The 12 Best Multi-Tools of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall

Leatherman Wave+ Multi-Tool

4.8

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Our Ratings

• Performance
  4.8/5
• Ease of Use
  4.3/5
• Features
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

No need to run to your toolbox for every little thing when you've got the Leatherman Wave+ Multi-Tool in your pocket. Need to tighten that loose chair leg? No problem, you have a screwdriver and two bit drivers at hand. Loose string on your new shirt? Snip it off with the scissors. Need to twist a stuck screw, cut a wire, open a bottle, or file down a rough edge on a board? You've got tools to do all of those things, as well. And that's not all the Wave+ has to offer; with a total of 18 built-in tools, you're equipped to handle most small tasks that come your way. We were impressed with the sturdy build of this multi-tool, as well as its ease of use.

Each of the tools locks in place when fully extended to prevent annoying slipping or folding while you work. And you don't even have to open the entire multi-tool to use most of the features; many of the individual tools on this ingenious device are accessible while the multi-tool is in its folded position. Nor does it take both hands to select and open the desired tool. You can easily open the entire Wave+ and then unfold any of its 18 tools with just one hand, including the saw, two blades, can opener, or diamond-coated file. We found that each tool has just enough resistance when opening or closing; not overly stiff, but also not so loose that the tool slipped out of our grasp.

Choose from regular stainless steel or stainless coated with black oxide, which gives a slightly better grip. Either way, the Wave+ weighs only 8.5 ounces and measures 4 inches when closed. An optional small lanyard ring allows you to hang the tool from a strap if desired. The multi-tool comes with a nylon sheath, which has a belt loop if you want to keep your Wave+ by your side. And as with all Leatherman products, it's covered by a 25-year limited warranty.

Price at time of publish: $120

_{Number of Tools: 18 | Longest Blade Length: 2.9 inches | Number of Blades: 2 | Weight: 8.5 ounces | Closed Length: 4 inches | Closed Width: 1.2 inches | Keychain Ring: No}

Best Budget

Gerber Gear Dime Multi-Tool

4.6

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Our Ratings

• Performance
  3.5/5
• Ease of Use
  4.8/5
• Features
  4.7/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  3.8/5

There's no need to break your budget for a multi-tool, not when the Gerber Gear Dime is available. This mini multi-tool incorporates 10 handy tools, including spring-loaded needle-nose pliers, tweezers, bottle opener, file, scissors, flat-head and cross-head screwdriver (although not a true Phillips-head screwdriver), blade, wire cutter, and a bottle opener. So chances are good that you'll have the right tool at the ready should you need it. Carry the Dime in your pocket or use the attached ring to hang it from your keychain; either way, you'll likely reach for it more often than you suspect.

At 2.2 ounces, the Dime is one of the lightest multi-tools available; you'll barely notice it's in your pocket. When closed, it measures a mere 2.75 inches in length. Open it up, and it's 4.25 inches. It's made of stainless steel and available in black, green, and red. Note that the tools on this mini multi-tool are correspondingly small; our tester found it a bit difficult to work the individual tools. Nor will you be able to exert a lot of force with the features on this multi-tool, but it's undeniably a useful tool to have in your pocket for those small tasks that seem to crop up during the day.

Price at time of publish: $29

_{Number of Tools: 10 | Longest Blade Length: Not listed | Number of Blades: 1 | Weight: 2.2 ounces | Closed Length: 2.75 inches | Closed Width: Not listed | Keychain Ring: Yes}

Best for DIYers

Leatherman Free P4 Multi-Tool

5

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Our Ratings

• Performance
  5/5
• Ease of Use
  4.9/5
• Features
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

We were highly impressed with the iconic Leatherman Free P4. Its 21 tools include screwdrivers, blades, wire cutters, a saw, pliers, scissors, a bottle opener, and more, all of which were sharp and functioned perfectly. And you can access each and every one of those tools without having to open the entire multi-tool. Once fully extended, all of the tools lock in place to keep them secure while you work. Our tester commented that this would be an ideal multi-tool for anyone involved in carpentry, electrical or HVAC techs, general contractors, or DIYers taking on major projects around the house.

