Multi-tools combine several useful functions into one compact device that fits in your pocket or bag. These handy gadgets typically include pliers, knives, screwdrivers, scissors, and other tools for everyday problems.
These everyday carry tools serves as a practical backup for quick fixes, emergency situations, and routine tasks when you don’t have access to full-sized tools.
The best multi-tools balance functionality with portability. They should be light enough to carry comfortably but sturdy enough to handle regular use. Quality materials like stainless steel help the tools stay sharp and resist rust over time.
When you choose an EDC multi-tool, focus on the:
| Tool Type | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Knife blade | Cutting tasks, opening packages |
| Pliers | Gripping, pulling, wire work |
| Screwdrivers | Basic repairs, electronics |
| Scissors | Precision cutting, grooming |
We tested dozens of multi-tools to find the most reliable options for daily use. Our top picks offer the best combination of useful tools, build quality, and portability for your pocket or bag.
We have sorted our product reviews by the number of functions:
We recommend the Leatherman Skeletool CX for anyone wanting a lightweight, reliable multi-tool that won’t weigh down your pocket during daily use.
Pros
Cons
We carried this tool daily for months and it quickly became our go-to EDC item. The weight difference compared to bulkier multi-tools is huge. Our pocket barely notices it’s there.
The straight blade stays sharp through regular use and the locking mechanism feels solid. We used the pliers for everything from splinter removal to adjusting bike cables. The bit driver works well with standard bits, though we wish it came with a few more options.
Build quality lives up to Leatherman’s reputation. The stainless steel construction handles daily abuse without showing wear. We dropped it several times with no damage to the tool itself.
The minimalist design means you sacrifice some functionality for portability. There’s no scissors or file like you’d find on larger models. For most daily tasks, the seven included tools cover our needs well.
This compact 12-in-1 tool offers solid value for basic daily tasks, though its small size means it works best for light-duty jobs.
Pros
Cons
We tested this multitool during a weekend camping trip and found it handled most small jobs around camp. The pliers worked great for adjusting tent stakes and the bottle opener came in handy multiple times. The knife blade cut through rope and small branches without much trouble.
The skeleton handle design makes this tool lighter than expected. We carried it in our pocket for several days and barely noticed the weight. The yellow and black colors also make it easy to spot if you drop it outdoors.
Some of the smaller tools like the wire strippers take practice to use effectively. The compact design means your fingers don’t have much room to work. We switched to larger tools for anything that required real force or precision cutting.
The Gerber Dime delivers impressive functionality for its tiny size, making it perfect for light daily tasks when you don’t want bulk in your pocket.
Pros
Cons
We’ve carried this little powerhouse for months now, and it constantly surprises us. The butterfly opening mechanism works smoothly, and every tool locks securely into place. When we need to cut open a delivery box or tighten a loose screw, the Dime handles these everyday tasks without breaking a sweat.
The scissors cut paper cleanly, though they struggle with thicker materials. We love how the bottle opener stays accessible even when the tool is closed. The tweezers actually grab small splinters effectively, unlike many multi-tools where they’re just for show.
Build quality impressed us right away. The stainless steel feels durable, and nothing wobbles or feels cheap. After daily use, we haven’t noticed any loosening or wear. The tools snap open and closed with confidence.
However, don’t expect miracles from something this compact. We quickly learned its limits when trying to use the pliers on anything requiring real grip strength. The small size also means your fingers can feel cramped during extended use.
This multitool suits budget-conscious users who need a reliable knife with pliers, though the tight mechanisms need breaking in.
Pros
Cons
We found the knife blade impressive during testing. The 3-inch length cuts through rope and cardboard easily. The locking mechanism clicked into place every time and never failed during heavy use.
The pliers grip small objects well. We used them to pull staples and twist wire without problems. The spring action feels smooth after several uses.
All thirteen tools fit into a compact design that slides into your pocket. The included nylon sheath keeps everything secure on your belt. We liked having screwdrivers, a can opener, and a small saw all in one place.
The stiff mechanisms proved frustrating at first. Opening each tool required more force than expected. After a week of regular use, most tools loosened up and became easier to operate.
For the price, this multitool delivers solid performance. It won’t replace a high-end brand for professional use, but it handles camping trips and household tasks without breaking.
