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Carrying a good multi-tool is a bit like carrying a toolbox in your pocket, enabling you to tackle unforeseen jobs that pop up throughout your day.
Our favorite multi-tool for the everyday user is the Leatherman Wave+. It's a fully-featured tool with everything you need and nothing you don't, and it's reasonably priced, too.
For anyone seeking a customizable option, the Roxon Flex allows you to switch out nearly every tool. It's a neat feature that empowers you to build the tool of your dreams.
If you don't have a lot of money to shell out, take a look at the functional Leatherman Wingman or the even more affordable Mossy Oak 27-in-1, which is surprisingly well-built for its price tag.
We've tested nearly 50 of these little wundertools since 2013. We use each tool for months (and in some cases, years) while tackling tasks around the house, workplace, and while camping. From bike repairs to light fixture installation to removing fish hooks, we assessed each model based on utility, construction, ergonomics, and portability.
Editor's Note: We updated our multi-tool article on October 6, 2026, after testing new options from NexTool, Roxon, Gerber, and more.
The Leatherman Wave+ has been a top-selling multi-tool for a long time, and for good reason: it's an undeniably great value. Leatherman takes 90% of what makes their other popular tools so impressive, then offers it all here for a significant discount from their high-end options. It's well built, has all the basic functions you need, and offers good ergonomics. We love that the blades (as well as the saw and file) are accessible from the outside and one-handed, swinging open with the flick of the thumb. For a full-featured tool, the Wave+ is an excellent buy.
SPECIFICATIONS
Basic tools included
Pliers, wire cutters, knife, scissors, bit driver
Blades and Type
1 straight, 1 serrated
Number of Functions
18
Locking Tools
All but pliers
Carry options
Sheath (sold separately), lanyard loop
We appreciate the general layout, tool selection (including replaceable wire cutter jaws!), and its size. However, we'll note that it does not ship with extra bits or the belt sheath that was once included. This is also the rare tool without a pocket clip (though LM offers a quick release clip as a separate purchase), but there is a hidden lanyard loop that can be deployed. Even so, the Wave+ is still the golden standard multi-tool option for most people. But if you want to save a few bucks, the Wingman is worth a look. It makes more compromises in features and materials, but is a fantastic value in its own right.
The Roxon Flex turns the multi-tool market on its head. The modular tool-swap system it's built around isn't necessarily novel, but it's executed better here than anywhere else. A field of 50+ tool choices are available (and affordable!), making the Flex a worthy consideration for pretty much all users and use cases. The base model includes a fine selection of functions out of the box, with a great set of pliers anchoring it all. “The pliers are spring-loaded, with replaceable wire cutter jaws — both premium features that I wish would become the default, industry-wide,” says lead tester Kyle Hameister. Plus, its larger size and rounded handles make this one of the most comfortable multi-tools we've ever used.
SPECIFICATIONS
Basic tools included
Pliers, wire cutters, knife, scissors, bit driver
Blades and Type
1 straight
Number of Functions
19
Locking Tools
All but pliers
Carry options
Sheath, pocket clip
On the one hand, we're tempted to say that all other multi-tools find themselves obsolete next to the modular dominance of the Flex. And while the Flex is a superb tool overall, there are a few areas that feel unpolished. Many of the individual functions could be improved with a material upgrade or design tweak, for example. The lock systems are complicated, built into the tool-deployment levers and as separate sliders. Their multi-position functionality is clever but confusing. We still think the decades of expertise and engineering prowess evident from legacy manufacturers result in worthy tools to compete with the Flex, despite their largely rigid toolsets. The Leatherman ARC is an excellent example — incorporating both impressive ingenuity and top-tier material representation.
The Leatherman Wingman combines the manufacturer's long pedigree of quality craftsmanship with an excellent selection of functions in a very affordable product. Plus, the Wingman includes features not usually found on other models in LM's lineup: the package opener is quirky but valuable, the return spring in the pliers reduces hand strain during extended use, and the scissors are larger and better than average. The scissors are so nice we think users won't need to seek out a stand-alone pair in most cases. The Wingman has been our lead tester's 'kitchen junk drawer' multi-tool for years; cheap enough to shrug if it's broken or lost, but useful to grab for those who don't carry a tool on them every day.
