Best multi tool ever

You can carry this thing with you each and every day without ever even noticing it and deploy it when you need it on the go. I can say with certainty that this design, even from , is one of the most feature-rich and well-designed credit card style multi-tools on the market and is an absolute steal at its price point. Pick one up, slide it in your wallet, and forget about it.

Bottom line: This is 13 different tools packed into a credit card form factor available in black, red, or blue. It is a design award recipient for exceptional quality and innovation.

Simply put, this is the best credit card multi-tool available! The stainless steel card is available with a shiny black alloy finish or a polished steel finish and hosts 37 different functions including a built-in blade that I found to be pretty interesting.

So, what can this little card do? Well, its got a ton of screwdriver and wrenching capabilities that I think are probably the center point functions of the card but it does a lot overall and it really does come in handy across many different types of jobs and challenges.

Aside from that and found opposite of the blade is a saw, lanyard hole, can opener, and the card acts as a smartphone stand. Why not slap a multi-tool on your wrist? The Leatherman Tread is the first wristband form factor multi-tool ever designed and although it lacks a blade, it contains many tools that can save your butt in a pinch!

Even better, these are TSA compliant, meaning you can wear them right through airport security without any problems, although this thing is mean looking and may get you some unsolicited questions about it! The entire thing is constructed from stainless steel and hidden in every link is a different tool. It is roughly 8. Leatherman also sells replacement links on their website in case you lose or damage one, which I find to be pretty unlikely considering how durable and tough these bracelets are!

The Leatherman Tread is by far the most tactically designed bracelet the market has to offer and manages to fit a ton of functionality into something that looks rather stylish. My Review: The Leatherman Skeletool is definitely is one of the coolest looking multi-tools out there nowadays but is it any good? Is that a real question? Of course the Skeletool is good, look who makes it, Leatherman! The skeletonized steel casing this thing comes with but did you know about its locking High Carbon half-serrated 2.

Aside from the awesome blade are 7 distinct tools chosen for excellence among EDC carriers, all of which can be utilized and used in one-handed operation. What you can expect, though, is a beautiful 5-ounce multi-tool that is exceptionally tough, backed by the Leatherman guarantee, and hosts tools that I think most people will find sufficient for everyday usage.

As a bonus for those of you looking for a proper EDC multi-tool, the Skeletool comes with a removable belt clip, making it extremely easy to carry around and have on hand with you at all times. The RoverTac has you covered my friend! So, in terms of blunt force action, we get a mini hatchet and we get a hammer!

Many manufacturers have tried to pull off the hammer and ax multi-tool idea and although there are some others that are decent, Rovertac really stood out to me in terms of form factor and overall build quality.

The RoverTac does come with a ballistic nylon carry pouch with a belt loop, however, please understand that you have to keep track of the hatchet edge protector or else carrying this on a belt loop becomes more of a liability than a useful tool and trust me, that protector is very easy to lose track of! Imagine carrying an entire arsenal of important and handy tools to have on you anytime, anywhere, deployable in a pinch. Lucky us, we live in a time of advanced machining and tooling which has allowed some very intelligent engineers the ability to cram tons of tiny but helpful tools into an incredibly small and lightweight package that only takes up a couple of square inches of space in your backpack instead!

Many of these tools follow the same ideology of basic home tools mixed with some of our favorite outdoor must-haves. Expect pliers, screwdrivers, crimpers, wire cutters, knives, saws, bottle openers, rulers and many niftier little gadgets that all fold and hideaway nicely in a small handheld containment device that is easy to carry and keep with you on the go.

There are a few cons with multi-tools despite how versatile and portable they can be. Obviously, packing a bunch of tools into a small package carries along with some trade-offs like quality, rigidity, durability, and size. Despite the cons, multi-tools have come along way and there are many manufacturers like Victorinox, Gerber, and Leatherman that know just how demanding life can be and as such, they do their best to design their tools with the best quality materials, ensuring their tools stand the test of time and endure through heavy usage.