The Wingman delivers solid everyday functionality at a reasonable price, making it our top pick for people who want reliable tools without breaking the bank.
Pros
Cons
We’ve been carrying the Wingman for several months, and it consistently handles daily tasks without complaint. The pliers open with a satisfying spring action that makes gripping screws or small objects effortless. When we needed to cut zip ties last week, the wire cutters sliced through them cleanly.
The knife blade locks securely and holds its edge well through regular use. We appreciate how all the tools snap open with one hand, even when we’re holding something else. The scissors work better than expected for a multitool, though they require more finger pressure than standalone scissors.
Build quality feels solid throughout. The stainless steel construction shows minimal wear after months of pocket carry. We like that the tools fold back smoothly without catching or binding.
The included nylon sheath works fine, but we prefer using the pocket clip for quick access. At just under 7 ounces, it’s light enough for daily carry without weighing down your pocket. The 25-year warranty gives us confidence this tool will last for years of regular use.
We recommend this multi-tool for budget-conscious users who want solid locking mechanisms and don’t mind the weight or two-handed operation.
Pros
Cons
After carrying this multi-tool for several weeks, we noticed the solid feel right away. The weight shows this isn’t a flimsy tool. Every component feels thick and durable.
The safety locks work well. When we open any tool, it stays firmly in place. This gives us confidence when using the screwdrivers or knife blade under pressure.
Opening tools takes more effort than we expected. The locking system requires you to use both hands most of the time, which slows things down when you need a quick fix.
We found the pliers grip and twist well. The different screwdriver sizes handle most common jobs around the house and car. The knife blade stays sharp and cuts cleanly through rope and packaging.
The included nylon pouch works well for belt carry. Without it, the tool feels too heavy and bulky for comfortable pocket carry during long days.
We recommend the Gerber Suspension-NXT for anyone who wants a reliable multi-tool that balances useful features with everyday portability.
Pros
Cons
We’ve carried this multi-tool for months and found it handles most daily tasks without trouble. The pliers spring open quickly, which saves time when we’re working on small repairs or camping tasks.
The knife blade stays sharp longer than we expected. We’ve used it for cutting rope, opening packages, and food prep while camping. The partial serrations help with tougher materials like zip ties and thick cardboard.
All the screwdriver sizes fit common screws we encounter. The wire stripper came in handy more often than we thought it would. Having both bottle opener and can opener means we don’t need to bring extra tools on trips.
The pocket clip works better than most multi-tools we’ve tried. It slides on and off belts easily but stays put during normal activities. The closed length fits well in most pockets without printing through clothing.
After heavy use, the locking mechanisms still work properly. We haven’t had any tools fold unexpectedly during use. The stainless steel construction shows some scratches but no rust or major wear.
We recommend this multi-tool for its solid build quality and practical tool selection that works well for daily tasks.
Pros
Cons
We found the Gerber Truss strikes a good balance between tool variety and carry comfort. The slim design slides into our pocket easily without the chunky feel of larger multi-tools.
All seventeen tools lock securely when open. The needle-nose pliers work well for small repairs, while the regular pliers handle heavier tasks. We appreciate how the wire cutters slice through cables without requiring much force.
The blades came razor-sharp from the factory. Both the plain and serrated edges cut cleanly through rope, cardboard, and plastic. However, the outside blade placement means we need to watch our grip carefully.
Build quality feels solid throughout. The stainless steel construction shows no flex during use, and the pivot points operate smoothly. After several weeks of daily carry, we notice minimal wear on the finish.
The included sheath does its job but feels lightweight compared to the tool itself. We ended up carrying the Truss in our bag instead. The lanyard hole provides a backup attachment option that we actually prefer.
The Perwin 17-in-1 offers impressive functionality at a budget-friendly price, though the blade sharpness could be better out of the box.
Pros
Cons
We tested this multi-tool during several camping trips and found it capable for everyday tasks. The pliers grip well and the scissors cut cleanly through various materials. Opening each tool feels smooth, and the locking system works reliably.
The included nylon sheath fits snugly on a belt without being too bulky. We appreciate how all 17 functions fold neatly into the frame without creating excessive thickness. The wire cutters handled electrical work better than expected.
