The Best 9 Multi-Tools for 2021

The great news in the multi-tool world is that things keep getting better for us Multi-Tool MacGyvers. The range of great multi-tools we can choose to hook onto our pocket or throw in our bag grows each year. I have a list of the multi-tools that are the best in their categories that I rate very highly on my recommended multi-tools page.

Old favorites retain their cult following or get upgraded and totally new models appear to challenge the status quo. Exciting times for all except maybe for me who has to choose the 9 best multi-tools for 2021. It’s not going to be easy but someone has to do it. Here goes…..

The Best Multi-Tools

We’ve combed the multi-tool market to choose only the best 9 of 2021. Some are old favorites and some are improved versions of popular models but all of them are worthy of carrying with you every day.

1. SOG PowerAccess Deluxe
2. Leatherman Wave+
3. Gerber Center-Drive
4. Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X
5. Leatherman Skeletool
6. Gerber Multi-Plier 600 Bladeless
7. Leatherman Leap
8. SOG PowerPint
9. Gerber Suspension NXT

SOG PowerAccess Deluxe

Why it’s on the list

The Deluxe is as the name hints, an upgrade to the PowerAccess released a few years earlier. 

The Deluxe version keeps all the same tools as the original model and adds a dedicated 1/4 inch bit driver. And you get a 12 piece bit kit to make full use of it. Both models of the PowerAccess already have a bit driver of sorts – with the handles closed, put a hex bit in the gap between and magnets hold it in place. To be fair, it’s an ingenious idea but not as flexible as a dedicated driver.

The Deluxe also gives you a couple of extra cutting blades. A serrated blade and a saw. Add these to the straight edge knife and you have the full range of cutting tools – except a pair of scissors. The other tools include that most useful general tools – an awl plus a Philips with a fully shaped head. There’s a jewelry driver as well plus the usual flathead screwdrivers, bottle opener and more. 

I own the original version of the PowerAccess and after being a bit underwhelmed at first handling, it grew on me – a LOT! I’m now thinking I need to trade it in for the Deluxe. The PowerAccess is easy to handle with tools that open easily and lock into place. It’s well made, carries easily on its pocket clip and to my eyes looks good to top it all off.

Why it might not be for you

There is really only one reason I can think of why the PowerAccess Deluxe might not be on your list and that’s the lack of a pair of scissors. My one and only multi-tool would have a good pair of choppers so I would understand if that’s the reason this isn’t on your list. But check you really need scissors because otherwise, this is a very good modern multi-tool.

Check the current price on Amazon

Multi-Tool-Set

Closed Length: 4.6 ins (11.7 cms)
Weight: 9.6 oz (269 gms)

Leatherman Wave+

Why it’s on the list

The original version of the Wave was released 20 years ago way back in 1998 and was superseded by an upgraded version 6 years later. The Wave is Leatherman’s most popular model by far and it seems to make just about every “Best Multi-Tool” list ever written! There’s a good reason for that. 

Leatherman has introduced the Wave Plus version. The Plus upgrade is a small but important step forward with the addition of replaceable wire cutters on the pliers. I’m a big fan of replaceable wire cutters because it’s so easy to damage the cutting blades and you need some way to repair or replace them.

The rest of the tools that make the Wave so popular are still here. A couple of knives – straight edge and serrated edge both 420HC stainless steel (rated as “Good” on my multi-tool knife steel scale). There’s a double sided file that will handle wood or steel on one side and a diamond coated file on the other plus a saw. That’s the 4 outside accessible tools with the bonus that you can open the two knives with just your thumb. The other tools that help raise the Wave+ above the run-of-the-mill pack are its small spring loaded scissors as well as a bit driver.

I think what makes the Leatherman Wave+ so popular isn’t just one thing, it’s the total package – a combination of its size, its useable toolset and traditional Leatherman quality.

Why it might not be for you

There are a couple of things I’d like to see the Wave+ offer – I’d rather have an awl instead of a jewelry driver and a pocket clip should come standard – although Leatherman does sell an optional one.