SPECIFICATIONS
Basic tools included
Pliers, wire cutters, knife, scissors, bit driver
Blades and Type
1 hybrid serrated/straight
Number of Functions
10
Locking Tools
Scissors and blade
Carry options
Sheath (sold separately), pocket clip
Unfortunately, some sacrifices were made in the name of affordability. The blade is made of mid-grade steel, is strangely short, and comes with a hybrid straight and serrated edge grind. The straight portion is easily reconditioned, but sharpening serrations requires special techniques. The Wingman also lacks Leatherman's signature swappable bit driver, opting instead for three built-in drivers, which get the job done but limit its overall utility. The Gerber Gear Armbar Drive sells for around the same price, but it lacks pliers, which we consider an important function. The Wingman is a bona fide value.
The Mossy Oak 27-in-1 is almost unbelievably cheap for the quality it delivers. Quite well built, we don't see the same sticky tool access or lax engineering shortcuts common on other budget multi-tools. Instead, we see functions and accessories added in which are usually seen only on premium models. Replaceable wire cutter jaws are a huge value and should meaningfully lengthen the Mossy Oak's useful lifespan. It also ships with a perfectly decent belt sheath and selection of accessory bits (though the bits are not the standard 1/4 inch hex size most common in the US market). This is a full-sized tool that's comfortable to use and robust enough to hold up to quite a bit of abuse, though perhaps a bit big and heavy to be carried as one's everyday tool.
SPECIFICATIONS
Basic tools included
Pliers, wire cutters, knife, bit driver (no scissors)
Blades and Type
1 straight
Number of Functions
27
Locking Tools
All but pliers and ferro rod/ whistle
Carry options
Sheath, pocket clip, carabiner clip
Most conspicuously, however, is that the 27-in-1 was designed as a camping/outdoors focused model. In no uncertain terms, it's a knockoff of fellow award winner Leatherman Signal. Nearly identical in size, layout, and included functions, it's just 1/5th the cost of the Signal. It includes all the common functions one would want on a multi-tool for everyday use, but also a prominent wood saw and a detachable combo whistle & fire starter rod. Still, our lead tester declares, “Even though it's a Signal clone, at this price I'll probably be buying this as a general-use, starter multi-tool for buddies.”
The Leatherman ARC is really in a league of its own. It's the most premium offering in Leatherman's line, with upgraded materials built on an innovative platform (LM's Free system). But be forewarned, it will cost a pretty penny to get your hands on one (though a few groups, such as teachers, military vets, and students qualify for a 30% discount). All tools except the pliers are accessible while closed, and every tool can be deployed one-handed — a stark contrast to the action of traditional multi-tools. Many of the included functions are standard for LM, but a few are particularly noteworthy. We love the prominent impact surface on one end, the full-length file has a perfect combination of cuts and grits, and both drivers include swappable bits.
SPECIFICATIONS
Basic tools included
Pliers, wire cutters, knife, scissors, bit driver
Blades and Type
1 straight
Number of Functions
20
Locking Tools
All but pliers
Carry options
Sheath (sold separately), pocket clip
The biggest splash, however, is the knife. More specifically, with the blade steel used: MagnaCut. This alloy is truly top of the line and means your knife will resist corrosion better than competitors and hold its edge extremely well, requiring fewer sharpenings. The inclusion of the MagnaCut alloy is the primary reason for the Arc's high price point, so consider whether you truly need a premium knife.
Leatherman's excellent FREE tech in action on the knife and pliers deployment. Credit: Kyle Hameister
The Leatherman Signal earns mention here for its truly unique set of functions. This is arguably the most specialized tool we review here. Its feature set is initially familiar: knife, saw, and some openers and bit drivers. Looking deeper, though, it also includes a hammer surface, fire-starter strike rod, emergency whistle, and blade sharpener. To accomplish this, the Signal includes two parts that can be removed from the body/arms of the pliers. Once sold with a belt sheath, it no longer ships with one, but does include options for pocket clip or carabiner carry.
SPECIFICATIONS
Basic tools included
Pliers, wire cutters, knife, bit driver (no scissors)
We would prefer a simple straight-edge blade rather than the combination serrated one on the Signal. Yes, a serrated edge will handle rope better than a straight edge, but once dull, a serrated edge is significantly more challenging to sharpen. The included sharpener is clutch in a dire situation way in the backcountry, but it'll struggle with those serrations. Unique in Leatherman's lineup, the Signal features their proprietary squashed bit driver and a standard 1/4 inch bit holder (oriented 90° from the handle for added leverage). If you're a survivalist searching for a multi-tool designed with bushcraft in mind that's also functional around the home, the Signal is an excellent choice.
