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By its very definition, an emergency occurs without warning and tends to catch most people off-guard. For the outdoorsy DIY individual, no item increases one’s preparedness to handle life’s day-to-day functions or equipment-related shortfalls than an everyday carry (EDC) multitool. With several options to choose from in terms of size, functionality, and budget, multitool gadgets are a must-have in a typical toolbox. It brings convenience to one’s hand, keychain, wallet, or any other basic storage compartment.
From simpler functions such as opening cork-sealed bottles to more complex endeavors like defending yourself from would-be threats, the variety, and ingenuity that goes into making these gadgets renders the choice of one a much more detail-oriented process than it may appear to be at first glance. We will walk you through this process.
Summary List
- Best Overall: Leatherman Micra Keychain Multitool
- Best Value: Kershaw PT-2 Compact Keychain Pry Tool
- Honorable Mention: Leatherman Surge Multitool
- Honorable Mention: Victorinox Swiss Army Tinker Pocket Knife
- Honorable Mention: RoverTac 14-In-1 Multitool
- Honorable Mention: Gerber Dime Mini Multitool
- Honorable Mention: Gerber Vise Pocket Tool
- Honorable Mention: SOG Multitool Pliers
Our Methodology
The selection process followed The Drive’s review methodology to compare numerous EDC multitools, including various factors like functionality, build quality, portability, and overall value for the user. The selection process considers the specific needs of individuals who may find themselves in a range of situations, from outdoor activities to everyday tasks. The guide provides a diverse range of multitools to cater to different preferences and requirements.
Best EDC Multitools: Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall: Leatherman Micra Keychain Multitool
Pros
- Designed to easily hang on key rings or belt loops
- Easy to operate spring-assisted tools
- Offered in a wide variety of colors
Cons
- Scissors can be slightly flimsy
Despite the word ‘keychain’ in the name, this multi-tool is a mini-tool with the added advantage of a simple keychain attachment. It’s aptly named for its small rectangular frame that weighs 2.4 ounces while measuring 2.5 x 0.5 x 0.8 inches. The 10-tool arsenal packs quite the punch for a tool that size. In addition to the surprisingly sturdy pair of spring scissors, the Micra also comes with three screwdrivers: an extra small size, a medium size, and a flat Phillips screwdriver. The rest of the tools include a lanyard attachment, tweezers, a ruler, a clip-point knife, and a bottle opener.
Unfortunately, the tweezers and scissors are a bit flimsy while the knife has only one cutting edge. These compromises, however, have little effect on the tool’s efficiency.
Best Value: Kershaw PT-2 Compact Keychain Pry Tool
Pros
- Ultra-compact design
- Very affordable price point
- Durable with no moving parts
Cons
- Lacks features of slightly bigger multitools
The Kershaw PT-2 Compact Keychain Pry Tool is a compact multitool that slips easily into most keychains. It combines eight handy utilities in one tool. Aside from the bottle opener, this tool boasts three hex drives, one Phillips Screwdriver, a wire stripper, a flathead screwdriver, and a pry bar. It’s hands-down one of the most sturdy keychain multi-tools available on the market, weighing 0.8 ounces and measuring 3.25 x 1.5 x 0.13 inches. Its biggest perk is its reasonable price, in addition to excellent build quality utilizing carbon and stainless steel.
However, it has a relatively lower degree of functionality due to the fewer tools. Also, some of the edges that are expected to double up as box cutters or can openers are blunt. The upside to this blunt design is that you are less likely to get cuts or other injuries if you carry it in your pocket.
Honorable Mention: Leatherman Surge Multitool
Pros
- Most tools of any offering on our list
- Durable design
- Robust manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Higher price point than many other options
- Bulky design for EDC
The Leatherman Surge Multitool is a well-built powerhouse that brings a whopping 21 tools to its owner’s disposal. It weighs 15 ounces and the Leatherman Surge measures 4.5 x 1.75 x 0.75 inches. The tools include needle-nose and regular pliers, three different sets of replaceable wire cutters, an electrical crimper, a wire stripper, plain and serrated edge knives, a saw, spring-action scissors, a large and small screwdriver, a ruler, a large bit driver, a can opener, a blade exchanger, a bottle opener, and a wood/metal file.
