A good multitool comes in handy when you least expect it. Whether you are at home, in the office, outdoors, or having fun they can get you out of a bind by quickly solving a problem. The key is finding one with the right set of tools, which is easier said than done. However, there are some general tools that should always be there.
Using a multitool can be a game-changer for those who require versatility in their daily tasks. Whether you’re an entrepreneur setting up a pop-up stall, a technician fixing equipment on the go, or a graphic designer assembling a project display, having the right multitool can make a world of difference. As you decide on your next multitool, it’s essential to dive deeper into some critical considerations:
Purpose:
- Primary Tasks: What are the main tasks you foresee using the multitool for? If you frequently deal with wiring, for example, you might prioritize tools with wire cutters or strippers.
- Secondary Needs: Consider the tools you may not use daily but can come in handy occasionally.
Durability:
- Joint Strength: Ensure that the tool’s joints, where individual tools pivot, are sturdy and resistant to wear and tear.
- Locking Mechanism: Tools that lock in place can provide a safer and more efficient experience.
Ergonomics:
- Grip: Opt for designs that are comfortable to hold, especially during prolonged usage.
- Ease of Use: A multitool should be simple to unfold and deploy without much hassle.
Versatility:
- Adaptability: Some multitools come with removable or replaceable parts, allowing you to customize based on your needs.
- Tool Diversity: Ensure it provides a good mix of tools that align with your specific needs.
Cost-Effectiveness:
- Value for Money: A pricier multitool isn’t necessarily better. Gauge the tool’s quality, brand reputation, and the provided warranty to determine if it offers good value for its price.
Before making a purchase, remember to compare different brands and models, read reviews, and even ask peers for recommendations. In the end, the best multitool will not only match your requirements but also prove to be a trusty companion in your professional journey.
Multitools: Our Top Picks From Amazon
| Feature/Aspect | Top Pick: LEATHERMAN Wave Plus Multitool | Runner Up: Gerber Gear Truss Needle Nose Pliers Multitool | Best Value: SOG PowerAccess Deluxe Multi-Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material & Finish | Stainless steel | Alloy steel with black oxide coating | Not specified |
| Number of Tools | 18 tools | 17 tools | 21 tools |
| Unique Features/Tools | Spring-action scissors | Needle nose pliers; MOLLE-certified sheath | Wood saw; Hex bit kit; Protractor; Jewelry driver |
| Design & User Experience | One-hand opening; All blades lock securely | Single steel handle construction | Compound leverage for easy opening & closing |
| Measurements (LxWxH) | 2 x 2 x 2 inches | Not specified | 1 x 1 x 1 inches |
| Weight | 8.5 oz | Not specified | 1 pound |
| Notable Benefits | Rust-resistance; 25-year warranty | Sleek black oxide coating; Versatile sheath | Integrated protractor and ruler; Multiple blade options |
LEATHERMAN Wave Plus Multitool
Top Pick: Streamline your toolset with the LEATHERMAN Wave Plus, a comprehensive multitool designed for versatility and durability. Engineered to meet the needs of small business owners, it offers both precision and reliability.
Key Features:
- High-Quality Material: Crafted from stainless steel, ensuring longevity and rust-resistance.
- 18-in-1 Utility: Incorporates 18 essential tools, from pliers and spring-action scissors to bottle openers and screwdrivers.
- Efficient Design: One-hand opening capability for swift and hassle-free access to tools.
- Safety Assured: All blades lock securely in place, ensuring safe use across various tasks.
- Compact & Lightweight: Measures 2 x 2 x 2 inches and weighs 241 grams, making it portable and easy to carry.
- 25-Year Warranty: Manufactured in Portland, Oregon, backed by a quarter-century guarantee, attesting to its durability.
LEATHERMAN Wave Plus Multitool
Gerber Gear Truss Needle Nose Pliers Multitool
Runner Up: The GERBER Gear Truss is not just another multi-tool. Evolving from the esteemed Suspension multi-tool lineage, the Truss is designed for efficiency and reliability, seamlessly combining 17 essential tools into one compact design.
Key Features:
- Superior Material: Constructed from alloy steel for durability and longevity.
- Sleek Black Oxide Coating: Gives the Truss tools and handle a refined, rust-resistant finish.
- Comprehensive Toolkit: Equipped with tools ranging from needle nose pliers and serrated blades to wire strippers and screwdrivers.