The Leatherman Skeletool CX aims for maximum utility from fewer individual tools, and as a result, it's lightweight, low-profile, and more comfortable to carry. While not small, “This tool was much less noticeable in my pocket or clipped to my belt,” one tester noted. It can be tempting to purchase a big multi-tool with tons of functions, but if it's too bulky or heavy, you likely won't want to carry it. The Skeletool doesn't boast a full set of tools, but its uncluttered design has what you really need for daily use — a knife, pliers, bottle opener, wire cutters, and a screwdriver with swappable bits. It's also made with high-quality materials.
SPECIFICATIONS
Basic tools included
Pliers, wire cutters, knife, bit driver (no scissors)
Blades and Type
1 straight
Number of Functions
7
Locking Tools
All but pliers
Carry options
Carabiner clip, pocket clip
Our main gripe is with the bit driver in the same squashed bit format as most of Leatherman's offerings. Leatherman could have easily included a standard 1/4 in bit driver on the Skeletool CX, even if saving that space could make sense on other models. Still, after owning and carrying this model for almost a decade now, it has grown to be one of our testing team's favorite options. The Skeletool is our first pick for a portable, daily multi-tool to leave clipped on your person at all times. If you can spend a bit more for a fully loaded tool, the Leatherman Wave+ is a few ounces heavier but offers far more functionality.
The NexTool Mini Flagship F12 is the perfect tool accomplice for nearly everyone. Our lead tester has already proclaimed, “This is absolutely my new EDC with whatever pocket knife I choose that day.” To be fair, it's simply too small to directly compete with a full-sized multi-tool or a dedicated pair of pliers, for example, but as the adage goes, the best ability is availability. With the F12 ready and waiting in a pocket at all times, you'll find yourself consistently reaching for it instead of taking a walk to the garage.
SPECIFICATIONS
Basic tools included
Pliers, wire cutters, knife, scissors, bit driver
Blades and Type
1 straight
Number of Functions
13
Locking Tools
Knife & file
Carry options
Keyring attachment, pocket clip
The dual features of spring pliers and spring scissors is what first sold us. They're both more useful than they have any right to be at this size. Combined with a locking 1.7-inch knife and prybar/file, plus a bottle opener and a few screwdrivers, the F12 hits all the major functionality needed in an accessory tool. That said, the Gerber Dime is just a tad lighter and thinner (but a bit longer). Its scissors are a noticeable downgrade from the F12, but it also has the best multi-tool bottle opener around! Still, despite the nearly identical price tag, the F12 scored significantly better than the Dime for a reason.
The shears on the F12 come in handy around the garden. Credit: Kyle Hameister
Product Comparison Table
How We Tested
As with all GearLab reviews, our selection process starts by scouring the market for new releases, while also looking back at the list of dozens of tools we've assessed over the years to see what's worth a fresh look. We purchase the best, and each tool gets weeks of extensive testing, sometimes stretching into months and years as our testers continue to use these tools or build on past experience with them. With each blade, we cut things such as tomatoes, rope, and wood. We turn rusted-out screws and bolts and cut and bend wire clothes hangers. We use the other functions in their intended situations and press them to be used in an improvised fashion. As with all testing we do, the most informative results are those gleaned in “real-world” use. Recent lawn mower and trailer repairs, for example, highlighted some genuine observations of functionality.
Our multi-tool testing and scoring are divided into four performance metrics:
Everyday Utility (40% of overall score weighting)
Construction Quality (25% weighting)
Ergonomics (20% weighting)
Portability (15% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
Industrial designer, forever tinkerer, home renovator, and general Colorado wilderness enthusiast Kyle Hameister coordinates our multi-tool reviews. We employed him initially for his product design experience on the TechGearLab side of things and found his affinity for tools and a-fixin' things made him perfect to carry over to this category. He carries (and uses) a multi-tool every day, and though he's sad to see his beloved 1st gen Juice S2 retired, now he gets to cycle through a cadre of the best multi-tools on the market through his work with OGL.
