RS Recommends
RS Recommends: The Best Multi-Tools Worth Carrying Right Now
Here's why we're addicted to our multi-tools — plus the best multi-tools to buy right now
Oscar Hartzog
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February 7, 2022
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It’s easy to get hooked on multi-tools: buy one, and you’ll never leave the house without it. With knives, screwdrivers, pliers, bottle openers and plenty of other gadgets in one package, the best multi-tools often get used multiple times a day — whether you’re camping, hiking, picnicking, or just tightening your glasses. In other words, you don’t have to be handy to appreciate the best multi-tools (although they might turn you into a DIYer).
If you’re in need of a multi-tool — or yours is due for an upgrade — you’re in luck. Brands like Leatherman have made surprising advancements in recent years, releasing some of the most ergonomic, useful multi-tools ever.
How to Choose the Best Multi-Tool
The best multi-tools come in a range of sizes, shapes and weights, packing anywhere from two to twenty or more individual tools. Below are a few things to think about while shopping.
Activity: Think about how you’ll be using your new multi-tool. Some are designed for backpacking, campaign and rugged survival, while others are built for urban use, commuting and road-tripping, for example.
Size and Weight: Be sure to check the dimensions and weight of a multi-tool, especially if you plan on keeping it in your pocket. The best multi-tools vary quite drastically in this department, as some are keychain-sized and others are bulky affairs meant to be stored in a bag.
Tools: Some multi-tools are parred down to just the basics (I.e. knife, pliers, screwdriver) while others have over a dozen tools including wire strippers, multiple knives, and saws. Ideally, choose a multi-tool that has everything you need but not too much more.
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What Are the Best Multi-Tools?
Ask any multi-tool expert to round up their favorites and you’ll notice something right away: most, if not all of their picks will be from Leatherman. The brand’s founder, Tim Leatherman, developed (and patented) the multi-tool back in the Seventies, and his brand has led the market ever since. Other brands do have some worthwhile multi-tools, but it’s hard to compete with Leatherman.
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Luckily, Leatherman’s catalog is large and includes something for every multi-tool user. Below are some of the best multi-tools to buy right now, including the best Leatherman multi-tools, and a few picks from other brands as well.
1. Leatherman Wave+
BEST OVERALL
For most needs, the Leatherman Wave+ is the best multi-tool on the market. 18 tools are neatly packed in a portable gadget measuring four inches long when closed. You get the basics, like pliers, knives, scissors, and screwdrivers (Philips and flathead), as well as some handy extras like files, a saw, and a wire stripper. It’s very capable as a camping or survival tool, but we think it’s also compact enough for everyday use.
2. Leatherman Free P4
MOST TOOLS
If you need an exhaustive collection of tools — or you work on intricate projects — the Leatherman Free P4 is your best bet. Great for hiking, DIY projects and camping, the multi-tool boasts a whopping 21 individual tools. Better still, all of these tools can be accessed using one hand, which is something you don’t see too often. This ability is seen throughout Leatherman’s Free line and represents the latest tech from the best brand in the business.
3. Leatherman Skeletool CX
BEST EDC MULTI-TOOL
If most multi-tools seem like overkill, check out the Leatherman Skeletool CX. It’s a parred-down multi-tool with just the necessities: a knife, pliers, two Phillips screwdrivers, two flat screwdrivers, a wire cutter, a bottle opener, and a carabiner clip. It’s also lightweight, clocking in at just five ounces, and makes the Skeletool CX our top choice for most everyday carries.
Buy Leatherman Skeletool CX $89.95
4. Leatherman Signal
BEST CAMPING MULTI-TOOL
This Leatherman Signal multi-tool is designed specifically for camping and survival with unique tools including a fire-starting rod, a safety whistle, a hammer and a knife sharpener. It has 19 tools total, with basics like pliers, blades, and screwdrivers, in addition to the survival-ready tools. It’s on the large side with a closed length of 5.2 inches, although that’s still quite small considering how much you get.
5. Leatherman Charge+ TTi
MOST DURABLE
Boasting a mix of titanium, premium steels, and diamond components, the Charge+ TTi is the most rugged multi-tool on our list. The knife blade uses S30V steel, lending more sharpness, and the titanium handles are sure to last for years (Leatherman offers a 25-year warranty on all of its products). You also get a hefty 19 tools, making the Charge+ TTi an extremely capable piece of gear.
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Buy Leatherman Charge+ TTi $179.95
6. Gerber Gear Dime
BEST KEYCHAIN MULTI-TOOL
Keychain multi-tools can be very handy if your EDC is already bulky. We like this one from Gerber, which delivers 10 tools, including spring-loaded pliers, a solid knife, a wire cutter, and a package opener. This is pretty impressive, considering the keychain multi-tool weighs a mere 2.2 ounces and measures just 2.75 inches when closed.
7. Leatherman Style PS
BEST FOR TRAVEL
That’s right: this multi-tool is TSA compliant, meaning you can take it in your carry-on while traveling. Leatherman accomplishes this by removing any blades, although you still get nine tools including scissors, pliers, screwdrivers, tweezers, and a bottles opener. It’s also very small, measuring just under three inches when closed, and very lightweight at 1.58 ounces.
Buy Leatherman Style PS $34.95
8. Victorinox Swisscard Lite Pocket Tool
MOST LIGHTWEIGHT
Here’s another ultra-compact multi-tool worth considering. Shaped and sized to fit in one of your wallet’s credit card slots, the Victorinox Swisscard Lite essentially adds nothing to your daily carry. Inside the credit card-shaped multi-tool is 13 functions, including a mini LED light, scissors, a letter opener blade, tweezers, a pen and two screwdrivers.
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