Greatest Multitools of 2025, Examined & Reviewed

Whether or not you’re tinkering on a mission within the storage, making on-the-go camp repairs like fixing zippers, or dialing in a finicky range, a flexible multitool is a handy and environment friendly method to be ready in any state of affairs.

Our crew of drugs testers has examined over 30 multitools during the last 10 years in each state of affairs, together with tenting journeys and backpacking adventures, DIY initiatives, electrical work, and farm chores. 

After a whole bunch of hours testing every instrument—from portability and operation to ergonomics and power deployment—we did an intensive side-by-side comparability of high performers from manufacturers like Leatherman, Gerber, and SOG to make it simple so that you can discover one you’ll love.

And for more information, try a few of our different in style gear guides:

Fast Picks for Multitools

Take a look at this fast listing of our favourite multitools, or scroll to see our full listing with in-depth evaluations.

Greatest Multitool Total: Leatherman Wave+ ($120)

Greatest Multitool for First Responders: Leatherman Raptor ($100)

Greatest On a regular basis Carry Multitool: Leatherman Skeletool CX ($90)

Greatest Price range Multitool: Gerber Suspension NXT ($50)

Greatest Light-weight Multitool: Victorinox Swiss Military Huntsman ($57)

Greatest Simplified Multitool: Gerber Armbar Drive ($45)

Greatest Perform-Packed Multitool: Leatherman Surge ($150)

Greatest Backpacking Multitool: Victorinox Rambler ($35)

Greatest Heavy Obligation Multitool: Gerber Twin-Drive ($75)

Greatest Keychain Multitool: Victorinox Swiss Military Traditional SD ($24)

Greatest Mini Multitool: Leatherman Micra ($50)

Greatest Totally-Featured Multitool: SOG PowerAccess Deluxe ($50)

Why Belief CleverHiker

The CH crew took the cream of the multitool crop and put them to make use of in task-oriented assessments and backcountry repairs. We turned bolts, reduce rope and sticks, drove screws, and twisted wire on farms and in forests of the Higher Midwest’s morphing, finicky climate circumstances. 

With over 5 years of hands-on expertise in a few of the hardest environments, Gear Analyst Steve Johnson examined a variety of multitools for this assessment. Over 60 days of focused testing, Steve put these instruments via their paces, evaluating each facet, from portability to sturdiness. Utilizing these multitools to repair farm tools or restore outside gear in excessive chilly, Steve’s complete fieldwork ensures our testing is thorough and correct. 

His intimate data of those instruments’ efficiency in frigid temps and high-intensity farm duties provides our evaluations a sensible, hands-on perspective you’ll be able to belief. Every instrument underwent real-world stress assessments, specializing in ergonomics, load-bearing capability, and materials high quality, all with the aim of offering you with dependable, actionable insights for making the most effective buy choices.

How We Check & Methodology

We examined multitools based mostly on six key metrics: weight/portability, ease of use, ergonomics, instrument deployment, load-bearing capability, and materials high quality. We measured every metric via varied chores on a walk-intensive Minnesota farm or day by day duties at a basecamp cabin within the Wisconsin woods. 

WEIGHT & PORTABILITY

The load and portability of every multitool had been key in evaluating their practicality for day by day use. On the farm, instruments had been incessantly carried in pockets or clipped to belts whereas shifting between duties like fixing fences or tools restore. 

On the cabin, instruments wanted to be light-weight sufficient for mountain climbing or carrying throughout outside actions from electrical restore on the wooden shed to slicing kindling twine. 

We assessed how simply every instrument may very well be retrieved and accessed, contemplating whether or not heavy instruments hindered mobility or contributed to fatigue throughout lengthy hours of labor. Portability was additionally judged based mostly on ease of packing for journey, particularly for sudden, on-the-spot repairs.

eASE OF uSE

We examined ease of use by assessing how effortlessly every multitool opened and closed throughout varied duties. Instruments like pliers and knives had been used repeatedly for duties equivalent to repairs on an outdated Ford tractor and slicing hay bale netting, the place ease of operation was essential. 