Homeowner, camper renovator, world traveler, fix-it guy, and IFMGA mountain guide Jediah Porter coordinates our multi-tool review. We employed him initially for his mountain experience, but his “side hustles” qualify him for this category. Since we've known him, Jed has dabbled in vacation rental management, completely renovating a “Four Wheel Camper”, bicycle building, kitchen installation, apartment renovation, and roadside car repair. He uses a multi-tool almost every day, much to his own chagrin. He'd much rather be out skiing huge peaks and slicing cheese for charcuterie back in the tent. With each multi-tool, Jed solicits the input and opinions of other guides, professional contractors, hunters, motorcyclists, fishing enthusiasts, and tradespeople.
Fellow IFMGA mountain guide Jeff Dobronyi also lent a hand to our review team. Jeff's busy outdoor lifestyle requires having the right tool for the job, whether that's repairing ski gear or mountain bike components in the field doing repairs, or slicing food at home.
A well-chosen multi-tool brings an undeniable utility to everyday life.
Analysis and Test Results
The multi-tool market is immense. Any single product that combines more than one tool is technically a 'multi-tool.' Our investigations include products from several sub-categories, such as one-piece multi-tools without moving parts. But in general, most multi-tool options out there follow a traditional folding format and include most of the common tools one has come to expect: pliers, a blade, and a couple screwdrivers. We further delve into the market for niche tools that are targeted for specific use cases and users, such as those most interested in outdoor pursuits, or use on the job site. We also have a long list of products suitable for day-to-day, average use. Ultimately, we score each model across the same rubric to assess them equally and share our findings below.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
Climbing up the price tiers will generally get you a more robust design, higher quality materials, and tighter tolerances. But you can still get a decent multi-tool for around the same price as a burger and a couple beers at your local brewery.
The Mossy Oak 27-in-1 is a larger model with features commonly found on more premium options, but priced among the most budget choices out there. We were quite impressed with this tool overall, especially compared to other low-cost models like the Wetols 21-in-1, which is heavier and bulkier than the Mossy Oak, with a less ergonomic design.
The Wingman's scissors are very capable and don't seem like a design afterthought. Credit: Kyle Hameister
If you're looking for name brand, the Leatherman Wingman offers a great value. It has fantastic scissors and spring pliers and only sets you back about fifty bucks. The Leatherman Skeletool CX provides enough functionality to satisfy the majority of small tool needs in your day-to-day life. It's a little pricier than the models mentioned above, but this pared-down multi-tool is quality-made and has the basics you need for everyday carry.
As far as mini multi-tools go, the Nextool Mini Flagship F12 and the Gerber Dime deserve a shoutout. Both are in the $35 range, under 3 ounces, and are great keychain models. We prefer the ergonomics and utility of the NexTool more, but either is a great option if you're looking for a pint-sized tool for light-duty use. The Geekey Multi-Tool is a super affordable tool, but it's just a single 'key' design that can't do everything that a more functional multi-tool does well.
Though very different tools with different strengths, the NexTool Mini Flagship F12 and Roxon Flex are two of the best values in our lineups. Credit: Kyle Hameister
The full-size Roxon Flex is one of our favorite multi-tools and can be purchased for under $100 for the base model. It's customizable, so if you want additional tool features beyond the basics, you will have to purchase them separately.
Everyday Utility
In assessing a product's everyday utility, we count the functions, compare those to what most consumers find useful, and evaluate each function's individual size and utility. Besides the sheer number of tools built into a given product, the design and usability of each count for much more. A product with 5-7 well-designed features may have more utility than one with 20 minutely different functions crammed in just to bump the numbers up. A good example is a combination straight and serrated blade, as seen on the Signal — it's usually better to have one or the other, but manufacturers will count that as 2 functions and pat themselves on the back.
For everyday use, a nice blade, robust pliers (with wire cutters), and a variety of bit drivers are probably going to be your most used functions. Most models have all three, though a few, like the Gerber Gear Armbar Drive, get cheeky and go without one or more. That model eschews the complicated butterfly pliers-based build in favor of an improved screwdriver function and slimmer profile. Other tools choose to focus on improved functions, such as the excellent bottle opener of the Gerber Dime, or chisel of the Victorinox Spirit X.
