7 Best Multi-Tools With a Pocket Clip

The humble pocket clip for multi-tools. Usually, they’re just a plain piece of steel attached to the side of the multi-tool designed to slide onto the edge of your pocket. Simple right.

Multi-tools are sold in one of three ways –

• a pocket clip comes attached as standard
• a pocket clip can be purchased separately and attached
• a pocket clip can’t be attached at all

An important part of the decision you make about what multi-tool to buy is how you want to carry your multi-tool. Do you want to carry it in a backpack, in the glove box of your car, on your keychain or attached to your clothing? By the way, if you want to read how this multi-tool virgin decided which multi-tool to buy first, you can read this.

Why I think it’s so important to decide how you want to carry your multi-tool is that every good MacGyver knows that even the best multi-tool is no good if you don’t have it with you. So if the way you want to keep yourself out of sticky situations is to carry your multi-tool on your pocket or belt, then you better make sure you buy a multi-tool that you can attach a pocket clip to.

Isn’t a pocket clip a pocket clip?

There’s not much to a pocket clip. Well, they aren’t all the same actually. Pocket clips are designed to carry your multi-tool in different positions in your pocket. There are two main types seen on multi-tools. A clip that leaves some portion of the tool sitting above the top of the pocket – may be an inch shows. Having some exposed makes it easier to grab in a hurry and the advantage (or disadvantage depending on how you look at it) that other people can see it.

The second type is the Deep Carry Clip which as the name suggests sits deeper in the pocket so that only the clip itself can be seen. This essentially conceals the multi-tool if that’s your preference. It’s all to do with where the clip attaches on the side of the multi-tool. The closer it’s mounted to the top or bottom, the deeper it will sit in your pocket.

So if you’ve decided you want a multi-tool that you carry on your pocket, here are 7 of the best multi-tools with a pocket clip to consider.

Leatherman Skeletool CX

The Leatherman Skeletool CX and it’s brother the Skeletool are favorite every day carry multi-tools for many. It’s a quality carry and it’s light at 5 oz/142  so won’t weigh you down too much or rip your pocket. Looks are always an individual thing but if you like the organic look with the curves and the holes, then this could be the one for you. They also come in different colors if you want to match your multi-tool to your jeans! The pocket clip comes standard and if you decide you really don’t need it, you can unscrew it, take it off and make it even lighter.

Leatherman Charge AL

The full-size Leatherman Charge AL is beefier at 8.3 oz/235 g than the Skeletool CX. But it has twice the number of tools and is generally just a bit more heavyweight in what it can handle. Quality comes standard as does a removable pocket clip. Being heavier, you’ll want to make sure your belt is buckled tight enough so your pants stay up!

If you don’t like the combination of tools that come with the AL, there are two other versions that might suit you better. The Charge ALX has a couple of additional tools including a cutting hook. The top of the price range Charge 

TTI has titanium handles. It will lighten your wallet but is heavier on the scales at 8.89 oz/ 252 gms. Looks pretty good though.

Leatherman Wave

The Leatherman Wave is Leatherman’s most popular multi-tool. And there’s a good reason for that. For one, it’s been around awhile. Not only was the original Wave introduced about the time fire was invented – well maybe a little after – but the redesigned Wave released in 2004 improved on the original design in just about every way. This is a great all-round everyday multi-tool.

It’s part of Leatherman’s full-size range and about the same weight as the Leatherman Charge AL at 8.5 0z/241 g. So although it’s heavier than the Leatherman Skeletool, it shouldn’t cause you any back issues to carry on the optional removable Pocket Clip in silver or black. No, it does not come as standard with the Wave but can be purchased very cheaply and is bundled with a quick release lanyard ring as well.

CRKT Bivy

The Columbia River Knife and Tool (CRKT) Bivy doesn’t have the selection of tools that some other pocket clip capable multi-tools on this list. What it does have is the most common main tools like pliers (spring loaded opening), knife and Flat and Phillips head screwdrivers. And it’s light enough at 7.07 oz/218 g to not be too hard on your pocket. As a bonus, the pocket clip comes in the box. Finally, it’s not a Leatherman so if you want to try something else for a change, here’s your chance!

Leatherman MUT

The Leatherman MUT is a little controversial on this list for two reasons. It’s designed for a specific use rather than general use. And it’s the heaviest multi-tool here so it’s at the limit of what might be comfortable to carry clipped to your pocket or belt. But it’s on the list because it’s so cool and for that reason, you might want one anyway. I know I do.

The MUT is designed for use as a tactical tool for sports shooters or the military. Doesn’t mean you can’t use it if you if you don’t fit into those categories though. It weighs in at 11.2 oz/317 g and that makes it twice as heavy as the Skeletool. So saggy pockets could be your new fashion statement if you decide to clip the MUT on. You could also use the clip to attach it to a pocket in your backpack as a way to keep it handy without weighing you done too much. The clip doesn’t come standard so you’ll have to fork out for the optional but inexpensive MUT pocket clip. Even the clip is cool!

Gerber Crucial

The Gerber Crucial is a multi-tool that carries like a pocket knife. But it has pliers, knife, and others tools. A bit unusual is that it has a corkscrew. Not sure what you use a corkscrew for other than taking the cork out of a wine bottle. So if that’s going to be something you want to use a lot, having a corkscrew could make this the perfect multi-tool for you. Just don’t go waving the knife around after opening too many bottles of wine. The Crucial comes standard with a pocket clip and weighing only 5.0 oz/142 g, it’s one of the light pocket clip capable multi-tools. Like the CRKT Bivy, the Gerber Crucial obviously isn’t a Leatherman so that might be something that appeals to you too. And it comes in Green!

Leatherman Freestyle

The Freestyle is one of Leatherman smaller multi-tools and has only 5 tools. That’s great if you only want to carry pliers and a combo serrated/straight blade in a lightweight design. Weight wise, it’s the lightest Leatherman here at just 4.5 oz/127.6 g so it’s not much of a drag on the pocket. It’s not a drag on the pocket from a price point of view either being one of Leatherman’s more budget models and the cheapest Leatherman on this list.

In Conclusion

So that’s 7 of the best multi-tools that you can clip to your pocket or belt. With the variety of designs, prices, and weights to choose from, you should be able to find one that suits your multi-tool carry needs. But what if……

My favorite multi-tool doesn’t have a pocket clip! What do I do?

What if you want to clip your favorite multi-tool to your pocket or belt and it doesn’t come with a pocket clip. Not that it just doesn’t come as standard but the manufacturer doesn’t offer one as an option either. Are you stuck with carrying it unclipped?

There is an option you can have a look at.

The Clipdraw Universal Pocket Clip attaches with super-strong double-sided tape. It should take the weight of any multi-tool easily given it’s designed to carry a handgun. There are a few different versions including one a black version. I can imagine one of these attaching to a multi-tool like the Victorinox SwissTool Spirit.

That’s it. Lots of great multi-tools here for you to decide which one is right for you to clip to your pocket or belt.

Are there others that I’ve missed that you think are better? Any you think shouldn’t be on the list. Let me know in the comments below.

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