I’m relatively new to multi-tools. Taking the plunge about a year ago and buying my first multi-tool. Since then, I’ve become mad about multi-tools, now owning at least a few dozen multi-tools of all shapes and sizes from a lot of different brands. And a long wish list for many more.
SPOILER ALERT: As I own a few dozen multi-tools I think you can guess what my answer is to the question of whether multi-tools are any good. That’s right – yes they are good. BUT…..they aren’t all good and more importantly, they aren’t all good for YOU!
What are multi-tools?
The term ‘multi-tools’ is very broad, so to make sure we’re all talking about the same thing, let’s define what’s usually meant when we say “multi-tool”.
Tim Leatherman is credited with selling the first multi-tool in 1983. We already knew about pocket knives and we probably owned a Swiss Army Knife. What Tim did was add a pair of pliers to the tools you might find in a pocket knife to create a larger and more robust set of tools. The trouble was that it was too large to be called a pocket multi-tool so needed a pouch to carry it on your belt. That was the start of multi-tools and around 2010, they really started to take off and continue to grow hugely in popularity.
Most multi-tools of today are a collection of tools designed into one unit. The main tools are usually the pliers that fold out by spreading the handles, a knife or sometimes two knives (straight edge and serrated edge), a wood saw or file and sometimes a pair of scissors. The secondary tools can be almost any tool, but commonly, the tools will be one or more versions of screwdrivers, can opener, bottle opener or an awl. Some multi-tools will have up to 25 different tool functions all included in one pocketable tool.
Why is a multi-tool ‘any good’?
I ask the opposite question. What’s NOT to like about a good multi-tool? As we know, a good multi-tool is a collection of very usable common tools that will handle a wide range of tasks we might face. A handy compact tool that you can pull out to tackle jobs around the house, at work or in the field. Why would a MacGyver ever leave home without one?
Along with the range of tools the multi-tool offers is the ability to easily carry a multi-tool around with you. The portability of a multi-tool is one of its biggest selling points. There’s a saying that the best tool for the job at hand is the one you have at hand. And because multi-tools usually have either a pocket clip or a sheath to attach them to yourself or your carry bag, the best tool is going to be a multi-tool.
OK so you have your multi-tool with you but what sorts of things is it good for. Well, a lot of jobs but it depends what sort of tools your multi-tool has packed into its compact shape. Down the page, you’ll see a list of the different types and shapes that multi-tools come in but let’s talk about the most common shape – the full-size multi-tool.
You’re going to get a pair of pliers. They’re not just pliers either, they’ll likely have wire cutters and wire stripper, nut gripper and maybe a crimper. You’ll also have a decent sized knife, something between 3.25 and 3.75 inches long. It could be a straight blade or a serrated blade or a combination half straight/half serrated knife. These two tools are just about compulsory fare in full-size multi-tools.
But wait, there’s more. You’re going to get a Phillips screwdriver and flat head screwdriver and maybe even a hex bit driver. Awls are common and very useful once you figure out the best way to use one. Then you’re probably going to get either a pair of scissors or a wood saw or a metal/wood file or all three. No self-respecting multi-tool is ever going to hit the shelves without a bottle opener either.
There are many varied tools that get packed into multi-tools with some multi-tools having tool sets focussed on particular activities like fishing or cycling. Just about any hand tool you could think of has been included in a multi-tool so take a look around and find the one that suits you.
So, are multi-tools any good – you bet!
Why wouldn’t a multi-tool be ‘any good’?
Most multi-tools are good but not all of them are. How do you spot a multi-tool that isn’t any good?
First up, some of the things you are looking for to make sure a multi-tool is any good are things that are easiest to check if you can physically get it in your hand. But if that’s not possible and you’re doing your research on the interwebs, you should look for some reviews and forums that discuss the multi-tool you’re interested in.
These are the things you’re looking for:
Ergonomics
Some multi-tools aren’t any good in the hand or to use. A good multi-tool is designed to be easy to operate. The tools should be easy to deploy. That means you should be able to get each tool from its stored position to its open position without cursing or breaking a fingernail. It should be comfortable in your pocket and more importantly, it should be comfortable in your hand when you’re using it.
Quality
I’d like to say that if you stick to buying a multi-tool made by the big 4 brands – Gerber, Leatherman, SOG, or Victorinox – you’ll don’t have to worry about quality. That’s almost right but unfortunately, it isn’t quite as simple as that. You still have to look carefully at the detail of each multi-tool and do your research. I’ve learned from my own experience and from research that it’s hard to go wrong quality wise with anything from Leatherman and Victorinox (in fact I think Victorinox make the best quality multi-tool money can buy and I gave it my Quality crown on my Recommended Multi-Tools page). SOG you need to be a bit more careful and Gerber’s range can be a bit hit and miss. For example, the worst quality, fit and finish and ergonomics of any of my multi-tools is a Gerber PowerDuo.
Design
The design of a multi-tool is related to the ergonomics and the quality but is more than that. The design is about how well the designer has thought about utilizing the space available, how they have thought about which tools are stored where, what size are they, what other usable functions have been incorporated into each tool – like a large flathead screwdriver that’s a pry bar, that’s a chisel, that’s a box opener, that’s a bottle opener. Good looking designs that are interesting and pleasing to the eye and are also functional, sell. So a good design will encourage pride of ownership and feel good to carry with you every day.
Why wouldn’t a multi-tool be ‘any good’ for you?
I’ve written an article that will help you choose the right multi-tool for you. I say that the best multi-tool is the right multi-tool because what’s good for one MacGyver doesn’t mean it’s any good for what you want to do with a multi-tool.
