REASONS TO BUY
Super portable
Spring pliers
Tweezers
REASONS TO AVOID
Non-replaceable wire cutter jaws
Non-locking features
Gerber Dime Review
Users looking for an affordable, simple solution for the most basic of tasks around the home, look no further
The Gerber Dime
Credit: Kyle Hameister
By Kyle Hameister ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ October 6, 2026
RELATED: The Best Multi Tools of 2026
Our Verdict
Arguably the most recognizable and popular mini multi-tool around, the Gerber Dime has been a portable favorite of the community since its release in 2012. Opting for quality over quantity in its included functions, we feel the Dime has just enough everyday utility to satisfy most users, in a form factor that feels appropriate on a keychain. Prominently featuring an always-ready bottle opener opposite the keyring, inside you'll find a surprisingly useful pair of spring pliers, plus a limited cadre of fold-out features for light-duty use. For a pint-sized tool, this is one of the best available.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Gerber Dime | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Mini Multi-Tool |  Best Bang for the Buck | Great Value on a Tight Budget | ||
| Price | $35 List Check Price at REI | $35 List Check Price at Amazon | $50 List Check Price at Amazon | $30 List Check Price at Amazon | $23 List Check Price at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | Users looking for an affordable, simple solution for the most basic of tasks around the home, look no further | Packed with clever design, this mini multi-tool quietly impresses at every turn | A compact budget tool with excellent construction and a reasonable set of features for daily use | An affordable multi-tool in a familiar form that punches way above its weight class | The Geekey multi-tool crams an impressive amount of useful tools in a compact, one-piece frame |
| Rating Categories | Gerber Dime | NexTool Mini Flagshi... | Leatherman Wingman | Mossy Oak 27-in-1 | Geekey |
| Everyday Utility (40%) | |||||
| Construction Quality (25%) | |||||
| Ergonomics (20%) | |||||
| Portability (15%) | |||||
| Specifications | Gerber Dime | NexTool Mini Flagshi... | Leatherman Wingman | Mossy Oak 27-in-1 | Geekey |
| Basic tools included | Pliers, wire cutters, knife, scissors, bit driver | Pliers, wire cutters, knife, scissors, bit driver | Pliers, wire cutters, knife, scissors, bit driver | Pliers, wire cutters, knife, bit driver (no scissors) | Bit driver (No pliers, no wire cutters, no scissors. Package opener included) |
| Blades and Type | 1 straight, 1 package opener | 1 straight | 1 hybrid serrated/straight | 1 straight | Package opener |
| Number of Functions | 12 | 13 | 10 | 27 | 16 |
| Locking Tools | None | Knife & file | Scissors and blade | All but pliers and ferro rod/ whistle | Not applicable |
| Carry options | Keyring attachment | Keyring attachment, pocket clip | Sheath (sold separately), pocket clip | Sheath, pocket clip, carabiner clip | Lanyard loop/ keyring attachment |
| Closed Dimensions (Measured) | 2.8 in (L) x 0.9 in (W) x 0.5 in (D) | 2.5 in (L) x 1.1 in (W) x 0.5 in (D) | 3.9 in (L) x 1.3 in (W) x 0.6 in (D) | 4.8 in (L) x 1.5 in (W) x 0.6 in (D) | 2.8 in (L) x 1.2 in (W) x 0.2 in (D) |
| Weight (Measured) | 2.4 oz | 2.8 oz | 6.8 oz (7.8 oz w/ sheath) |
8.2 oz (10.0 oz w/ sheath & bits) | 0.8 oz |
| Tools Accessible Without Deploying Pliers | All | All but scissors | Blade, scissors | Blade, saw | Yes |
| Full Length w/ Primary Blade Open (Measured) | 4.1 in | 4.3 in | 6.4 in | 7.6 in | Not applicable |
| Primary Blade Effective Edge Length (Measured) | 1.4 in | 1.7 in | 2.4 in | 2.7 in | Not applicable |
| Pliers type | Spring-loaded needlenose and regular, with wire cutters | Spring-loaded needlenose and regular, with wirecuters | Spring-loaded needlenose and regular, with wire cutters | Needlenose and regular, with replacable wire cutters | None |
| Full Length w/ Pliers Open (Measured) | 4.3 in | 4.0 in | 6.2 in | 7.0 in | Not applicable |
| Number of screwdrivers | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 + additional swappable double-ended bits | 3 |
| File | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Saw | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Openers | Bottle, package | Bottle | Can, bottle, package opener | Can, bottle | Bottle, package |
| Other Important Features | Tweezers | Ruler | Ruler, package opener | Whistle, fire starter (ferro rod), awl, carabiner clip, hammer | Smoking bowl, hex wrenches, protractor, ruler, spoke tool, 1/4" hex bit driver |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Dime's bottle opener is it's defining feature, and far from an after thought. We think it's the best bottle opener on any multi-tool we've tested. Credit: Kyle Hameister
Likes
A true keychain-sized tool, it's hard to beat the Dime when seeking out an everyday carry (EDC) option. Roughly the size of a pocket lighter, we think it's an ideal companion for just about anyone. And with the Dime's excellent bottle opener, you won't need to reach for a lighter for that anymore either!
This is the lightest multi-tool we know of with a set of pliers on board. Credit: Kyle Hameister
We love that the pliers are spring-loaded, a feature not often included on tools in this price range. A set of scissors is also on board, in addition to a couple of sizes of flathead screwdrivers which feel just right. The blade is stubby, but its sheepsfoot shape does help keep strength towards the tip.
We also love the tweezers hidden within one of the handle's scales. It's something that doesn't take up any functional space on multi-tools, but is strangely rarely seen.
We wish more multi-tools, regardless of size, would include functions like these tweezers! Credit: Kyle Hameister
Dislikes
If you're considering the Dime, you're probably focused on its portability. But know that comes at a cost; the handles are too short to fit comfortably in the hand when using the pliers, for example.
The Dime is so short, we need to 'choke up' on the pliers. They're simply not appropriate for any clamping task requiring force.
The inclusion of a dedicated package opener is a little puzzling, considering a short knife is also on board, which handles the same task. Though we like the narrow flathead end on the file, the file itself is way too short, and its grit is too aggressive to be useful 'in the field' at all.
The Dime's package opener works well, but seems unnecessary with a knife also available. Credit: Kyle Hameister
Should You Buy the Gerber Dime?
For the buyer wanting a no-frills portable multi-tool with pliers, the Dime won't disappoint. Plus, with a sub-$40 price tag, the Dime is affordable enough to use and abuse, or lose without much of a second thought. It's the perfect companion to keep your keys company.
A few of the other fold-out features. No feature is locking on the Dime, so it's best used for light-duty tasks only. Credit: Kyle Hameister
What Other Multi-Tools Should You Consider?
For about the same cost, you could get the higher-performing NexTool Mini Flagship F12. It's just a tad shorter and wider and also features spring pliers, but its scissors are a major upgrade over the Dime. Though the Dime has a better bottle opener!
The Dime is the quintessential mini multi-tool. Credit: Kyle Hameister
—Kyle Hameister
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