Multitools are fairly ubiquitous, yet their value is often underestimated. The companion that most people don’t realize they need, these handy gadgets are designed to help you handle anything (within reason, of course) with ease. No longer limited to a sleek knife, the multitool of the modern world is designed to meet the often OTT demands of the discerning shopper.
So what makes them so special? They’re packed with useful implements that cut, score, unscrew, open, slice, and pluck, among other duties you can’t easily accomplish without a tough little tool in your grip. Here are seven of the most impressive options available on the market today.
Leatherman FREE™ T4
Smart, sleek, stylish, and intelligently designed, the Leatherman FREE™ T4 picks up where the brand’s beloved T2 left off. This compact tool is not just lightweight, but tucks easily into a pocket or desk drawer. That alone makes it a no-brainer: It’s the rare multitool that you can keep on you at all times, yet this is just convenient enough to slip anywhere with ease. More importantly, it works overtime to get the job done for you. It features a knife, spring-action scissors, a pry tool, a package opener, an awl, a bottle opener, a wood/metal file, a Phillips screwdriver, extra-small, small, and medium screwdrivers, and tweezers. For safety, the features lock firmly into place, so you don’t have to think about the 2.2-inch blade accidentally deploying. Bonus: It looks phenomenal in crisp, classic stainless steel.
SOG PowerLitre Multi-Tool
The 17 tools included in the SOG PowerLitre Multi-Tool are built into a pair of sturdy scissors. Each handle snugly holds several tools, contributing to a rugged instrument that’s designed to handle the tough tasks. It includes a gripper, a write cutter, a hex driver, an awl, a drop point blade, a corkscrew, a line cutter, scissors, bottle and can openers, a small flat-head screwdriver, a Phillips screwdriver, a jewelry driver, a ruler, and a protractor. Made with stainless steel, it’s a hefty and sturdy tool that isn’t quite pocket-size, but is convenient enough to slip inside a desk drawer.
Lever Gear Pocket Multi-Purpose Tool
If you prefer something that’s of a lighter weight and easier to carry about without any added bulk, consider the Lever Gear Pocket Multi-Purpose Tool. Made with 420 heat-treated stainless steel, it’s packed with standout tools that you may not even realize that you need, including multiple wrenches, a metric ruler, a can opener, a money clip, a bottle opener, a box opener, and a can opener, among other essential items.
Wild & Wolf Plier and Screwdriver Multi-Tool
Made with sturdy 420 stainless steel, aluminum, and rubber, the Wild & Wolf Plier and Screwdriver Multi-Tool is a must if you prefer something that looks as tough as it behaves. In addition to long-nose pliers, it also includes wire strippers, a write cutter, a nail file, a serrated knife, a small, medium, and large flat-head screwdriver, a Phillips head screwdriver, a can opener, an awful, a plain-edge knife, a saw, 12 assorted bit heads, and a bit holder.
Disc Brand Co MultiGrip Keychain Multitool
Convenience is king, which makes this lightweight Disc Brand Co MultiGrip Keychain Multitool the perfect choice if you’re constantly on the go. It’s compliant with TSA air travel requirements, so it’s a must for frequent travelers. You never know when you’ll need this handy little tool that you can easily clip onto your backpack or carry-on. It features a mini saw, a keyring holder, a scraper, a bottle opener, a ruler, a medium flat head driver, a wire stripper, a bike spoke wrench, a hex driver, and a multi-screw driver tip that accommodates a variety of different heads.
AIMAKE Tactical Survival Pen
Never take your safety for granted again. The AIMAKE Tactical Survival Pen redefines what it means to explore the great outdoors without fear that some random calamity might befall you. The 7-in-1 tool features a fire stick, a tactical flashlight, a glass breaker, a ballpoint pen, and a multifunction ruler that serves as a hexagon, a bottle opener, and a measuring tool. It’s crafted of foolproof aircraft aluminum, ensuring that it will remain in great condition no matter what kind of scrapes you might get into.
Gerber Suspension Multi-Plier
Just as tough as it looks, the Gerber Suspension Multi-Plier is possibly the toughest little tool imaginable. It features an attractive butterfly silhouette and is constructed of durable stainless steel. Built into the eye-catching design are 12 indispensable tools, including straight and serrated knives, a Phillips screwdriver, medium and large flat head screwdrivers, needle-nose pliers, a write cutter and a stripper, among other essentials. Keep this in a glove compartment or desk drawer for instant assistance in the trickiest of moments.