Many of the top brands offer excellent warranty service to either repair or replace their tools in the case something becomes disabled which is great because some of the best multi-tools are going to require a bit of investment to get your hands on!

Many people like to everyday carry EDC a simple pocket knife, which I have absolutely nothing against. Sometimes I prefer to carry my multi-tool, especially in instances of home improvement or just instances where I feel the need to be well prepared.

Some multi-tools do not contain blades at all, which is helpful for those instances that you find yourself in a specific area or building that does not allow you to have a knife. Obviously, a dedicated knife that has a blade of some muster is going to perform far better and be more comfortable to use than the blade found inside of a multi-tool. I kind of touched on this in the section above but to really hit home on this idea, let me make this as clear as possible.

Everyone and I mean everyone, should have a multi-tool. Whatever the situation, multi-tools usually contain tools that you can use in a plethora of situations in and out of the home. A multi-tool is a must-have and can really save your butt, not to mention some serious cash if the need arises. That quote is a piece of wisdom I have literally lived by for as long as I can remember, even long before I made the choice to join the USMC. Being prepared with a multi-tool is by far more valuable than the price tag on a high-quality multi-tool and may actually end up saving you money, or more importantly, your life, at some point.

I had a multi-tool on me at almost all times while I was in the Marines. In searching for a multi-tool, I suggest you grab yourself a big glass of your favorite brew and sit out and watch the sunset while deep in thought, considering your life and the activities you partake.

What are your favorite hobbies and pastimes? What pieces of equipment do you own and how are they prone to failure? Multi-tools are usually designed to be multi-purpose in that they contain tools that cover a wide range of very general uses. Many multi-tools actually utilize multiple blades of different lengths or blades that are fine-tipped and serrated.

I always need screwdrivers but for some reason, I never really ponied up for a set of them. Some multi-tools are purpose-built to be screwdriver friendly and even offer an array of swappable driver bits, perfect for a tradesman!

Tweezers: We all know what tweezers are used for. Saw: Many multi-tools encompass a flip-out saw roughly a couple inches in length. Pliers: For me, pliers are a must-have tool! It includes a high quality S30V steel knife and a HC serrated knife with cutting hook, as well as both a small and a large bit driver with a small selection of bits.

Next up, the needlenose pliers also serve as a regular pliers, wire cutter, and hard-wire cutter. There is also a wire stripper and a crimping tool. The Charge TTi includes a replaceable pocket clip and quick-release lanyard ring, and features premium sculpted titanium handle scales for great comfort. Basically, the Charge TTi has a better blade, comes with a better sheath and a bunch of bits and is overall a little lighter than the Wave. It has a couple of extra tools and the titanium handle is superior to the stainless steel.

Not in my opinion. If you have the money go for it, otherwise stick to the Wave. Best price we found on the Charge TTi. The combination knife is partially serrated and made of HC stainless steel. The body of the Skeletool is manufactured of stainless steel, with T6 aluminum handle scales. The light 5 ounce weight makes this the lightest full-size multitool on the market. The real attraction here is portability as the Skeletool can easily fit onto your keychain and goes unnoticed in the pocket.

Moving into a smaller, but still full-sized, Leatherman tool, we come to the Juice CS4. The Juice CS4 is designed for people with smaller hands, and is only 3.

You can essential think of the Juice CS4 as a mini-Wave with a few things left out to get it into a smaller package. The T6 hard-anodized aluminum handles make the multitool strong but light, and the handle also includes Type II blue anodized aluminum for a unique appearance.

Best price we found on the Juice CS4. The multitool also includes two HC knives, one serrated and one not, spring-action scissors, and an awl with a thread loop. The Surge weighs a whopping It comes in either stainless or black, and includes a nylon and leather sheath. Some of the credit card multi-tools are great tools to keep in your back pocket. We never quite know when the need is going to arise, but when it does, a quickly-accessible multi-tool can make all the difference.

