Multi-tools are like the Swiss Army knives of the modern world. They offer a wide range of functionalities and can be the perfect companion in various situations, whether you’re at home, outdoors, or at work. With their compact size and versatile features, multi-tools provide a convenient solution for everyday problems. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top multi-tools available in the market, their key features, and how they can enhance your problem-solving abilities.
Why You Need a Multi-Tool
When you carry a multi-tool, you open yourself up to a whole world of problem-solving and empowerment. It’s like having a flashlight in your pocket – once you have it, you find yourself using it multiple times a day. Whether you need to fix something, open a package, or even assist in an emergency situation, a multi-tool can be the ultimate tool for the job.
The Best Multi-Tool: Leatherman Skeletool CX
After testing several multi-tools, the Leatherman Skeletool CX stood out as the best option. Its sleek and lightweight design, coupled with its minimal lineup of well-executed essentials, make it a top choice. The Skeletool CX is unburdened by an abundance of rarely used tools, making it easier to use and carry. Its pliers, knife, screwdrivers, and bottle opener are all you ever need for minor fixes and everyday tasks.
The Skeletool CX’s knife deploys and locks smoothly with one hand, and its high-quality 154CM blade steel holds an edge longer than most multi-tool blades. Despite its functionality, the Skeletool CX is compact enough to fit comfortably in your pocket and can be clipped onto a belt or backpack using a pocket clip or carabiner. The CX’s pliers are precise and comfortable to hold, and its screwdrivers handle the most common screws with ease. Plus, the Skeletool CX comes with a 25-year warranty, ensuring its long-lasting durability.
Key Features of the Leatherman Skeletool CX
- Closed dimensions: 4⅛ by 1¼ by ½ inches
- Weight: 5.2 ounces
- Blade length: 2⅝ inches
- Tools included: needle-nose pliers, wire cutter, bottle opener, Phillips screwdriver (2), flat screwdriver (2), carabiner clip
The Leatherman Free P2: Easy to Use and Versatile
If you’re in need of a larger multi-tool that is extremely easy to use, the Leatherman Free P2 is an excellent choice. Released in 2019, the Free P2 features an entirely new design by Leatherman. With its handles closed, you can access and open all of its tools with a single hand – a unique feature in the world of multi-tools. The pliers can even be deployed one-handed with just a flip of the wrist.
After testing the Free P2 extensively, we found that other full-size multi-tools started to feel clunky and laborious to open in comparison. Despite being slightly heavier than the Skeletool CX, the Free P2 has a slender and streamlined design, making it comfortable to carry. It comes with a pocket clip, further enhancing its portability. The Free P2 offers a wide range of tools and functionalities, without compromising on ease of use.
Key Features of the Leatherman Free P2
- Closed dimensions: 4 by 1½ by ⅝ inches
- Weight: 7½ ounces
- Blade length: 2⅝ inches
- Tools included: needle-nose pliers, wire cutter, electrical crimper, wire stripper, knife, scissors, package opener, awl, can opener, bottle opener, wood/metal file, Phillips screwdriver, medium flat screwdriver, small flat screwdriver, extra-small flat screwdriver, pry tool, ruler
The Leatherman Signal: Outdoor-Oriented and Reliable
For those who spend a lot of time outdoors or prioritize emergency preparedness, the Leatherman Signal is an excellent choice. While sharing many characteristics with the Skeletool CX, such as a stripped-down tool selection and carabiner-clip bottle opener feature, the Signal is specially designed for outdoor use. In addition to the knife, pliers, bottle opener, and screwdriver, it also includes a whistle, fire-starter rod, knife sharpener, saw, and awl.
The Signal is larger than the Skeletool CX, but the additional tools are seamlessly integrated into its design, adding minimal bulk. These tools are not only useful but also highly functional, making the Signal a robust multi-tool for camping and survival situations. Its larger pliers, replaceable wire cutter blades, and longer plier handles provide enhanced durability and versatility.