While it may offer a wide range of utilities, these functions add quite some bulk to the tool. Also, it’s more expensive than most regular multitools, but with the inclusion of one of the most robust sets of pliers in any Leatherman multi-tool production, it’s a fair trade-off.
Honorable Mention: Victorinox Swiss Army Tinker Pocket Knife
Pros
- Good assortment of tools
- High build quality
- Lifetime guarantee against faults in craftsmanship and material
Cons
- Higher price point than some other options
- Slightly bulky design
Combining 17 individual tools, the Victorinox Swiss Army Tinker Pocket Knife has a compact build that makes it easy to carry in the pocket. The unit comes with a pair of scissors, pliers, a Phillips screwdriver, a can opener, and an assortment of single-edged blades. Each tool has small slits so you can pull them out easily with your fingernails. Also, this particular model boasts a lifetime guarantee against faults in craftsmanship and material, embodying the manufacturer’s trust in its build quality.
The comparatively higher pricing is offset by the high-quality materials (refined stainless steel) used in the constitution of the tools, rendering this multi-tool one of the most durable in the market.
Honorable Mention: RoverTac 14-in-1 Multitool
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Slightly bulky design
- Brand lacks the reputation of some competitors
Tucked away in a small nylon pouch is the RoverTac 14-in-1 multitool that has a butterfly design fitted with 12 tools. It weighs slightly under 11 ounces and measures 6.3 x 5.1 x 1.0 inches. It comes with a wider array of tools that can be used in any industry. They include spring-loaded pliers, a knife, a saw, a can opener that doubles as a bottle opener, a wire cutter, and a screwdriver. The tools are made of stainless steel while the handle is topped off with a black oxidized paint coating to resist rust. Also, RoverTac offers a lifetime warranty on this model.
However, most of the tools are sharp and pointy, which is why RoverTac provides a carrying pouch with belt loops that can be attached to your tool belt.
Honorable Mention: Gerber Dime Mini Multitool
Pros
- Nearly 20,000 ratings on Amazon
- Compact and lightweight design
- Reputable brand
Cons
- Slightly more expensive than some other options
A sturdy compact offering from Gerber, the Dime Mini Multitool weighs only 2.08 ounces and measures 2.27 x 4 x 0.6 inches. This mini multitool boasts an array of 10 individual tools that are easily accessible from its butterfly opening. They include a pair of spring-loaded (needle-nose) pliers, a file, a wire cutter, a pair of tweezers, a fine edge blade, a bottle opener that is directly accessible (without opening or extraction), a retail package opener, both crosshead and medium flat drivers, and a pair of scissors. A clear advantage of this tool is its affordable price which doesn’t compromise on the quality of the tools. It also packs a lot of functionalities into a compact and lightweight unit.
It’s best used for small DIY projects since most of the tools are a bit small for more demanding jobs associated with professional tradesmen.
Honorable Mention: Gerber Vise Pocket Tool
Pros
- Super lightweight design
- Competitive price point
- Reputable brand
Cons
- Doesn’t offer as many tools as some EDC options
The Vise Pocket Tool is another compact multitool from Gerber that you can always have with you. It weighs less than one ounce and measures 6 x 5.5 x 0.75 inches. It comes loaded with nine tools that will help you perform basic functions such as opening boxes and bottles, or tightening bolts. It also comes with a small split ring that you can attach to your key ring, while a small swivel snap clip lets you detach the multitool from your key ring when you need to put it in action. The butterfly design makes it easy to slide out the tools, and the blades have small slits so you can also pull them out easily. It snaps in place when pulled open revealing a great set of spring-loaded pliers.
While it may offer fewer functions than most butterfly-style multitools, it still offers great value in terms of quality and durability in comparison to similar products in the same price range.
Honorable Mention: SOG Multitool Pliers
Pros
- Lots of available tools
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- High price point
- Some tools are hard to deploy
If you want a multitool that offers more but is compact at the same time, then you should consider the SOG Multitool Pliers. It packs 18 tools in a compact 5.9-ounce framework that only measures 1.3 x 5.9 x 0.65 inches. The tools available include a set of needle-nose pliers, a hex bit holder, a knife blade, a combined can and bottle opener, a ruler, wire cutters, a crimper, an awl, and a jewelry driver. With SOG’s Compound Leverage technology, the central pivot point is geared so some of the tools, including the pliers and wire cutters, deliver twice the power of regular multitools when force is applied to the stainless steel handles. Best of all, it’s backed by a lifetime warranty.