Check the current price on Amazon

Multi-Tool-Set

Closed Length: 4 ins (10 cms)
Weight: 8.5 oz (241 gms)

Gerber Center-Drive

Why it’s on the list

The Center-Drive is one of the Gerber’s multi-tool heroes. The reason for that is because it has a number of features not found on any other full-size multi-tool in their range or other brands either.

The feature tools are the one hand opening straight edge knife that’s slightly longer than most multi-tool knives. Then there’s the tool that gives the Center-Drive its name – the curved extension arm with a 1/4″ hex bit driver. The arm can be one hand deployed and locks into a center line position. Usefully, the driver is magnetized so your hex bit won’t drop out. It really is the best multi-tool bit driver available. The Center-Drive comes with a Philips bit and a flathead bit and you can store the bit not in use onboard but you’ll have to carry the rest (hex bit kit not included) in the included nylon sheath.

The last feature tool is the pliers. These have replaceable wire cutter blades – which I love in a multi-tool – and the plier’s party trick is that they are one-hand opening. Slide a tab forward on the arm and out comes the pliers and lock into place. With a little practice, you’ll be able to deploy them with a quick flick of the wrist. Very cool. There are a few other useful tools on the inside of the handles.

If you use a bit driver a lot and you want one-handed access to a good pair of pliers and a longer than usual straight edge knife, the Gerber Center-Drive is for you.

Why it might not be for you

If you’re a big fan of having a pair of scissors on your multi-tool, you’re out of luck here. The other design feature I don’t like is that to get to the inside tools, you have to deploy the pliers, extend the tool you want, then store the pliers so you can use the handle of the tool. Then reverse these steps when you change the tool you want to use. Not the end of the world but could be a problem for you.

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Multi-Tool-Set

Closed Length: 4.7 ins (12 cms)
Weight: 9.5 oz (340 gms)

Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X

Why it’s on the list

Victorinox who own the Swiss Army Knife brand is known for making quality pocket knives in Switzerland and that quality extends to their range of multi-tools. In reality, any of their multi-tools could be on this list but my personal favorite is the SwissTool Spirit II.

The Spirit II has a huge range of tools and each one of them works with a degree of precision most other multi-tool brands can’t match. The main tools are the pliers, which get a point taken off for not having replaceable wire cutters, a straight edge knife that looks like it comes from one of their pocket knives, a very sharp saw and an equally sharp pair of spring-loaded scissors. I thought these scissors were good enough to put my finger and toenails on the line and trimmed them using them.

The secondary tools include two general purpose tools you don’t often see. A reamer is always useful to have around and a chisel is very handy for all sorts of odd jobs and the Spirit II has a good one.

The Victorinox SwissTool Spirit II (that’s a mouthful!) has a dense quality feel in the hand that you can’t miss and it translates into a multi-tool that’s a pleasure to use and own. It’s not cheap but it’s a multi-tool you can see yourself handing down to your grandchildren.

Why it might not be for you

I’ve mentioned the lack of replaceable wire cutters and there isn’t a hex bit driver either – one or both of these omissions may be a deal breaker for you or it could be the price. If this is your first multi-tool you may want to join the multi-tool life with another less expensive multi-tool on this list.

Check the current price on Amazon

Multi-Tool-Set

Closed Length: 4.1 ins (10.4 cms)
Weight: 8.7 oz (247 gms)

Leatherman Skeletool

Why it’s on the list

As a lightweight full sized multi-tool that’s easy to carry on your pocket with its clip or hook to your bag with the carabiner function, what’s not to love about the Skeletool? The Skeletool has the most versions of any of model Leatherman offers so choosing the right one is your first job but don’t stress too much – you can’t go wrong with any of them. And they all have the same form factor – 4 inches (10 cms) closed and a measly 5 oz (142 gms) soaking wet.