Some tools offer cases that can clip to a belt loop and others allow you to open them with just one hand. It may sound cliche, but having an accessible multi-tool by your side can be the difference between life and death when you least expect it.

More expensive models typically offer a wider variety of features, but some have simply been masterfully designed for a very select purpose.

Multi-tools are highly effective tools in a variety of situations. Some people even claim that the right multi-tool has helped to increase their efficiency and makes them better prepared to handle anything life throws at them 5.

If you still have questions, however, maybe we can answer them in this section! Many multi-tools are manufactured from stainless steel. This simply means that, given proper care and maintenance, a stainless steel multi-tool will resist corrosion. Without regular maintenance, however, rust and corrosion can occur. The best cleaning method can depend on how you use your multi-tool. Tools that are primarily used in saltwater or marine environments should receive regular fresh water rinses and dried thoroughly before being finished with a water displacing product, such as WD Multi-tools with an excessive build-up of debris or sticky materials should be cleaned using a mild solution of soap and water.

Mineral spirits can also be used to remove conglomerations of tar or similar substances on your multi-tool. Users should be careful never to use a chlorine-based solution to clean their multi-tool. The short answer is yes! You must make sure to use the correct type of sharpening material for the specific blade you wish to sharpen, however.

This tool only has a fraction of the Charge's features, but it is much less noticeable in your pocket for every day carry.

Further, the features included with the Skeletool are arguably more usable and cleaner. Both being from Leatherman, though, they share common high-quality materials and build. This tool is great for daily use or as a backcountry tool. If you're seeking all the tools possible, you'll be let down with this stripped-down modal. Our biggest complaint is with the bit driver. Still, we have tested this model for over three years, and it has slowly grown on us.

Thus, the Skeletool is our top recommendation for a portable, daily multi-tool to leave clipped on your pocket. Read review: Leatherman Skeletool CX. The Leatherman Wingman is even less expensive, by a significant margin, but has fewer features and is made with lesser materials. For a full-featured tool, the Wave is the bargain shopper's choice. It also does not come with many accessory bits or with the pocket clip or lanyard loop that Leatherman includes with the Charge.

Featuring the same general layout, tool selection, and dimensions, the Wave and Charge are the same other than materials and included accessories. The Leatherman Wingman brings the manufacturer's long pedigree, quality craftsmanship, and an excellent selection of functions to a very affordable product.

The Wingman includes features virtually none of the other models do. The package opener is quirky but invaluable, the return spring in the pliers reduces hand strain and increases efficiency in certain types of extended use, and the integrated pocket clip keeps the device handy for those that wish to carry it this way.

At this price point, however, there are some compromises. The straight portion is easily reconditioned, but sharpening serrations requires special techniques. Further, that blade is significantly shorter than it needs to be. There is almost a half inch of extra space in the handle that Leatherman does not use for the blade. Overall, you get far more than you pay for with the Leatherman Wingman. If you use a multi-tool for basic tasks but are prone to losing it, the Wingman won't hurt quite as much to replace.

Read review: Leatherman Wingman. The Plus takes all we liked about the original Center Drive and adds scissors and a larger blade, which we deem significant and worthy upgrades. The Center Drive screwdriver configuration has a long extension and a handle ready for more torque. This award-winning Gerber centers the bit along the handle's long axis, vastly improving ergonomics and making it feel like a true, single-purpose screwdriver.

The 12 bits that come with this model fit inside the included leather sheath along with the tool. If your multi-tool use includes a lot of driving screws, choose the Center Drive Plus.

It is the best tool we know of for that purpose. Otherwise, it's more average as a general multi-tool. The rattly construction holds up well but doesn't instill high confidence. The pliers are more prone to pinching than more sophisticated options, and accessing tools other than the blade, pliers, and bit driver requires multiple steps. Read review: Gerber Center Drive Plus. When testing these tools, we consider what appeals to people on the fringes of the group of devoted consumers.