In northern Wisconsin’s numbing chilly, we examined if instruments nonetheless functioned easily when uncovered to frigid temperatures—did the spring mechanisms freeze or lose stress? Have been the instruments nonetheless simple to carry onto? We additionally evaluated for any play in shifting components or indicators of spring fatigue after steady use.

ERGONOMICS

Ergonomics performed a essential function in each environments, the place prolonged instrument use is widespread. 

Consolation was important whereas performing repetitive duties like tightening screws or utilizing pliers for lengthy durations. We assessed strain factors when gripping instruments throughout such duties, making certain that handles had been snug and non-slip. 

Ergonomics had been examined below colder circumstances with gloved palms, and we evaluated the instruments’ slot in hand, weight distribution, and the way the instrument felt when below load. A snug grip and confidence within the instrument’s stability had been essential when securing wire to fence posts or driving screws.

TOOL DEPLOYMENT

Instrument deployment is all about how rapidly every multitool may very well be accessed and deployed in evolving settings. 

On the farm, we examined how briskly instruments may very well be retrieved from pockets or instrument belts whereas repairing balky tools or opening feed baggage. Ease of switching between totally different instruments—like shifting from pliers to a knife for slicing ropes—was examined in actual time. 

On the cabin, the multitool wanted to operate easily even in colder circumstances, the place freezing temperatures can decelerate mechanisms. We assessed one- and two-handed deployment, ensuring that the instruments may very well be rapidly accessed.

lOAD BEARING CAPACITY

Multitools had been examined below forceful circumstances, together with utilizing pliers to grip and twist metallic wires round livestock pens or securing nuts on equipment. We evaluated how effectively the instruments withstood torque throughout heavy-duty screwing duties, testing drivers in high-tension conditions. 

In every setting, instruments had been used to chop electrical wire, tighten screws, and carry out repairs that burdened locking mechanisms and power joints. Each environments put instruments via demanding eventualities, assessing their means to resist drive, grip securely, and carry out with out failure below load.

MATERIAL QUALITY

On the farm, instruments had been subjected to fixed put on and tear from mechanical repairs, slicing, and dealing with tough supplies like wire and wooden. 

We assessed the sharpness of slicing blades, the sturdiness of pliers, and the energy of screwdrivers after extended use. On the cabin, the instruments confronted publicity to the weather, particularly chilly temperatures that may make supplies brittle. 

We examined how effectively instruments held as much as stress, significantly in relation to pivot factors, springs, and lock mechanisms. Instruments had been examined for rust resistance, floor end integrity, and total put on over time to make sure long-lasting efficiency in powerful environments.

Evaluation & Outcomes

Right here, we analyze our testing outcomes to point out how effectively our top-pick multitools carried out in classes together with worth, weight/portability, ease of use, ergonomics, instrument deployment, load-bearing capability, and materials high quality.

VALUE

With multitools, worth comes all the way down to performance, sturdiness, and flexibility. Discipline-tested to gauge their mettle, we discovered a quiver of multitools that stand out as greatest at school for his or her total efficiency and high quality at favorable finances factors. 

A perennial high decide amongst multitool followers, the Leatherman Wave+ is an distinctive alternative that strikes a steadiness between options and usefulness. With 18 instruments, together with replaceable wire cutters, pliers, a noticed, and a number of screwdrivers, it’s dialed to deal with all the things from on a regular basis repairs to mountain climbing and tenting chores. 

We love the 1-handed operation and quick-deploy instruments, even when carrying gloves. The vault-like locking mechanisms maintain the instruments in place below strain, and the general construct high quality is great. Our total favourite, the Wave+ is ideal for on a regular basis carry and extra demanding outside use.

