Multi-tools are an essential part of every handyman’s arsenal of gadgets and they’re even more useful to regular folks who don’t need to have a massive toolbox full of arcane equipment that they don’t understand. It’s all in the name, why get a set of screwdrivers, a pair of pliers, wirecutter, scissors and more, when you can get just one multi-tool that combines all these features and even a lot more.
However, having understood how important and practical multi-tools are, the question now becomes “which one do I get that can meet my needs?” Well fret not, we are here to help you make a decision by narrowing down your options from the sea of choices available. Here is our list of the 20 coolest and most practical multi-tools you can buy today:

#1 Leatherman Wave Plus

This is the latest version of one of the most popular multi-tools available from one of the most reliable multi-tool production companies out there. Available in matte black and stainless steel, this device is equipped with 18 tools which include pliers, replaceable wire cutters, wire stripper, knives, saw, spring-action scissors, ruler, can & bottle openers, files and screwdrivers.

Leatherman offers a 25 year warranty for this device, which says a lot about their confidence in the durability of their product.

#2 SOG Multitool

The beefy SOG multitool also comes equipped with 18 fully functional tools and has a patented Compound Leverage feature that makes cutting and tightening twice as easy. The multi-tool also comes with a ballistic nylon sheath for holding/storing your multi-tool and a clip for attaching it your your belt when on the go.

This particular multi-tool has United States General Services Administration (GSA) approval for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operators, which means it should be twice as reliable for us regular folks.

#3 Gerber Diesel Multi-Plier

Gerber is another reliable name when it comes to handy tools and devices. The Gerber Diesel Multi-Plier has a relatively compact folded design that’s able to house 15 portable, yet sturdy tools. Unlike most other multi-tools, the needle-nose pliers at the center of the Gerber Diesel is designed to fit in tight spots and can easily be accessed with just the flick of your wrists.

#4 Leatherman Squirt PS4

Leatherman strikes again, this time with a much smaller multi-tool in the form of the Leatherman Squirt PS4. It’s compact and lightweight design sports a collection of nine tools, all of which can be operated one handed. At just two ounces, the Squirt is light enough to be attached to a keyring and slipped into the pockets of a pair of tight jeans. But don’t be fooled by its lightness, it’s still a very capable performer and has the same 25 year warranty as its bigger siblings.

#5 CRKT Technician Folding Pocket Multitool

Columbia River Knife & Tool make amazing and very practical folding knifes but their multi-tools are just as good. This CRKT multi-tool made from high quality stainless steel has just seven tools but they are all specifically targeted at technicians rather than general purpose use. These include a feeler gauge for gapping spark plugs, a chisel/scraper and magnetic pickup for fishing out screws that have fallen into difficult to reach areas.

#6 Victorinox Swisstool

This is the granddaddy of practical multi-tools out there. From the century long pedigree of the company to its whopping 27 function toolset, there is nothing wrong that can be said about the Victorinox Swiss Army Swisstool. This device exemplifies the four cornerstones of Victorinox products which are quality, functionality, innovation and iconic design.

#7 Victorinox Swisstool Spirit

Another fully stacked multi-tool from the masters of form and function. The Swisstool Spirit boasts the same number of tools as the regular Swisstool but with a few key differences in the functionality of the tools. For instance, the regular pliers are replaced by a needle nose pair, and instead of a pair of rulers, the Spirit has a combi-edge blade and a pair of scissors.

#8 Gerber Dime

Closer in size and weight to the Leatherman Squirt PS4 and sporting more tools than it too, it is safe to assume that the Gerber Dime is the more superior of the two mini multi-tools. However, they don’t sport the same types of tools so that’s a moot comparison. What’s important is that you pick the combination of tools that works best for you and if those tools include spring loaded needle nose pliers, standard pliers, & wire cutters, then the Dime is what you should pick.

#9 Geekey Multi-tool

This is the smallest entry on our list so far but don’t be fooled by the size. The is a full scale multi-tool capable of performing twelve unique functions with ease. It’s most unique feature in my opinion is its ability to function as a tobacco pipe! While that’s not technically what people are looking for in a multi-tool, it’s still pretty neat.