The Leatherman ARC has a large and solid impact surface that can be used as a hammer. Credit: Kyle Hameister
Each company counts its functions and features differently. For instance, it is claimed that the Mossy Oak 27-in-1 has, yes, 27 tools (most in our tested lineup). Our testers count more like 17 distinct features. Meanwhile, the full-sized Gerber Center-Drive claims 14 features, fewer than the 16 of the diminutive Geekey Multi-Tool, and we know you can infer the overall usability of each feature between the two options there. In our opinion, at least a few counted functions amount to bloat used to inflate their number for a better marketing tagline. However, we can generally say the more established brands tend to be better about these claims than some of the newcomer brands trying to differentiate themselves.
Even budget options these days are coming with a full suite of swappable driver bits, as seen here on the Wetols 21-in-1. Credit: Kyle Hameister
An important thing to consider in your shopping research is which tools have sold the farm to focus usability around one or two functions, in the hopes of capturing niche markets. The bit drivers on the Gerber Center-Drive and Armbar Drive have the best screwdriver function of our test fleet, but they take up a lot of space, which other manufacturers utilize in a variety of ways. The pair of SOG models PowerAccess Deluxe and PowerPint feature a unique gear-driven pliers design for improved force transfer, but again, they're bulky.
A selection of the best knives on multi-tools in our lineup. Top to bottom: the Gerber Center-Drive, Leatherman Signal, Leatherman Skeletool CX, and Leatherman ARC. Credit: Kyle Hameister
Of course, with so many great choices available today, it can be overwhelming making a final decision. Luckily, we have the Roxon Flex to save us from ourselves! The Flex's innovative platform is focused entirely on customizability, with quick and easy tool swaps and a huge variety to choose from, so you can build the tool of your dreams based on what you actually need and use.
As hard as it is to compete with the theoretically perfect feature set you can build yourself with the Flex, some competitors still have worthy differentiators. The ARC caters to a knife-enthusiast crowd with its top-tier steel alloy. Beyond that, though, the ARC is particularly useful because of the speed of access to each function, as each tool slides smoothly open with one hand. Instead of friction (as on most other multi-tools), Leatherman's FREE platform uses magnets and springs with the hinges and locks, offering a wonderful usability upgrade over traditional tools. The Flex attempts a similar build as well, but doesn't hold a flame to Leatherman just yet.
The Flex's sheath has just enough room for itself, and a small storage case for up to 3 additional modular tools, allowing you to swap them out in the field. Credit: Kyle Hameister
The Skeletool CX is a nearly full-sized minimalist tool, meaning that each function is likely as large as you need it to be, and each is almost perfectly optimized for function. Our initial hesitations are pretty exclusively related to the bit driver. We wish Leatherman tools included a standard 1/4-inch bit driver instead of their proprietary configuration.
Nearly all the tools on the ARC are one hand operable, and accessible with the tool closed. Credit: Kyle Hameister
A growing market is with mini multi-tools, which sacrifice pure usability for portability. Historically, these models have been clear afterthoughts for manufacturers, but recently we've seen solid generational upgrades and newcomers which partially overcome their inherent limitations with clever design. The Gerber Dime and NexTool Mini Flagship F12 both feature spring-loaded pliers and improved knife strength via a sheepsfoot shape. The Geekey Multi-Tool is even tinier, but chose to focus on including functions not seen anywhere else, such as a smoking bowl!
Mini multi-tools often sacrifice pure utility for portability. Seen here (L to R): The Geekey Multi-Tool, NexTool Mini Flagship F12, Gerber Dime, and SOG PowerPint. Credit: Kyle Hameister
The SOG PowerAccess Deluxe is SOG's most feature-rich multi-tool, but it still comes up short in some ways compared to other options. Notably, it doesn't have scissors. But at least it has a set of pliers (unlike the Victorinox Huntsman!) Instead, you'll get tweezers, a toothpick, and a corkscrew on the Huntsman, so it's up to you which features ultimately speak your language.
A decent subset of multi-tools are more use case focused. The Signal and Mossy Oak cater to the outdoors crowd. They both feature an emergency whistle, fire starter, hammer surface, and wood saw in a sturdy form factor.
It's good to be king? The Signal is so well designed and popular that it spawned a clone — itself good enough to win one of our value awards (Mossy Oak 27-in-1)
Construction Quality
Build quality and quality control noticeably vary, but longtime market leader Leatherman consistently impresses us. A variety of clever locking mechanisms reveal an unmatched attention paid to detail and to safety. Elevated material selection, tight manufacturing tolerances, and smart engineering stand out across their entire lineup.