The Gerber Suspension NXT is one other multitool that punches above its weight. With 15 instruments, together with spring-loaded pliers, a knife, scissors, and screwdrivers, this multitool brings a stable however not overwhelming array of options at a budget-friendly value level. 

The spring-loaded pliers make one-handed use simple, and the ergonomic design ensures extended-use consolation. The Suspension NXT delivers stable efficiency and intuitive performance, making it a wonderful alternative for on a regular basis duties.

For many who want a multitool that excels in outside environments, the Victorinox Swiss Military Huntsman is our go-to decide. With 15 instruments, together with a big blade, wooden noticed, can opener, and corkscrew, the Huntsman is indispensable for outside adventuring. 

As anticipated from Victorinox, the construct high quality is impeccable, and the toolset gives all the things you want for fundamental survival, meals prep, and wilderness emergency repairs. It’s not as heavy-duty as some bigger multitools, however its mixture of portability and utility makes it a standout.

WEIGHT & PORTABILITY

When contemplating weight and portability, the Leatherman Micra, Victorinox Swiss Military Traditional SD, and Gerber Armbar Drive stand out for his or her glorious transport mojo with out including pointless bulk.

The Leatherman Micra is among the lightest multitools obtainable, weighing simply 1.8 ounces. Compact and transportable paired with Leatherman high quality. 

Sporting 10 instruments, together with scissors, a small knife, and screwdrivers, the Micra is an ideal EDC or go-to for minimal gear eventualities equivalent to fast fixes or small, on a regular basis duties. Its tiny measurement makes it simple to hold on a keychain or pocket. 

At lower than 1 ounce, The Victorinox Swiss Military Traditional SD is one other portability standout. This ultracompact consists of six important instruments, together with a small blade, file, and screwdriver, superb for DIYers who want the naked necessities in a minimalist type.

Its feather weight is barely noticeable in a pocket. Whereas it doesn’t provide loads of instrument choices, its tight design and high-quality construct make it a celebrity on a regular basis carry.

The Gerber Armbar Drive is one other compact multitool that weighs in at simply 5 ounces however nonetheless affords spectacular performance. It has 8 instruments, together with a novel bit driver system, and has a slim profile and light-weight building. 

This mighty mini is a superb alternative for many who need one thing small and useful with out carrying round a cumbersome instrument. The Armbar Drive is ideal for mild to reasonable duties, and its modern design makes it simple to entry instruments rapidly.

EASE OF USE

Environment friendly instrument operate, ease of use, and reliability are multitool hallmarks. The Leatherman Surge stands out for its smoothness of operation, particularly given its 21-tool quiver. The pliers open and shut silky easy, and every instrument operate locks solidly. 

From blades to drivers,  the Surge’s sturdy chassis retains issues proper the place they belong, with no play or hesitation. The instrument has a stable, reliable really feel consistent with LM’s precision engineering, and it carried out flawlessly over prolonged use within the discipline.

We love the Gerber Twin Drive for its seamless utility, significantly the slip-joint pliers that grip like a lumberjack’s handshake. The pliers, knife, and screwdrivers deploy and carry out fluidly, and there’s no noticeable play within the shifting components after intensive use. One-handed opening and shutting of the instrument is straightforward, and there’s no fatigue, even after lengthy days of exhausting use. The SOG PowerAccess Deluxe is one other huge favourite that works through easy, compound leverage with minimal effort, particularly when utilizing the pliers. The straightforward-operate locking factors are very user-friendly for all the things from tightening bolts on cattle stanchions to slicing heavy twine to indoor electrical repairs. Switching between instruments is simple, whether or not in managed environments or on-trail flare-ups.

ERGONOMICS

In the case of ergonomics, consolation, and practicality throughout prolonged use, we targeted on instruments that minimized pressure, offered a safe grip, and received our confidence in efficiency. 

The Leatherman Wave+ is all the time high contender in ergonomics, with contoured handles that match comfortably within the hand and cut back hand fatigue. 