A multi-tool tool isn’t ‘any good’ for you if:
Wrong Toolset
It doesn’t have the tools that you need – you probably have an idea why you want a multi-tool so you need to make sure the multi-tool you choose has the right toolset. If you are going to use a hex bit often, you want a multi-tool with a good bit driver. And possibly one that carries your favorite hex bit or two onboard or at least has the option to purchase a hex bit kit.
Wrong Size
It’s the wrong size – too big or too small. If you want a multi-tool for regular heavy duty tasks and it’s too small to get real leverage on the tools. Or you want a small “just in case” multi-tool to do the occasional light task when you’re out and about but it’s too big and bulky to be easy to carry.
Wrong carry options
It doesn’t have the right carry options – related to the size is the way you want to carry your multi-tool. Not all multi-tools have a pocket clip or even the option to buy a pocket clip. So if the only way you want to carry your multi-tool is clipped to your pocket, belt or backpack, this is multi-tool isn’t any good. Or maybe you want to carry it in a sheath and there’s no sheath provided. This usually isn’t a big issue because the big brands sell sheaths to fit most or all of their multi-tool range separately but you’ll need to figure the cost into the overall price.
Wrong price
It’s too expensive – we all have a budget of some sort or at least price we’re prepared to pay so the price needs to be considered. The multi-tool that has everything you want might be too expensive and therefore not any good.
Multi-tools have come a long way in the last 10 years
We’ve talked about what a common multi-tool offers and what to look for. Now let’s look at the types of multi-tools on the market today to find one that’s good for you.
Like most products, multi-tool makers are thinking up new ways to get us to buy a multi-tool. They do this by producing different types of multi-tools for our different needs.
One piece / Solid state
These multi-tools are usually made from one single piece of metal – could be stainless steel or titanium. They are pocketable and won’t normally have any moving parts but can cleverly include a lot of tool functions in a small package. Very easy to carry and ideal to carry on your keychain. Often inexpensive to buy one or more of them.
Check the price of some multi-tools on Amazon
Credit Card
Credit Card multi-tools are often grouped together with one-piece multi-tools because they are similar in that they are made from one piece of metal and don’t have any moving parts. The clue to the difference with these multi-tools is in their name. They are the size and about the thickness of a credit card and can, therefore, be slipped into the credit card slot in your wallet. The selling point is that everywhere you carry your wallet or money clip, you can carry a multi useful tool. Because they need to be credit card thin you’re not going to find any tool that needs a decent thickness to function properly. So don’t expect a pair of pliers!
Micro / Mini
These multi-tools are like full-sized multi-tools that you forgot you left in your jeans pocket when you washed them. They have a lot of the functions of a general multi-tool – like mini pliers and a mini blade and screwdrivers and an obligatory bottle opener. These are sometimes called keychain multi-tools for obvious reasons. Most of the big names in multi-tools will have a few different models to choose from.
Mid-Size
These multi-tools are much the same as their full-sized brothers. The difference is just in the size of the tools and they might have fewer tools and functions. The benefit of being mid-sized though is that they can offer most of the functionality of a full-size without the weight or size to carry around.
Full-Size
In their full-size forms, multi-tools will offer the most in functions and functionality. They should be able to handle the toughest jobs and withstand a fair amount of abuse. This is the favorite size for professional tradespeople like electricians and renovators and enthusiasts alike.
Bladeless
Multi-tools without blades are for times when you want most of the functions of a multi-tool but are going somewhere that has a ‘no-blade’ policy. This could be your kid’s basketball game or you could be flying to your vacation. There are a few different models which simply delete the knife blade from the toolset. Some one-piece or credit card multi-tools would also be suitable for occasions when you can’t carry a blade.
Adding to the different forms of multi-tools, there are also multi-tools designed for different activities and hobbies, like multi-tools for:
Cyclists
Many cyclists carry some tools to make roadside or trailside repairs to their bike. And finding the storage space and keeping the weight as low as possible are important factors when you have to carry the tools everywhere you go. There are a lot of multi-tools now available for cyclists that include tools like common bike hex bit sizes and screwdrivers, a chain breaker or tire levers.
Survivalists
Multi-tools designed to appeal to survivalists will include tools that will be useful to survive in the wilderness after the apocalypse. Tools like a Ferro rod for starting a fire, a whistle to alert other survivors, wood saw or small hammer as well as the usual tools like pliers, screwdrivers and a bottle opener.
Fisherman
As we know, sports fishing is extremely popular and requires a lot of fishing specific tools. Some these small common tools have been included into one multi-tool to make it easy to carry with you. Tools might include a split ring opener, crimping weights, hook remover or a fishing line cutter.
Weaponry
Pistols and rifles need adjustment, cleaning, and sometimes they need maintenance while you’re out in the field. Pull out your weapons specific multi-tool and you can scrape out excess carbon, adjust a sight with the sight tool or push out a pin. You don’t miss out on the other more common tools either. You’ll usually find tools like pliers, a knife, and screwdrivers.
First responders
If you’re a first responder by profession or you just want to be prepared if the time ever comes, you can buy a multi-tool for the task. Specific tools these types of multi-tools include are a seat belt or strap cutter, a glass breaker, a serrated knife and in some cases a pair of shears or scissors.
Campers
Going to live in the wild for a break from your 9 to 5 existence means you’re going to need some equipment to make yourself comfortable. Multi-tools focussed on campers will include tools like a wood saw for cutting kindling and keeping branches away from your tent, a serrated knife for cutting rope and a small hammer for knocking in tent pegs. Of course, you’ll get a pair of pliers and screwdrivers and most importantly for camping, a bottle opener to enjoy your campfire beverage!
If you aren’t already mad about multi-tools, hopefully, this article has given you an idea of what’s available and how there is sure to be a multi-tool that will fit into your daily life.
Let me know in the comments below what your answer is to the question of whether multi-tools are any good.
Multi-Tools – don’t leave home without one!
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