel. Price at time of publish: $100 The Spirit MXBS weighs 7.4 ounces and is 4.1 inches long, so you can easily slide it into your pocket if desired, or carry it on your belt in the nylon pouch. It also has a hole for a lanyard, although not a keychain ring. While not everyone needs or wants a multi-tool that’s this expensive, if you like to have the best, and appreciate Swiss design that looks and feels as good as it functions, then this is a worthy addition to your daily carry. Price at time of publish: $242 Our testers then opened and closed every feature on the multi-tool several times, noting how smoothly the tool unfolded, how easy or difficult it was to work each feature, and how effectively the lock (if present) functioned to keep the blade or other feature fully extended. They also noted whether or not it was easy to extend and close the blades without danger to the fingers. Next, the testers used several of the multi-tool features for their intended purpose. Screwdrivers were used to turn screws into wood, blades were used to cut a piece of rope, pliers were used to cut wire if bladed and grip and turn a screw if not, and the bottle opener, if present, was used to open a bottle. Each test was scored for ease and effectiveness. Finally, each multi-tool was dropped from hip height and any damage to the tool’s function or appearance was noted. At the conclusion of the testing process, the testers scored their multi-tools on a scale of 1 to 5 for performance, ease of use, included features, durability, and overall value. These scores were tabulated along with the testing results, and the highest-scoring multi-tools were selected as our recommendations.
What to Look for In a Multi-Tool
Type
There are two basic types of multi-tools: Those small enough to fasten to a keychain, such as the Leatherman Squirt PS4, and full-size models that fit into a pocket or purse, like the Leatherman Skeletool. If you expect to put your multi-tool to heavy use, a full-size model is probably your best choice, as the included tools are obviously larger and often sturdier to withstand more force. But a keychain multi-tool is undeniably handy for those quick and simple tasks that arise throughout the day. Ultimately, the best type is a matter of preference. Some people even choose to have both.
Number of Tools
There are multi-tools with “only” five or six tools and multi-tools with over 20 incorporated tools. Our top choice, the Leatherman Wave+, has 18 incorporated tools. But don’t assume that the more tools, the better. The right number of tools depends on your needs. If you are an avid DIYer, spend a lot of time outdoors, have a job that is very hands-on, or just want to be prepared for anything, then an option with an extensive selection of tools is right for you. But if you just want a few basic tools close at hand for occasional use, then you might be happier with a simpler option that leaves out more specialized tools such as wire strippers, awls, or multiple blades.
Included Tools
Almost all multi-tools incorporate a blade, basic pliers, a screwdriver or two, and a bottle opener. For many people, that’s all that’s required. But plenty of options go way beyond those basics, incorporating wire cutters and crimpers, various types of nut drivers and screwdrivers, files, multiple blades, and even tiny hammers and saws. There are also specialized multi-tools designed for electricians, cooks, anglers, bicyclists, first responders, and many others that include the basics, as well as tools useful for those particular activities. The Leatherman Super Tool 300 is designed for contractors, carpenters, or others who need tools regularly for their jobs. As with the number of tools, the best multi-tool for you is the one that includes tools you are likely to need on a fairly regular basis, so keep that in mind when shopping.
Blades
Just about every multi-tool includes at least one blade, and many have two or more. If there are two blades, typically one is a fine edge, and one is a serrated edge. The blades might just measure an inch or so in length or closer to three inches, but you aren’t going to find an exceptionally long blade on a multi-tool; you’d need a pocket knife for that. Keep in mind that currently, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows no blade of any length in your pockets or carry-on bag. If you plan on flying with your multi-tool, you need to stash it in your checked luggage prior to arriving at the airport; otherwise, it is likely to be confiscated. There are multi-tools without blades, however, specifically for this reason.
Ease of Use
Ideally, your multi-tool should be easy for you to open, and the tools should be large enough for your fingers to pull out and lock into place. Some brands design their multi-tools so you can open the device with just one hand, which is a very convenient feature. Many design their multi-tools so you can access the individual tools without having to unfold the entire device, another handy feature.
Weight
There are multi-tools that weigh only a couple of ounces and some that weigh close to a pound, although most fall between those two extremes. Keep weight in mind if you plan on carrying the device in your pocket or on your keychain, as you don’t want to feel weighed down.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Michelle Ullman, the tool expert for The Spruce. She has extensive experience not only in writing about all things related to the home but also in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs around the house and yard. A multi-tool isn’t the right choice for every task—you aren’t going to fell a tree or do construction with it—but it does let you feel more prepared for those small tasks that seem to crop up throughout the day. More complex models go beyond the basics. These might incorporate wire crimpers, a wider assortment of wire cutters and bit drivers, files, tweezers, and even tiny saws. You’ll also find specialized multi-tools aimed at various professions or hobbies, such as first responders, campers, anglers, gardeners, or bicyclists. These include the basics, plus tools most useful for their intended specialized user. Depending on the model of multi-tool, you might find hammers, emergency whistles, glass breakers, and even wrenches for oxygen tanks. If you have very large fingers or struggle with fine-motor dexterity, however, you might find it a little more challenging to use a multi-tool that’s exceptionally compact, or that’s loaded with excessive tools. In that case, your best choice is a full-size model with only a few of the most common tools. For this roundup, she relied on results from product testers, as well as manufacturer information and customer feedback both positive and negative. She also received input and advice from Coleman Cosby, a project manager and landscape design specialist at Yardzen, the online landscape and design company.
What Is Spruce Approved?
Here at The Spruce, we want to ensure that we fully stand behind every product we recommend and that when we say something is the best, we mean it. You might have noticed The Spruce Approved badge next to the products on this list. Every product with this badge has been rigorously tested in person and carefully selected by our expert team of lab testers and editors. In most cases, we buy all of these products ourselves, though occasionally, we get samples provided to us directly by companies. No matter how we procure products, they all go through the same tests and must meet the same strict criteria to make the best-of cut. We also pride ourselves on transparency and will always let you know if we received a product for free.