The rounded edges and easy end improve consolation, and balanced weight distribution doesn’t really feel too cumbersome. The Wave+ boasts simple one-hand operation, and the instruments keep locked below load.

The Leatherman Skeletool stands out for its minimalist design, and brings distinctive consolation regardless of its compact measurement. Weighing solely 5 ounces, it’s light-weight and straightforward to hold with out sacrificing utility, and the ergonomic deal with gives a cushty grip for mild to reasonable duties.

Though it’s smaller, the Skeletool is designed for ease of use. Its slim profile doesn’t compromise on consolation, making it superb for on a regular basis carry.

The Victorinox Swiss Military Traditional SD is a real minimalist multitool, providing a small, light-weight design that’s nonetheless ergonomically sound. At simply 0.8 ounces, it suits comfortably within the palm and will be simply carried on a keychain or in a pocket. 

Whereas its measurement limits some ergonomic options, it’s nonetheless snug sufficient for mild duties like opening packages or slicing thread, making it superb for many who prioritize portability with out sacrificing consolation for fundamental duties.

TOOL DEPLOYMENT

Multitools are loaded with nice options however solely work if you will get at them. A key component of our testing was instrument deployment pace and effectivity of entry. 4 within the lineup imparted stellar performances. 

Our total high decide Leatherman Wave+ affords a well-organized, easy-access toolset, most of which, together with pliers, blades, and screwdrivers, will be deployed with one hand, a useful multitasking perk. The locking mechanism retains instruments securely housed till wanted, and the intuitive design permits for quick transitions between duties. 

The SOG PowerAccess Deluxe is one other multitool that shines in deployment prowess. All 21 instruments are accessed easily, significantly the gear-driven pliers, and the format makes it a snap to succeed in each instrument. Just like the Wave+, the PowerAccess affords a dependable locking system that retains instruments as stable as an ice sculpture in January.

The minimalist Leatherman Skeletool gives quick instrument deployment that belies its compact design. Weighing solely 5 ounces and that includes simply 5 instruments, it’s simple to open and entry instruments with one hand. This mannequin rapidly turned an oft-chosen decide for mild duties and on a regular basis carry.

Victorinox nailed it with their Swiss Military Huntsman, with a easy design that options fast entry to fifteen instruments, together with a noticed, scissors, and a bottle opener, all of which had been examined on an prolonged backpacking junket on the North Nation Path in Wisconsin. 

The instruments open simply with a flick of the thumb, and whereas it doesn’t have the intensive options of bigger fashions, it’s excellent for fast entry and easy duties.

LOAD BEARING CAPACITY

Bigger, heftier multitools want to supply efficiency matching their measurement and touted energy in dealing with drive, grip weight, and reliability below stress.

The Leatherman Wave+ once more is a high performer in load-bearing duties. Its burly building can deal with high-end torque with screwdrivers or gripping with the pliers. With instruments locked in place, the Wave+ excelled at tightening heavy bolts on a broken-down John Deere, slicing heavy wire, and holding heavyweight gadgets.

The Gerber Twin-Drive is sort of a gridiron celebrity that bowls over all challengers. Its compound leverage system affords best-in-class torque and grip when tackling heavy-duty chores. The sturdy pliers ship higher drive with much less effort, and the instruments all the time stayed safe below strain.

MATERIAL QUALITY

We zeroed in on the sturdiness of elements just like the blades, pliers, and locking mechanisms to see how they held up after prolonged duress. 

Leatherman’s lineup all the time excels in materials high quality with its high-grade stainless-steel building that resists corrosion and put on. As soon as once more, Leatherman’s Wave+ use of high-use elements maintained their sharpness and energy with out fail.  

The husky Gerber Twin-Drive is constructed to resist intense use, particularly the full-size pliers that invite heavy duties with out even breaking a sweat. The instrument’s metal building held up effectively below extended use, sustaining its energy and end even within the mud, rain, and being tossed across the workshop. Lastly, the Leatherman Raptor is the gold commonplace in medical and emergency conditions. Made with high-quality stainless-steel, the Raptor’s shears and ancillary elements resist corrosion and keep sharpness via essentially the most demanding conditions. We examined slicing via an outdated seatbelt, and the Raptor didn’t flinch.