We look for slop and play in hinges and pivots, or features that are too tight to easily pull open as indications of lax engineering efforts. Gerber and SOG products tend to vary more than average in these ways, but largely make up for it through beefier frames. The secondary tool set on the PowerPint (scissors, can opener, etc.) are annoying to access with poorly placed nail nicks for leverage, but the gear drive pliers are fantastically built.
Our highest rated models for Construction Quality all emulate precision engineering and high caliber builds. From left to right: the Leatherman ARC, Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit X, and Leatherman Signal. Credit: Kyle Hameister
Heritage darling Victorinox has excellent quality control across their lineup, with top-notch deployment access of all tools. But, they also tend to use plastic handle scales and lower quality stainless steel (not a huge issue, but notable on their blades). The Huntsman is a prime example. They also happen to make one of the absolute best-constructed tools out there in the Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit X. It's all metal construction, flawless clearances, and silky smooth open/close actions for all features is impressive all around.
The Spirit X also arrives absolutely slathered in oil out of the box, as do the Center Drive and Suspension NXT. Ostensibly, this is for corrosion resistance sitting on shelves before they make it to the end consumer, but it also helps mask friction differences from product to product via mass production. In light of this, the precision machining that goes into a tool like the ARC (and to a lesser extent Roxon Flex), which can be operated with one hand, is a quality of engineering feat worth praising.
Given the Spirit X's beefy pry tool, it can handle rusted paint can lids and much more with ease. Credit: Kyle Hameister
The size difference of the Dime inherently limits the rugged feel that larger tools more easily achieve. But thoughtful feature locks and a well-placed washer in the pivot go a long way to inspiring confidence in smaller tools. The NexTool F12 is terrific in this way. A few tools, like the Geekey, have no moving parts at all. To miniaturize tools like these and offer them at reduced price points, manufacturers must make compromises in the utility offered or steels specified.
The Wetols 21-in-1 is an absolute beast. It's solidly built, no doubt, but we often see budget options beef up everything from hinges to chassis to compensate for less precise engineering. More established brands can get away with thinner, more thoughtful tools if quality control is more dialed in. Credit: Kyle Hameister
Pliers hinges are generally the most vulnerable to poor construction quality, and their loosening over time is often the final nail in the coffin. The quality of engineering here has improved dramatically across the industry over the years, though. Virtually all of our tested products hold up very well in this respect these days. In terms of the “smoothness” of construction, we appreciated the Swiss precision of the Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X.
We felt the blade of the Wingman could have been longer, given the unused space in the length. Credit: Kyle Hameister
The Gerber Suspension NXT, SOG PowerAccess Deluxe, and Gerber Center-Drive are nothing special in terms of construction quality. The Suspension NXT is so tightly assembled that many tools are tough to open, and even so, the pliers flex, and the components are small and get dinged up when used. The slide-to-deploy pliers of the Center-Drive require loose tolerances, resulting in rickety construction that seems to hold up but doesn't inspire confidence.
The tools on the Gerber Suspension NXT are crammed so tightly together that they are a bit difficult to deploy. Credit: Kyle Hameister
Ergonomics
The ergonomic quality of a multi-tool is a function of the handle shape and comfort, plus the accessibility and individual utility of the various features, and workability of any locks. Excellent ergonomics and quality are often subtle enough to stay hidden at first glance and only become apparent with extended use.
The 'classic' multi-tool design is a folding pliers setup, with auxiliary tools that fold out of the handles. Nearly 80% of our lineup sports this layout. Some models have clearly placed emphasis on comfort of grip through rounded edges and curves meant to fit a palm. The Spirit X, Wave+, and Roxon Flex are prime examples, though the Flex has a leg up on the others due to its spring pliers.
The Wave+ has not one, but two swappable bit drivers, which are easy to fold in and out of the handles. We love the eyeglasses driver (sometimes used for scraping and prying for tiny needs). Credit: Kyle Hameister
While once quite rare, spring pliers are now being incorporated on more tools. We love them for improved utility and reduced hand fatigue. The Suspension NXT has spring pliers, but unfortunately the metal frame is full of annoying pain points and sharp edges up and down the handles. The Wingman, Center-Drive, Dime, F12, Roxon Flex, and Wetols 21-in-1 all also have spring pliers. Why they tend to be incorporated more often on budget offerings is beyond us.