- Streamlined Design: Single steel handle construction ensures enhanced strength in a sleek, slim profile.
- Versatile Sheath: Comes with a MOLLE-certified sheath, suitable for mounting on vests or packs.
Gerber Gear Truss Needle Nose Pliers Multitool
SOG PowerAccess Deluxe Multi-Tool
Best Value: Equip yourself with the SOG PowerAccess Deluxe Multi-Tool, a versatile companion tailored to meet various needs with ease. Its unique blend of materials and compact design ensures it remains a steadfast assistant in myriad situations.
Key Features:
- Packed with Utility: Offers a whopping 21 tools, making it the most equipped multi-tool in the SOG lineup.
- Enhanced Plier Mechanism: Features compound leverage for effortless opening, closing, and amplified grip.
- Multifunctional Tools: Inclusive of a wood saw, wire cutters, hex bit kit, protractor, jewelry driver, and more.
- Precision Blades: Contains both a fully serrated blade and a straight edge blade for versatile cutting needs.
- Handy Measurements: Integrated protractor and ruler for quick measurements on the go.
- Compact and Durable: Weighing just 1 pound and with dimensions of 1 x 1 x 1 inches, it’s designed for easy portability without compromising on strength.
SOG PowerAccess Deluxe Multi-Tool
Victorinox Swiss Army Swisstool
Discover the excellence of the Victorinox Swisstool CS Plus, a masterpiece of Swiss engineering, designed to provide utility, versatility, and lasting quality. Functions include a corkscrew, multiple screwdrivers, crate opener, metal file, bit wrench, and many more.
Key Features:
- Swiss Excellence: Renowned for its robust design, making it one of the most formidable tools in the Victorinox lineup.
- Precision & Safety: Every tool is easily accessible from the outside, locking securely for safe and accurate use.
- Compact Design: A space-saving tool that ensures you’re equipped for every situation without adding bulk.
- Diverse Toolkit: Boasts 37 tools, from corkscrew and needle-nosed pliers to wire cutters and screwdrivers, making it a toolbox that fits in your pocket.
- Stainless Steel Build: Crafted with precision to ensure durability and longevity.
- Lifetime Guarantee: Victorinox’s commitment to quality ensures a lifetime guarantee against material and workmanship defects.
Victorinox Swiss Army Swisstool
GERBER Dime Multi-Tool
The GERBER Dime Multi-Tool is not just functional but also adds a touch of style to your gear. It’s an indispensable tool that ensures you’re always prepared. Made with precision and high-quality materials, it promises both durability and functionality.
Key Features:
- Sturdy Construction: Crafted with stainless steel for lasting durability.
- Optimal Portability: Its lightweight design makes it a seamless addition to your pocket, ready for tasks big and small.
- 10 Essential Tools: From needle nose spring-loaded pliers and a fine edge blade to a bottle opener and tweezers, this multi-tool has you covered.
- User-Friendly Design: Features a butterfly opening for easy access, complemented by spring-loaded pliers for efficiency.
DEWALT Multi Tool
Considering a versatile and reliable tool for your business? The DEWALT Multi Tool might just be what you need. Crafted with meticulous attention to durability, this tool promises longevity even in demanding job-site environments.
Key Features:
- Durable Construction: Designed to withstand rigorous job-site conditions.
- Easy Access: Utilize tools even when in a closed position.
- Material: Made of stainless steel, ensuring extended tool life.
- Rust-Resistant: Maintain its appearance and function over time.
- Comfort Design: Features soft grip panels for a comfortable grip during prolonged use.
Caterpillar Multi Function Tool 9-in-1
For those who believe in being prepared for every situation, the Caterpillar 9-in-1 Multi Function Tool brings the right blend of versatility and robustness. Its distinct XL size promises functionality for tasks that require a bit more strength and dexterity.
Key Features:
- Ample Size: Designed as one of the largest multi-tools available, equipped with a full-size knife blade and pliers.
- Space Saver: Its 9-tool capacity in a foldable design ensures optimal use of toolbox or toolbelt space.
- Emergency Essential: Perfect for earthquake kits or bug-out bags, ensuring you’re prepared for unpredictable situations.
- Outdoorsy: Ideal for RV enthusiasts, campers, and off-roaders; easily saw branches, cut ropes, and make trailside repairs.