The best way to Select a Multitool

Multi-tools are like a resourceful good friend who all the time comes ready and sees each mishap as a enjoyable, solvable puzzle. A multi-tool is your pocket-sized backup plan—it received’t change your full workshop, however it’ll save the day while you’re dealing with these random moments of mechanical desperation. 

Essentially the most-used instruments may shock you. That huge blade? It’s not only for outside adventures—it’ll turn out to be your go-to for random kitchen duties like slicing cheese or opening pasta baggage at basecamp. And pliers and scissors get far more motion than these tucked-away screwdrivers.

Finally, a very distinctive multitool doesn’t simply comprise instruments—it makes these instruments really feel like a pure, fast extension of your personal capabilities and having simply sufficient, precisely while you want it.

DURABILITY & QUALITY

Your multitool must be as powerful because the surroundings you’re in. Sturdiness is all about how effectively a instrument stands as much as real-world challenges. 

Which means its supplies are essential, with stainless-steel and titanium the, err, “gold” commonplace. 

These metals received’t rust after a stream crossing and received’t fail while you’re miles from the trailhead. Little particulars make a giant distinction, too, like the standard of the hinges and the energy of the locking mechanisms. 

A multitool is greater than only a piece of drugs; it’s a trusted expedition companion and lifeline when issues go sideways within the backcountry. Your multitool is It’s received to be constructed powerful sufficient to outlive the hardest of assessments.

TOOL VERSATILITY & FUNCTIONALITY

One of the best multitools strike a cautious steadiness of vary and practicality by together with a well-rounded number of important instruments that cowl all kinds of duties, with out overwhelming you with pointless or redundant implements. 

Core instruments like pliers, wire cutters, knife blades, screwdrivers, can openers, and information are the spine of any multitool, offering utility for widespread restore work, meal prep, or outside upkeep.

Past these necessities, further specialised instruments equivalent to bit drivers or scissors can considerably improve the multitool’s versatility, permitting it to adapt to a wider vary of conditions. Interchangeable bits, for instance, make it simpler to sort out varied jobs in a snap. 

What units the most effective multitools aside is not only the variety of instruments included, however how effectively they work collectively, purposeful and straightforward to entry with out being cumbersome or heavy.

WEIGHT & PORTABILITY

A multitool’s weight and measurement are essential, particularly should you plan to hold it day by day. Complete performance and compact design are key. Skilled customers, outside fans, and on a regular basis carriers have totally different portability wants, so take into account your particular use case when evaluating weight and measurement. Some multitools are compact and light-weight, superb for pocket carry or minimalistic use, whereas bigger and heavier fashions provide extra specialised instruments. 

EASE OF USE & DEPLOYMENT

That is the essential interface between a multitool’s potential and its sensible software. 

Search for easy opening mechanisms, snug grip, one-handed operation capabilities, and intuitive instrument choice. One of the best multitools really feel pure in hand and permit flick-of-the-wrist entry to the instruments you want most incessantly.

Mechanism design issues as effectively, with top-tier multitools that includes easy pivot factors for simple instrument deployment, dependable locking mechanisms to safe instruments in place, and minimal friction throughout use. 

One of the best multitools don’t skimp on consolation both, with a cushty grip that stops fatigue, balanced weight distribution, and easy edges. Textured surfaces present safe dealing with, even in moist or chilly circumstances or when carrying gloves.

Conclusion

Your final multitool alternative ought to match who you’re and what you do most, whether or not that’s all-day chores on the job or all-season adventures. At the moment’s multitool orbit consists of choices for duties giant and small, advanced or simple. There are loads of nice choices on the market and we hope our work right here helps you deliver residence the one which works greatest.