A lot goes into a good pair of pliers. We prefer spring-loaded for ease of use, heft for strength, and with replicable wire cutter jaws which tend to collect divots over time. Long, rounded handles help with power transfer. Credit: Kyle Hameister
Handles on the Leatherman ARC and an increasing number of newer options on the market like the Wetols 21-in-1 and Roxon Flex have their tool set “inside out” to be accessible with the pliers closed, instead of open. This is a win for usability, but they're not as inherently comfortable when gripping tightly as the folded tools can cut into fingers and palms. Some clever design and engineering can largely mitigate this, however.
Most tools on the Spirit X are accessible from the outside of the handles (with the pliers folded away), and pull out easily via well-placed nail nicks.
The Gerber Center-Drive feels great in the hand with the pliers deployed, but that's more due to it fully filling a grip out than anything else. It also gains major ergonomics points though the innovative out-the-front pliers deployment. That slide action can be done one-handed, remarkable for a multi-tool.
The Wave+ scissors are good for more precise jobs. Credit: Ashley DiRuggiero
Speaking of which, we're happy to see that one-handed feature access has become more common across the board. The main blades of the following tools are accessible with the push of a thumb, and without deploying any other tools: Leatherman ARC, Wave+, Skeletool, and Signal; Gerber Armbar Drive, and Center-Drive; SOG PowerAccess Deluxe, and Mossy Oak 27-in-1. The Roxon Flex and Leatherman ARC are the only tools specifically designed with one-handed access in mind across the majority of their features, and we hope the trend continues to grow.
The prominent straight edge blade of the Mossy Oak can be opened one-handed (for righties). Credit: Kyle Hameister
And while we also love the mechanical advantage you get with the gear-drive pliers on the SOG PowerAccess Deluxe and PowerPint, their other features are annoyingly hard to deploy and very much require two hands to do so. Worse though, the unlocking mechanism of both models can't be accessed with the handles closed; requiring an extra step to get the tool stored once work in complete.
The Leatherman brand is notorious for the “squashed” design driver bit. Credit: Kyle Hameister
The smaller products in our lineup make inherent ergonomic compromises, specifically with utility of the individual features. The very thing that makes the Gerber Dime great in portability makes it annoying to use for anything other than light-duty tasks: its smaller features are just harder to operate (its bottle opener being the big exception here!)
The NexTool F12, small as it is, has two 'main' tools which take full advantage of the space they have. Credit: Kyle Hameister
The NexTool Mini Flagship F12 is the first mini multi-tool we've seen really challenge the ergonomics limitation in, well, being mini. It features two 'main' tools in its pliers and scissors, both spring-loaded, and both very comfortable to hold and crank down on. Some inventive design choices help increase utility — the scissors are more like shears with a ridged bottom jaw, the short blade is locking and made from a mid-grade steel alloy, and it even has a small glow-in-the-dark tip on one handle.
The 1/4" Driver Bit Holder on the Geekey is such a great feature and gives such good leverage that we prefer to use it even for simple Phillips head screws over a dedicated screwdriver. Credit: Kyle Hameister
Portability
Often overlooked, but more important than it may first seem, is a tool's portability factor. A tool is only as useful as it is available. Additionally, not everyone needs 20+ tools and features in their pocket at all times. If you only have the occasional loose screw to re-tighten or a package to slice open, save the money and skip the multi-tools with full pliers, multiple blades, or a can opener.
You're not going to beat the smaller options of our tested set here, inherently. Pull out your keys, and you'll have access to the Dime, Geekey Multi-Tool, or F12.
The Swiss Army Huntsman is what we'd call 'mid-sized'. 3.6 inches is not even an inch shorter than our biggest tested tool, but its rounded pill shape slides and stores unobtrusively in a pocket or pouch.
The Gerber Gear Armbar Drive has less functions than most multitools on the market, but it has a good screwdriver and blade, among other functions, in a small and easy-to-carry package. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
If you do go mid-sized, we think options like the Gerber Gear Armbar Drive or Leatherman Skeletool, which focuses on fewer functions, are the way to go. The Armbar is a screwdriver-focused tool featuring a quarter-inch bit drive and not much more than a straight blade in a conveniently smallish package. This makes it a great choice for those who want to carry a full-function screwdriver at all times, with a few extra goodies on board.