#10 Tekton Pocket Multi-tool

Tekton’s 10-in-1 multi-tool sports anodized aluminum handles to help keep it lightweight, with rubber grips to help you keep a firm hold. The tools themselves are made from stainless steel to resist rust and corrosion. The selection of tools here mainly screwdrivers and cutting tools, all at a very affordable price.

#11 Full Windsor Nutter Cycle Multi Tool

Specially made for cyclists, the Nutter multi-tool is a spanner and a tyre lever among several other things that are mus-haves for cyclists on the go. Also included in this package are 3,4,5,6,8mm hex tool bits Philips head screw driver, a flat head screw driver, T25 torx bit and Magnetic tool bit extender. And an opener too, because you never know when you’ll need one.

Everything is stored in a leather tool wrap that can be stored underneath your saddle or strapped to your bike frame.

#12 Lezyne Multi Tool

Also targeted at cyclists (though its tools can be used elsewhere), the Lzyne multi-tool consists of 7 allen keys/Hex wrenches for bolts ranging from #2 all the way up to #8, a flat head screwdriver , two torque wrenches (T25, T30), and one chain tool, all in a compact, pocketable package.

#13 Leatherman Tread Bracelet Multi Tool

For those times when you need to carry a multitool around but can’t because of the way you’re dressed. The Leatherman Tread allows you to be ready to fix anything while still looking fashionable. The fully customizable, modular design of the bracelet allows you to fit in a whopping 29 tools around your wrist. Tools include include box wrenches, hex drives, flat and Phillips screwdrivers, oxygen tank wrench and more. There is a cost for this modularity and innovative design though. the Tread is one of the more expensive options on this list.

You can even use is as a watch strap, though you would have to sacrifice some of the links and tools to achieve this functionality and make it fit.

#14 Vebodi Ultimate SURF Keychain Multi-Tool

Not the most diverse multi-tool on this list but it has a specific target audience which is surfers. It has the right selection of screwdrivers for managing surfboard fin systems, single Fin Boxes & SUP/Longboard Center Fin Screws. Also included are a surf wax remover, a wax comb, a fin file and of course, the ever present bottle opener.

#15 Gerber Cable Dawg

The Gerber Cable Dawg Multi-Tool is a heavy duty multi-tool with a selection of functions that will appeal directly to network engineers and communications technicians. That’s because, beyond the usual selection of knives and screwdrivers, it also has a spring-loaded wire and cable cutters, CAT5 jacket cutter, RJ45 crimper, and wire strippers, all of which are the common tools of choice for these professionals. These specialized features come at a relatively steep price of over $250 though.

#16 RoverTac Camping Multitool

The RoverTac Multitool has the distinction of being the only multitool in this list to include an axe among its toolset. That being said, it has the perfect combination of features to satisfy the camping and outdoors survivalist crowd. Alongside the axe is a hammer, pliers, knife blade, saw, hex wrenches, screwdrivers, file, fish descaler and of course, bottle opener.

#17 Leatherman Raptor

Made for trauma professionals and emergency first responders, the Leatherman Raptor is equipped with the right set of tools to take control of emergency situations and help out with victims such as emergency response shears, a strap cutter, a ring cutter, a ruler, an oxygen tank wrench and a carbide glass breaker.

#18 Lucky 8 (aid) Bartender Multi-Tool

What? You thought only technicians, repairmen and other handy/practical type folks were the only ones who got to use multi-tools? Well you’re wrong. The Bartender’s multi-tool has eight devices you need to unlock your potential as full fledged mixologist, including a muddler, knife, reamer, stirrer, strainer, jigger, corkscrew, and the ubiquitous bottle opener.

#19 Skateboard Collective Universal Skate Tool

Perfect for when you’re in a bind and you need to get tune up your skateboard on the go. The universal skate tool is actually a collection of portable tools that can be used for a number of skateboard related repairs and maintenance tasks. The included key ring means you can attach the toolset to your house keys or just pocket them for easy storage.

#20 Tyger Multifunction Shovel

Shovel, knife, pickaxe, Screwdriver, ice pick, fire starter, hoe, hammer, whistle, wirecutter. These are just some of the sixteen practical functions that this brand of multi-tools can perform that makes it suitable for those looking to do more than just survive in the great outdoors. Forged from military grade solid carbon steel and aerospace grade anodized aluminum, this multi-tool is built to withstand tough environments and deliver peak performance at all times.