However, we had to sharpen the main blade before it would slice through anything tougher than tape. The handles also flex slightly when applying pressure, which reminds you this isn’t a premium tool. Despite these minor issues, we found ourselves reaching for it regularly because of its convenience and comprehensive tool selection.
The Giriaitus multitool works best for car emergency kits and home use rather than everyday pocket carry because of its weight and size.
Pros
Cons
We tested this multitool for several weeks and found it well-built for the price. The black oxide coating protects against rust, even after exposure to moisture during camping trips.
The knife blade impressed us with its sharpness out of the box. We used it for camp tasks like cutting rope and preparing food. The saw blade cuts through small branches, though it takes some patience.
Weight becomes the main issue with daily use. At nearly 10 ounces, this tool feels like carrying a small hammer in your pocket. We found it works better stored in a glove compartment or toolbox where the extra bulk doesn’t matter.
The fire starter produces good sparks for tinder. The window breaker and whistle feel cheap compared to the main cutting tools. Overall build quality exceeds expectations for a budget multitool, but don’t expect Swiss Army Knife precision.
The Leatherman Wave+ delivers exceptional build quality and versatility that makes it worth the investment for anyone serious about having reliable tools on hand.
Pros
Cons
We’ve been carrying the Wave+ for several months now, and it consistently impresses us with its thoughtful design. The pliers grip firmly without slipping, even when we’re working with stubborn bolts or bent wire. Each tool locks securely in place, giving us confidence during use.
The scissors deserve special mention because they actually cut well, unlike many multi-tool scissors we’ve tried before. We’ve used them on everything from packaging tape to fabric, and they maintain their sharpness well. The saw blade also surprised us with how effectively it cuts through small branches and plastic.
Weight becomes the main drawback during extended carry periods. At over 8 ounces, it’s definitely heavier than cheaper alternatives. However, this weight comes from quality materials that we can feel in every interaction with the tool.
The 25-year warranty gives us peace of mind, especially considering how often we reach for this tool. Leatherman’s reputation for honoring their warranty makes the higher upfront cost easier to justify when we think about long-term value.
Multi-tool buyers often ask about specific features for outdoor use and which models work best for daily tasks. Price comparisons between major brands and compact options also come up frequently.
We recommend focusing on a strong knife blade as your top priority. The blade should lock securely and feel solid when extended.
Also consider:
The Victorinox Classic SD measures just 2.25 inches long. We find it perfect for basic cutting and small screw adjustments.
The Gerber Dime weighs 2.2 ounces and includes 10 tools. The package opener and tweezers handle common daily tasks.
The SOG PowerPint fits in your pocket at 4.6 inches long. It includes compound leverage pliers for extra gripping power.
The Leatherman Wave Plus includes 18 tools with outside-accessible blades. You can open knives and saws without unfolding the main body.
Gerber Center-Drive features a centered screwdriver that applies force in line with screws. This design helps prevent stripped screws.
SOG PowerAccess has a magnetic hex bit kit with common screwdriver heads. You can store the bits inside the handle for easy access.
Leatherman Surge weighs 12.5 ounces and includes large pliers and replaceable wire cutters. The bigger size gives you more leverage for tough jobs.
Leatherman tools usually cost more than competitors but come with 25-year warranties. Their build quality stays high across all models.
Leatherman models often include 15-20 different functions, making their tool selection more comprehensive than other brands. Other brands like Gerber focus on innovations such as compound leverage or magnetic bit storage. These features can sometimes work better than Leatherman’s traditional designs.
SOG tools often weigh less than similar Leatherman models because they use different steel alloys and construction methods.
Gerber makes models for both uses but optimizes them differently. Their EDC tools are lightweight and include common functions.
The Gerber Suspension-NXT has a strong build. It offers needle-nose pliers, wire cutters, and a 2.5-inch knife blade.
Gerber’s one-hand opening mechanisms help in emergencies. You can access tools quickly, even while wearing gloves. Survival-focused models like the Center-Drive offer ferro rods and emergency whistles. These features help in outdoor situations.
Knife Buzz offers independent product reviews on a wide range of knives used in the kitchen, home, and outdoors. We make it easy for you to find the right knife at the best price.