A variety of carry options help with portability
The Skeletool CX also focuses on just a few functions — blade, pliers, (swappable) driver — with the added carabiner clip carry utility. Carrying its 5-ounce frame on a belt loop is surprisingly nice, saving a half second here or there compared with digging a multi-tool clipped to a pocket under a shirt or wedged in place while sitting down. Plus, the carabiner doubles as a bottle opener!
The Gerber Suspension NXT is all-metal and has sharp edges that'll rub holes into pockets (and cut into fingers) in no time flat. Credit: Kyle Hameister
The larger, heavier multi-tools do sometimes come with belt sheaths, since that's the only really practical way to carry them on your person. Leatherman notably has recently stopped shipping sheaths with even their priciest models, and these days only the Mossy Oak, Spirit X, Center-Drive, and Wetols 21-in-1 in our lineup ship with them.
The Dime is small enough that it is one of the few options we're comfortable carrying loose in a pocket (or better yet in the smaller 5th pocket of a pair of jeans). Credit: Kyle Hameister
In our opinion, rattling around in a toolbox is the only other realistic method of keeping the large multi-tools around. There's nothing wrong with that, of course; these are tools after all, and don't need to be treated with the same reverence that many collectors give their pocket knives. But even though they almost universally have pocket clips, keeping them in a pocket is just too impractical.
Though it's small, we find the SOG PowerPint big enough to feel secure in the hand during higher pressure clamps.
In addition to pocket clips, most tools of any size include a lanyard anchor point, including the Wetols 21-in-1. We find this more wishful thinking than a smart design choice, as the Wetols is almost an inch thick and over 4" long, for example. Not ideal for a pocket.
The Gerber Center-Drive and Geekey Multi-tool are so differently sized it's a little strange calling both 'multi-tools'! Credit: Kyle Hameister
How to Select a Multi-tool
With the ever-growing variety and niche-specific offerings available, what should you look for when looking for a multi-tool?
For a more in-depth discussion on all things to consider when shopping for a new pocket knife, refer to our dedicated Buying Advice article.
Is Portability or Functionality More Important to You?
The first step is deciding what you actually want to carry with you (and how). In the multi-tool world, portability and functionality are generally on opposite ends of the spectrum. The multi-tools with a plethora of features are necessarily bulkier, heavier, and yes, usually less portable. Do you need that saw, second serrated blade, or awl? Maybe so (those come in plenty handy for hundreds of thousands of consumers every year), but if not, a mid-sized or key chain-style option may suit you better.
The 1/4" driver on the Center Drive feels like a worthy replacement for a dedicated screwdriver in your tool kit. Credit: Kyle Hameister
Do You Need Tool-Replacement Quality?
Ask yourself: Do you want your multi-tool to replace the need to seek out a dedicated tool? There are plenty of extremely well-built options using top-of-the-line materials that can easily stand in for a pocket knife, screwdriver, or pair of pliers, leaving those dedicated tools out of sight and out of mind in the toolbox in the garage. These options will cost you, of course, but that convenience is well worth the price of entry for many.
Should You Consider Niche Designs?
As the market saturates, demand grows for specialty designs. Some tools are designed specifically with niche uses in mind, like the fire-starting rod and emergency whistle on the Signal, or the quick-deploy pliers on the Center-Drive. The more generalized design of many top options will appeal to a wider audience, but with so many options available, you shouldn't have to compromise too much if you're looking for the exact right option for you.
Even a small pair of tweezers can be found hidden in the handle; a thoughtful feature not commonly included on competitors. Credit: Kyle Hameister
Conclusion
There's a broad and ever-expanding landscape of multi-tool options out there. From the outside, it can be hard to spot the important differences between these tools, and we hope our review has helped you decide which best fits your needs. There are diamond-in-the-rough finds out there, and we work hard to stay on top of the market and get our hands on the best as often as we can. We conduct thorough examinations and sort our findings to deliver you the best possible information. What we present here is intended to help you quickly and effectively make the wisest purchase for your purposes, and we hope that it helps narrow down your choices.
The multi-tool market is broad and varied, and there's an option for every need and budget. Credit: Kyle Hameister