In theory, it only takes one hand to open the entire Free P4 or to open the individual tools, but we found that some of the features required two hands to easily open. Still, everything opened smoothly; no broken fingernails or frustration here. Thanks to the ergonomic design, you can open most of the tools with just a push of your thumb. Plus, the magnetic opening/closing system makes it smooth and easy to use the multi-tool. Don't worry that this stainless steel beauty will weigh you down; it's only 8.6 ounces. Closed, the Free P4 is 4.25 inches. It includes a removable pocket clip.

Price at time of publish: $192

_{Number of Tools: 21 | Longest Blade Length: 2.76 inches | Number of Blades: 2 | Weight: 8.6 ounces | Closed Length: 4.25 inches | Closed Width: 1.3 inches | Keychain Ring: No}

Best for Camping

RoverTac Multitool with Hatchet

4.2

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Our Ratings

• Performance
  4/5
• Ease of Use
  3/5
• Features
  5/5
• Durability
  3/5
• Value
  5/5

The last thing you need when camping is a heavy box of tools to lug on your back or in your hands. Instead, the ingenious RoverTac Multi-Tool incorporates 14 tools into a design that's basically a hammer on one side and an ax on the other. Along with the hammer and ax, you get all sorts of camping must-haves, including a fish scaler, saw, blade, whistle, fire starter, file, two screwdrivers, assorted wrenches, and a bottle opener. Nor are these tools just for show; our pleased tester commented, "The wood saw cut a piece of framing lumber. The hatchet actually split the same framing lumber into kindling-size pieces." Of course, these are not full-sized tools, so we didn't expect the kind of performance a regular saw or hatchet would deliver.

When not in use, the included nylon sheath covers the hammer and ax heads, so there's no need to worry about accidents or damage. There is no locking mechanisms on the tools, however, which slightly lowered our score. The RoverTac is entirely made of stainless steel, with a black oxidized coating over the tools and a red oxidized coating over the handle. At 15.9 ounces, it's not the lightest multi-tool out there, but you won't find many that include a hammer and small ax. The tool measures 8.86 inches in length, and the head with hammer and ax is 3.62 inches across.

Price at time of publish: $26

_{Number of Tools: 14 | Longest Blade Length: Not listed | Number of Blades: 1 | Weight: 15.9 ounces | Closed Length: 8.86 inches | Closed Width: 3.62 inches | Keychain Ring: No}

Best Everyday

Leatherman Skeletool Multi-Tool

4.8

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Our Ratings

• Performance
  4.4/5
• Ease of Use
  4.8/5
• Features
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  4.5/5

If you just want a multi-tool with the basics to serve as your everyday carry (EDC), then look no further than the Leatherman Skeletool. As the name implies, this is a lean-and-mean multi-tool that doesn't clutter up your pocket with unnecessary frills. Instead, you get a sleekly designed multi-tool with eight incorporated tools, including a carabiner to hook onto your belt or tool bag, pliers, hard-wire and regular wire cutters, a knife, a bottle opener, and a large bit driver. We were impressed with the overall design of the Skeletool, as well as its light weight and slim size. We found all of the tools to be sharp and functional, although our tester commented that the screwdriver was a bit awkward in his hand.

Like all Leatherman multi-tools, you can open the various tools with just one hand, and you don't need to fully open the multi-tool to reach them. The knife locks in place when fully extended. The Skeletool is made of stainless steel and is available in several colors, including tan, green, and blue. It weighs 5 ounces and measures 4 inches when closed.