- Convenient Storage: Accompanied by a nylon belt pouch for effortless accessibility.
Caterpillar Multi Function Tool 9-in-1
Amazon Basics 10-in-1 Stainless Steel Multitool with Nylon Sheath
The Amazon Basics 10-in-1 Multitool is a compact and efficient solution for various everyday tasks. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a DIY hobbyist, or someone who likes to be prepared, this multitool has something for every situation.
Key Features:
- Diverse Tools: Offers needle nose pliers, standard pliers, wire cutter, knife, saw, slotted and Phillips screwdrivers, bottle opener, and carabiner.
- Quality Materials: Crafted from robust stainless steel with a sturdy aluminum frame, accentuated by a striking red finish.
- Versatile Applications: Suitable for outdoor activities like hiking and camping, survival situations, emergencies, and routine home tasks.
- Portable: Comes with a nylon pouch equipped with a belt loop, ensuring the tool is always within reach.
- Compact Design: Measures just 4.1 x 1.8 x 0.8 inches and weighs 0.45 Pounds.
Amazon Basics 10-in-1 Stainless Steel Multitool Safety Lock with Nylon Sheath
LEATHERMAN FREE P4 Multitool with Magnetic Locking
The second offering from Leatherman is the stainless steel FREE P4 multitool with magnetic locking and outside-accessible tools.
Key Features:
- Revolutionary Design: Part of the advanced FREE P-Series with magnetic closing and tools that are easily accessible from the outside.
- 21 Versatile Tools: Comes with everything from replaceable wire cutters and spring-action scissors to dual knives, catering to diverse needs.
- Built to Last: We’re committed to quality; that’s why we back our products with a 25-year warranty, ensuring your tool stands the test of time.
- Magnetic Locking: Experience reduced friction and clear haptic feedback. Cam locks ensure tools are secure when open, promising unwavering reliability.
- User-Friendly: All implements are designed for one-hand opening and the removable pocket clip ensures your tool is always within reach.
LEATHERMAN FREE P4 Multitool with Magnetic Locking
Gerber Gear Center-Drive Multitool with Bit Set
Gerber is on the list for a third time with the Center-Drive multitool. This tool has a center-axis driver that opens to align like a real screwdriver. The stainless-steel construction includes 16 tools including a plier, knife, saw, and more along with a 12-piece standard bit set.
Key Features:
- Innovative Driver: Features a unique 3.2” center-axis driver that aligns just like a standard screwdriver, ensuring maximum torque and smooth rotation. Plus, the magnetic replaceable bit head makes changes swift and simple.
- Extended Knife: Boasts a full-size, 3.25” 420HC outboard knife, which is 30% longer than most competitors, ensuring deeper cuts and greater versatility.
- Quick Access Pliers: One-thumb opening sliding jaws provide instantaneous control of the spring-loaded pliers. A simple wrist flip or thumb flick is all it takes.
- Comprehensive Bit Set: Comes with a 12-piece standard bit set, offering a range of options for various tasks.
- American Craftsmanship: Proudly manufactured in Gerber’s factory in Portland, Oregon, ensuring top-notch quality.
Gerber Gear Center-Drive Multitool with Bit Set
What to Look for When Buying a Multitool
It is important to remember the tools on a multitool are not designed to replace a standard single-use tool. From pliers to screwdrivers the features on a multitool will do the job, but they have their limitations when compared to high-quality single-use tools. With that in mind, here are some of the things you should look for with your next multitool purchase.
Knife-based: This type of multi-tool will feature multiple knives as the main tools, with other options as the secondary tool.
Pliers-based: In this type of tool a strong plier is the featured tool along with knives and other tools.
Design: Whether you are going to put it in your pocket, belt, backpack or toolbox, look for a design that accommodates how you will carry it.
Material: If you want a tool that lasts, choose the best material such as high-quality steel.
Finish: From brushed gunmetal to polished and black stainless steel, brushed nickel, and satin there are many options.
Size: How and where you carry your multitool will generally determine the size. And remember to look for quality even for small versions.
Functions: Do you need 20 tools or will five be enough? Again, look for a tool that best addresses your needs.
Warranty: The more recognized brands will offer great warranties, which makes them a worthwhile investment for their higher price.
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This article, “Multitools: Options For Your Everyday Tasks and Beyond” was first published on Small Business Trends