Unless you’re a snowboarder, rule out the SX or a first responder, rule out the RX. If you have to have a Limited Edition Skeletool then choose between the Black and Silver versions or the one with the Damasteel straight edge knife. If not, that leaves you the standard Skeletool that has a combo blade – have straight edge, half serrated edge. You either love or hate combo blades. Best of both worlds or worst of both worlds? If you want a straight edge blade then Leatherman have the Skeletool CX in upscale 154CM stainless steel. Costs a little more though.

Luckily you don’t have to decide which pliers are best, they’re all the same with bolt grippers and wire cutter sections. No replaceable wire cutters here but the Skeletool isn’t for heavy-duty work anyway and the curved handles are comfortable in the hand. The only other main tool is the bit driver with double-ended Phillips bit and a double ended There’s a Flathead bit stored on board. A good design and easy to use.

The Skeletool models aren’t tool monsters, most of them only have about 7 functions but the functions they do have – pliers, knife, bit driver – are common tools commonly used. Wrap them up in what is one of the most attractive multi-tool designs available and you have one of the best everyday carry multi-tools around.

Why it might not be for you

What the Skeletool does, it does well so no complaints there. But you might want more functions than it offers. If you must have scissors, or a file, or a wood saw for example, you’ll need to look elsewhere. 

Check out the current price on Amazon

Multi-Tool-Set

Closed Length: 10 ins (10 cms)
Weight: 5 oz (142 gms)

Gerber MP600 Bladeless

Why it’s on this list

It’s a sign of our times the number of places we can’t take a knife with us is growing. That’s a problem for us Multi-Tool MacGyvers because we feel naked without our multi-tools. Instead of leaving our multi-tools at home, we can take a multi-tool with us that doesn’t have a blade but has a lot of other tools that we need. Enter the full-size Gerber Multi-Plier 600 Bladeless.

The MP600 is the multi-tool platform Gerber supplies to the US military. There are multiple versions and they have some common features with this bladeless version. The needlenose pliers with replaceable wire cutter blades are one hand opening. You can flick them open which is a nice trick when you have one hand full or you just want to impress your friends. 

I’ve written a lot about where you can and can’t carry a multi-tool with a blade including US state-by-state laws, UK and Australian laws. Check them out – it’s better to know than be caught out carrying where you shouldn’t. 

The MP600 Bladeless will comply with “No Knife” laws but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have anything that can cut. There’s a small pair of scissors here and a RemGrit exchangeable saw. Add various screwdrivers and can and bottle openers and you have a lot to like. Comes in stealthy black to keep it on the down low and has a reputation for rugged operations.

If full-size is too big for your needs but you still want bladeless, have a look at Leatherman’s mid-size Style PS or the keychain-sized Gerber Dime Travel.

Why it might not be for you

Obviously, if you want a knife, any bladeless model isn’t going to “cut” it for you (excuse the pun) or if you need something smaller than the full-sized MP600 then you’ll need to look at another option from this list.

Check out the current price on Amazon

Multi-Tool-Set

Closed Length: 5.1 ins (13 cms)
Weight: 9 oz (255 gms)

Leatherman Leap

Why it’s on the list

The Leatherman Leap is pitched as you kid’s first multi-tool. That’s because it comes without a knife blade that you can attach later when you think your child is ready to handle sharp things. The whole “your first multi-tool” thing and the fun colors it comes in really undersell how good the Leap actually is. 

The Leap is a pocket-sized multi-tool that has many of the same design features of it’s bigger brothers. Butterfly open the arms to get to the spring-loaded pliers with bolt grippers and wire cutters. You get a saw blade and a little pair of scissors – that work OK considering their size. 

Choose from a Phillips and a couple of Flatheads screwdrivers – small and large – for all your screw driving desires. Unusually, you get a pair of tweezers and not unusually, you have a bottle opener. 