Key Features of the Leatherman Signal
- Closed dimensions: 4½ by 1⅝ by ¾ inches
- Weight: 7½ ounces
- Blade length: 2¾ inches
- Tools included: needle-nose pliers, wire cutters, knife, saw, hammer, awl, can opener, bottle opener, Phillips screwdriver, flat screwdriver, quarter-inch box wrench, 3/16-inch box wrench, carabiner, ferro rod, whistle, sharpener
The Gerber Gear Dime: Compact and Capable
If compactness is a priority for you, the Gerber Gear Dime is the multi-tool to consider. Despite being smaller than a Bic lighter, it offers an impressive selection of useful tools, including scissors, pliers, a bottle opener, a knife, two screwdrivers, and a clamshell cutter for safely opening retail packaging. The Dime features an externally mounted bottle opener, precise plier jaws, and comes in a variety of colors.
The Gerber Gear Dime is an affordable option, usually costing under $30. However, it’s worth noting that the knife blade doesn’t lock, which is typical for tools of its size. Additionally, its pliers may serve better as tweezers than the included tweezers themselves. Nonetheless, the Gerber Gear Dime provides good functionality in a compact and lightweight package.
Key Features of the Gerber Gear Dime
- Closed dimensions: 2¾ by 13/16 by ½ inches
- Weight: 2.3 ounces
- Blade length: 1⅜ inches
- Tools included: needle-nose pliers, regular pliers, wire cutters, tweezers, bottle opener, knife, clamshell opener, scissors, flat screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, coarse and fine file, lanyard ring
The Leatherman Free T4: Compact and Locking Tools
If you’re looking for a smaller multi-tool that doesn’t include pliers, the Leatherman Free T4 is a great option. Despite its smaller size, it offers a well-rounded selection of tools, including scissors and tweezers. What sets the Free T4 apart is that all of its tools, including the knife, lock in the open position, providing added safety and functionality. It also features a pocket clip, making it easy to carry.
The Free T4 shares the same one-handed deployment feature as the Free P2, allowing you to access all of its tools effortlessly. With its solid build and Leatherman’s 25-year warranty, the Free T4 is a reliable and compact multi-tool for those who prefer a plier-less design.
Key Features of the Leatherman Free T4
- Closed dimensions: 3⅝ by 1 by ⅞ inches
- Weight: 4.3 ounces
- Blade length: 2 1/16 inches
- Tools included: knife, scissors, pry tool, package opener, awl, bottle opener, file, Phillips screwdriver, flat screwdriver (3), tweezers
The Gerber Gear Armbar Drive: Budget-Friendly and Compact
If you’re on a budget and looking for a simple multi-tool, the Gerber Gear Armbar Drive is worth considering. This compact tool lacks pliers but makes up for it with its small size and weight. It includes a basic yet well-rounded set of tools, such as a knife, screwdrivers, package opener, scissors, and a bottle opener. The Armbar Drive’s bottle opener is particularly inventive and can be used quickly with one hand.
One downside is that the screwdriver does not lock in the open position, but the knife does. Additionally, the Armbar Drive lacks a pocket clip. However, for those who prefer a compact multi-tool without the added bulk of pliers, the Armbar Drive delivers good functionality at an affordable price.
Key Features of the Gerber Gear Armbar Drive
- Closed dimensions: 3½ by ¾ by ¾ inches
- Weight: 3.1 ounces
- Blade length: 2⅝ inches
- Tools included: knife, Phillips screwdriver, flat screwdriver, pry tool, bottle opener, scissors, awl, striking tool
Conclusion
In conclusion, a multi-tool is an essential tool for every situation. Whether you choose the Leatherman Skeletool CX for its sleek design and essential features, the Leatherman Free P2 for its ease of use, or the Leatherman Signal for its outdoor-oriented tools, you can’t go wrong with a high-quality multi-tool. For those who prioritize compactness, the Gerber Gear Dime and Leatherman Free T4 offer excellent options, while the Gerber Gear Armbar Drive provides a budget-friendly choice. No matter which multi-tool you choose, you’ll have a versatile and reliable tool at your fingertips, ready to tackle any task that comes your way.
Remember, a multi-tool is a personal choice, and what suits one person may not suit another. Explore the options, consider your specific needs, and find the perfect multi-tool that will become your trusted companion for years to come.