Price at time of publish: $75

_{Number of Tools: 7 | Longest Blade Length: 2.6 inches | Number of Blades: 1 | Weight: 5 ounces | Closed Length: 4 inches | Closed Width: 1.24 inches | Keychain Ring: No}

Best for Bicyclists

Topeak Mini 18+ Multi-Tool

5

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Our Ratings

• Performance
  4.5/5
• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Features
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

Don't let a problem with your bike put an end to your weekend ride or leave you walking your bike back home. Instead, carry the Topeak Mini 18+ multi-tool in your pack, and you'll be able to handle many common issues easily and quickly. This lightweight specialty multi-tool includes 18+ useful tools for various repairs while biking, including a set of 10 Allen wrenches in various sizes, a T25 torx wrench, a chain tool, two screwdrivers, various chain tools, and a neoprene bag that stashes in your kit bag. Our product tester, who is an enthusiastic bicyclist, was impressed with the completeness, quality, and ease of use of this bicycle-specific multi-tool, commenting that it was easy to open and close with one hand, although the tools do not lock in place when opened.

Made of alloy steel, this is a durable and strong multi-tool, but be aware that the metal tire lever is for emergency use only. The chain tool is compatible with single and multi-speed chains up to 12 speed. The Mini 18+ weighs only 6.51 ounces and, when closed, measures 3.2 inches long and 1.7 inches across.

Price at time of publish: $43

_{Number of Tools: 18+ | Longest Blade Length: Not applicable | Number of Blades: 0 | Weight: 6.51 ounces | Closed Length: 3.2 inches | Closed Width: 1.7 inches | Keychain Ring: No}

Best Keychain

Leatherman Squirt PS4 Keychain Multi-Tool

4.5

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Our Ratings

• Performance
  4.7/5
• Ease of Use
  4.4/5
• Features
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  3.5/5

Good things can definitely come in small packages, and the Leatherman Squirt PS4 is proof of that. This mini multi-tool is only 2.25 inches long when closed and weighs just 2 ounces, and yet it incorporates nine handy tools, including needle-nose and regular pliers, wire cutters, a knife, scissors, two screwdrivers, a bottle opener, and a file. There's a small loop at one end, so you can hang it on your keychain or slip it into your pocket or bag. We found all of the incorporated tools to be sharp and functional, albeit small.

There's no need to open the entire tool if you just want to get one of the incorporated features; each tool is accessible from the closed position. Plus, you only need one hand to open the tools, leaving your other hand free. That's very convenient when you need to hold something in place with one hand while cutting or filing with the other. We did find that while the tools opened and closes easily, it could be a little tough to get them started, due to their small size. The Squirt PS4 is made of stainless steel and is available in black, red, and blue.

Price at time of publish: $40

_{Number of Tools: 9 | Longest Blade Length: 1.6 inches | Number of Blades: 1 | Weight: 2 ounces | Closed Length: 2.25 inches | Closed Width: 0.78 inches | Keychain Ring: Yes}

Best for Handypeople

Gerber Gear Truss Multi-Tool

4.6

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Our Ratings

• Performance
  4.9/5
• Ease of Use
  4.8/5
• Features
  5/5
• Durability
  3.5/5
• Value
  5/5

Whether your profession or your hobbies call for handiness and being ready on the go, the Gerber Gear Truss has just about anything you'll need during your day. This do-it-all multi-tool has 17 incorporated tools, including needle-nose and regular pliers, a wire cutter, two blades, scissors, a saw, a cross driver, three flathead drivers, a can opener, bottle opener, an awl, a file, a ruler, and wire stripper. Plus, it includes a sheath that attaches vertically or horizontally to your belt or bag, and it also has a lanyard hole if you prefer to hang it from a strap. All of the tools were sharp, worked well, and appeared durable in our tests.

You can access all of the tools without opening the entire multi-tool, and once extended, all of the tools lock in place, so you won't have to deal with annoying slips or unwanted folding while you work. We found that the first few times opening and closing the tools, they were a bit stiff, but they loosened up after that. The Truss is made of stainless steel and is available in black or gray. It weighs 8.4 ounces and measures 4.35 inches when closed.