The straight edge knife blade that comes separately with the Leap has a plastic holder to help you install it. It can’t be uninstalled so make sure you’re ready for it to be installed. No one handed opening tools here, for safety, you need 2 hands but otherwise, the Leap is just like a small version of a big Leatherman, and surprisingly useful. 

Why it might not be on your list

The cheerful red, blue or green colors might not suit your serious multi-tool side or maybe you don’t want to use both hands to get your knife out. But if that doesn’t put you off, the very pocketable and useful Leap could be for you (or your kid!).  

Check the current price on Amazon

Multi-Tool-Set

Closed Length: 3.3 ins (8.3 cms)
Weight: 2.8 oz (79 gms)

SOG PowerPint

Why it’s on the list

Another new arrival is the SOG PowerPint which is a little powerhouse of a multi-tool. Lightweight at only 4.2 oz (119 gms) it’s easy to attach to your pocket with the standard pocket clip and packs a great toolset. 

Take your choice for cutting duties from the straight edge knife or the serrated edge knife. Don’t want a blade? How about the spring-loaded scissors instead? Spread the arms to deploy the needlenose pliers with wire cutters. SOG’s party trick is their compound leverage mechanism on the pliers that multiples the power you put into the handles. Good news for any Multi-Tool MacGyvers with “office hands”. The other SOG trick is the hidden 1/4″ bit driver hidden between the handles. The final main tool is a 3 sided file.

There are more of the usual tool suspects including an awl and a jewelry driver all totalling up to 18 functions in this compact multi-tool. If the PowerPint works how I know other SOG multi-tools do, you’ll have a great ownership and use experience.

Why it might not be for you

There’s very little reason not to like the SOG PowerPint. Maybe it’s because you want a full-size heavy-duty multi-tool and that’s not the PowerPint.

Check the current price on Amazon

Multi-Tool-Set

Closed Length: 4.1 ins (10.4 cms)
Weight: 4.1oz (116 gms)

Gerber Suspension NXT

Why it’s on the list

Gerber’s Suspension multi-tool has been around for awhile and has proved to be one of their most popular models. The Suspension NXT (say “next”) is a new addition to the line and it brings with it a different toolset and 3 more tools than the original. Not bad, especially considering it’s also a couple of ounces (65 gms) lighter. 

Based around a set of needle nose pliers with wire cutters (non replaceable blades), the NXT’s other main tools are its combo blade and a small pair of spring-loaded scissors. Some Multi-Tool MacGyvers think a blade that’s half straight edge and half serrated edge is a good compromise in a multi-tool while others hate them. You decide. If the combo blade is a deal breaker, go for the original Suspension with its separate straight and serrated blades – but you’ll miss out on a pair of scissors. Choices, choices.

The other features of the toolset are the Philips screwdriver with a proper 3D head, a file/medium flathead, an awl with a very shape tip that will save you from breaking off your knife tip and the space-saving bottle opener/can opener/small flathead screwdriver in one tool. All the tools – except the pliers – are outside accessible.

Not only does the lighter weight of the NXT make it an easier everyday carry than the original Suspension, the NXT comes standard with a pocket clip. And I know you tough guys don’t care about the looks of your multi-tool but I can’t help notice that the Suspension NXT is one good looking carry. 

Why it might not be for you

The combo knife blade could take the NXT off your list, or it could be that it doesn’t have a saw or you’re a big fan of replaceable wire cutting blades like me and the NXT doesn’t have them. If none of these things put you off, this is a solid entry on this list.

Check the current price on Amazon

Multi-Tool-Set

Closed Length: 4.25 ins (10.8 cms)
Weight: 6.7 oz (190 gms)

Don’t know which one to choose? Well, the great thing about this list is that you can’t go wrong choosing any of them. Just decide which one has these multi-tools suit what you need it for and put it in your pocket.

In the unlikely event that any of the 9 multi-tools on this list are for you, check out all my favorite multi-tools on my recommended multi-tools page.  

Multi-Tools – Don’t Leave Home Without One!

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