Most multi-tools are purchased for "everyday carry" for use on tasks that come up in day-to-day life where versatility and portability are paramount. Blue-collar users require that each function is very efficient, and they can justify fewer features. For those users, the Leatherman Crunch is a clear choice.

A definite improvement over the other non-locking pliers in our review, the locking ones of the Crunch are this product's undisputed highlight. The trade-off is the selection and readiness of other attributes, such as easy blade access and more driver and tool options.

There is an integrated bit driver, but to use it will require the time-consuming removal of the locking mechanism screw. However, if you use your multi-tool as pliers in a mechanical or construction-oriented fashion, the Crunch is a great choice. Its locking pliers are nearly as useful as stand-alone versions. Read review: Leatherman Crunch. The Gerber Dime virtually disappears on all but the most minimalist keychains and is smaller than your typical modern car key "fob.

We are confident that you will find a use for one or more of these functions nearly every day. Having it as handy as your keys will mean that you have it and will use it. We describe it as a keychain tool, but it could also be considered a keychain bottle opener that does other things. The bottle opener protrusion is always available and might be all you need to justify a Dime purchase. It is the ready bottle opener that sets the Dime apart from other tiny tools.

Other options have similar feature sets but don't have the bottle opener so handy. You won't turn large bolts or do extensive whittling with the Dime, but for light-duty house and travel tasks, it is just right. Read review: Gerber Dime. The Leatherman Signal earns mention here for its truly unique set of functions.

This is the most specialized tool we review here. Its feature set is, initially, familiar. It has a blade, a saw, and some openers and drivers. On top of those "normal" things, it has a hammer surface, fire starter striker, signal whistle, and blade sharpener. It is sold with a belt sheath and also includes the option of pocket clip or carabiner carry. We wish the main blade were not serrated. Yes, a serrated edge cuts a few things a little better than a straight edge.

But that serrated edge suffers or completely fails to cut other things, especially when it is dulled. Once dull, a serrated edge is more difficult to sharpen. The included sharpener on the Signal could be used to resurface an entirely straight-edged blade.

The inclusion of a serrated portion on the blade seems like a marketing move more than a practical one. The Signal is unique and functional. It isn't too huge or too clumsy to use. With it, Leatherman comes another step closer to abandoning their proprietary bit driver interface.

We like this. The standard bit holder isn't oriented in an ideal fashion, but it is better than nothing. For survivalists looking for a multi-tool designed with bushcraft in mind, while also functional around the home, the Signal is a great piece of gear to add to the kit.

We employed him initially for his mountain experience, but his "side hustles" qualify him for this category. Since we've known him, Jed has dabbled in or, dived into vacation rental management, completely renovating a "Four Wheel Camper", bicycle building, kitchen installation, apartment renovation, and roadside Korean car repair.

He uses a multi-tool almost every day, much to his own chagrin. He'd much rather be out skiing huge peaks and slicing cheddar for charcuterie back in the tent.

We're happy to have grown with Jed. With each multi-tool, Jed solicits the input and opinion of other guides, professional contractors, hunters, motorcyclists, fishing enthusiasts, and tradespeople. Recently, Jed enlisted the advice of foodie, hunter, welder, and all-around handy guru Ryan Weidenbach, who happens to be his cousin. Ryan is trained as a welder and manages a campground, a catering business , lakeside resort, and rental properties.

As we do with all GearLab reviews, we started by scouring the market and looking back at the list of dozens of tools we have assessed over the years. We purchase the best, and each tool gets weeks at least. Or months or years of day-to-day use that feature a battery of exercises. With each blade, we cut things such as tomatoes, rope, and wood. We turn screws and bolts, cut and bend wire clothes hangers. We use the other functions in their intended situations and press them to be used in an improvised fashion.

As with all the testing we do, the most informative results are those gleaned in "real world" use. Recent remote car repairs, for example, highlighted some genuine observations of multi-tool functionality. The "multi-tool" market is immense.