Price at time of publish: $60

_{Number of Tools: 17 | Longest Blade Length: 2.25 inches | Number of Blades: 2 | Weight: 8.4 ounces | Closed Length: 4.35 inches | Closed Width: Not specified | Keychain Ring: No}

Best for Around the House

Leatherman Sidekick Multitool

4.2

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Our Ratings

• Performance
  4.6/5
• Ease of Use
  4/5
• Features
  4.8/5
• Durability
  4/5
• Value
  4/5

While you can certainly carry the Leatherman Sidekick in your pocket or attached to your belt, this is also a great choice to use as your "around the house" tool when you don't want to be bothered fetching your tool box. This well-designed multi-tool has 13 incorporated features, including a smooth and serrated knife, a saw, two pliers, a wire cutter and stripper, three screwdrivers, a bottle opener, a ruler, a file, and can opener. We found that all of the tools were sharp, functional, and fairly easy to access, although some of the tools were a bit difficult to open with large hands.

Most of the features can be accessed with one hand while the tool is closed. At 7 ounces and 3.8 inches in length when closed, this is a fairly compact multi-tool, but still very useful. Our tester commented that it was comfortable to hold, even when carrying out a lengthier task like driving multiple screws. On the downside, the belt clip broke in our drop test, although the overall usability of the multi-tool was unaffected.

Price at time of publish: $69

_{Number of Tools: 13 | Longest Blade Length: 2.6 inches | Number of Blades: 2 | Weight: 7.0 ounces | Closed Length: 3.8 inches | Closed Width: 1.27 inches | Keychain Ring: No}

Best for Emergency Kit

Wetols 21-in-1 Multi-Tool

4.6

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Our Ratings

• Performance
  4/5
• Ease of Use
  4.4/5
• Features
  3.8/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

Even if you have no need of a multi-tool in your daily life, these devices can be lifesavers in an emergency. The WETOLS 21-in-1 is perfect for your home emergency kit or to keep in your car in case of trouble on the road. As the name suggests, this tool has 21 incorporated features, including four double-sided screwdriver bits, pliers, a saw, a rope cutter, a blade, a file, a hole puncher, bottle, and can openers. We found that the tools functioned well and were fairly easy to open and close, although it was a bit inconvenient to swap out the removable screwdriver bits for the desired size. We also found that it took two hands to open and lock the various tools.

This is a relatively heavy and bulky multi-tool; it weighs almost 12 ounces and is a little over 4 inches long when closed. You probably wouldn't carry this in your pocket, but it includes a carrying pouch with a belt loop, which also serves as the storage spot for the screwdriver bits. Our tester commented that although it took a little wiggling to close the blades, they were sharp, and overall, the 21-in-1 is a very reasonably priced addition to an emergency kit.

Price at time of publish: $30

_{Number of Tools: 21 | Longest Blade Length: 3 inches | Number of Blades: 2 | Weight: 12 ounces | Closed Length: 4.1 inches | Closed Width: 1.7 inches | Keychain Ring: No}

Best for Professionals

Leatherman Super Tool 300 Multitool

4.4

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Our Ratings

• Performance
  5/5
• Ease of Use
  4.6/5
• Features
  4.9/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  3/5

If you are a general contractor, carpenter, electrician, or in any other field where using various hand tools is a regular part of your workday, then you'll appreciate the Leatherman Super Tool 300, which is designed to be usable even when wearing work gloves. This sturdy and well-designed multi-tool has particularly large pliers that are designed to maneuver easily in tight spaces, as well as 18 other features including multiple tools for working with wire, a saw, a straight and a serrated blade, four screwdrivers, an awl, ruler, file, can opener, and bottle opener. We found all of the tools to be sharp and very functional, as well as easy to access.

All of the features lock in place when opened, allowing you to apply pressure when using the tool without fear of slipping or folding. It can be slightly challenging if you have small hands, but for most users, the tool opens and closes easily. At 9.6 ounces in weight and 4.5 inches in length when closed, this heavy-duty multi-tool is a bit heavier and longer than many others, but it still fits in a pocket or can be attached to your belt with its clip. It also has a lanyard ring if you want to wear it around your neck. It's available in matte black or stainless steel.

Price at time of publish: $100

_{Number of Tools: 19 | Longest Blade Length: 3.2 inches | Number of Blades: 2 | Weight: 9.6 ounces | Closed Length: 4.5 inches | Closed Width: 1.2 inches | Keychain Ring: No}