While you can work this multitool with just one hand, some of the tools such as the blade are a bit difficult to deploy since not all have nail slits.
Our Verdict on EDC Multitools
For a compact jack-of-all-trades, the Leatherman Micra Keychain Multitool is the best overall option. But, if you’re in need of an ultra-compact, affordable EDC, the Kershaw PT-2 Compact Keychain Pry Tool is a great option. Lastly, if size is less of a concern, the Leatherman Surge Multitool offers everything you could need in an EDC multitool.
Types of EDC Multitools
Regular/Full-Sized Multitools
A full-sized multitool is usually fully featured. It contains multitools with the widest array of instruments, giving them the highest degree of functionality among multi-tools. Full-sized multi-tools enable the outdoorsy DIY individual to do most of the things a fully-fledged toolbox facilitates, albeit at a slightly smaller scale. Most come with more than 10 tools, and usually cost and weigh more than the other two categories.
Mini Multitools
As the name suggests, this category is smaller than regular multitools. These tools usually have a single or lower double-digit number of individual tools, giving them less functionality than the regular instrument toolbox. A more compact design may translate to some compromises in quality, but on the plus side, they are affordable and easier to carry.
Keychain Multi-tools
Keychain multitools are the smallest of the multi-tools. These tools exhibit a highly minimalistic design and have very little functionality. Often merely functioning as pry tools or bottle openers, these multi-tools barely substitute any of the single-use tools in a regular toolkit. They are keychains with added utility such as wire stripping, undoing small screws, or opening bottle caps.
Key Features
Size
For something intended for everyday use and carriage to various places, size is an important aspect to consider. When going hunting or hiking, more weight (from larger multitools) is more difficult to lug around in comparison to smaller, lighter mini-tools. For tools intended for localized use at a camping site or garage, larger tools pose no such inconvenience and may be more useful for heavy-duty tasks.
Types of Tools
The type of pliers, knife, screwdriver, scissors, saw, or bottle opener built into each multi-tool makes the tool more suitable for certain tasks in comparison to others. When deciding which is the better tool to purchase, you need to consider if the tools included suit your day-to-day day functions so you can get the most out of it. Also, you must consider how well you know how to use the tools provided.
Functionality
Many multi-tools are designed with specific users in mind, as evidenced by the choice of tools included. Most keychains are preferred by minimalist users, whereas more complex ones with stronger pliers and a greater variety of screwdrivers may be preferred by professional contractors. Serrated knives may be of use by campers intending to cut fruit or bread outdoors, while anglers may prefer straight knives for the disembowelment of their fish, and so on.
EDC Multitool Pricing
EDC multitools tend to run smaller, offering fewer tools than full-sized multitools but also selling for a lower price. Most EDC multitools can be had for $50 or less, with budget options running between $10 and $20. If, however, you’re in the market for a more full-sized multitool, be prepared for a higher price point.
FAQs on Multitools
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
Q: How do I maintain my multitool?
A: Use a wooden skewer or a dust blower to remove bits of dirt from the moving parts of your multitool. This helps to prevent mechanical damage and maintain smooth movement. Apply grease or lubricating oil to the joints of the moving parts of your multitool every once in a while. Grease also goes a long way in preventing rust.
Q: Can you fly with a multitool?
A: Airport security enforces regulations that may prohibit one from bringing many of the regular-sized multi-tools onboard flights. However, there are a few TSA-approved mini-multi tools that you can travel with so you may want to opt for these options if you are a frequent flyer.
Q: Do I need to buy a more expensive multitool?
Consider how often you use a multitool to determine if you should seek an affordable option or splurge on a full-sized multitool. The affordable and less durable ones would be better suited for light, infrequent use. On the other hand, the more durable multitools would be recommended for the out-and-out DIY individual who virtually never turns to professional contractors for repairs.
