Best Multi-Tools Money Can Buy

When a blade just isn't enough to get the job done

When it comes to tough jobs, sometimes a pocket knife just won’t get it done. For those times having a good multi-tool on our hip can come in handy. We’ll show you the best multi-tools money can buy.

But first….​

Multi-tools are very popular and sold pretty much everywhere, local mom & pop shops or big box stores carry many different types and styles. So they are easy to find, however some of the best deals are on the internet.

If you like to save some cash, as I’m sure most of you do, then buying online is where you’ll save the most of it.

What is a multi-tool and how do I know which are the best multi-tools?

When most people think of multi-tools they think Leatherman, and with good reason.  Leatherman is by far the most popular multi-tool maker. But there are some other good ones out there as well, as you’ll see in the multi-tool reviews below.

Multi-tools are specifically designed with consumer convenience in mind; they allow the buyer to have a multitude of tools in one compact EDC tool.

Even better, the added convenience of having so many tools packed into a single multi-tool saves you time and money. Basically saving you the hassle of having to go purchase each tool individually.

But maybe you’re not a handy-man, maybe you’re just a normal person that doesn’t really have a need for a multi-tool, or so you think.

Multi-tools are incredibly handy and personally I use mine (Leatherman Wave) almost daily, nothing job related, just everyday occurrences.

What are some other multi-tool uses you may be wondering?

Backpacking, camping, cycling, survival, fishing, hiking, etc…

These are just a few off the top of my head, literally could be used for anything, never know what issue may pop up at any time. I’d bet that a good multi-tool has a tool to fix it.

With the many options available, it can be a tough decision, here is a short list of the best multi-tools on the market today.

Top 10 best multi-tools you can buy

These are just a few of the many multi-tools on the market today. But if you’re in the market for a good and useful everyday tool​ these, it’s hard to beat the below tools.

Leatherman Wave Multi-Tool

Leatherman Wave

As I said earlier, I own this multi-tool and personally believe it’s the best available multi-tool. It comes packed with 17 different tools in one beautifully put together setup. Not to mention it’s sold with a 25 year warranty.

All the features of this excellent tool, with the exception of the pliers, lock into place securely via a liner lock for the blades and a lock back for the other tools, definitely a nice safety feature.

Another really cool feature about the Wave and why I ultimately choose this particular multi-tool are the outside-accessible tools. There are 4 tools outside accessible, you have a serrated blade, clip point blade, saw and file. For a quick cut, rather than having to completely open the tool and then deploy the blade from inside you can do so quickly from the outside.

All blades are made from 420HC, which means high carbon and has some very good corrosion resistant properties. If you’re in the market for what I and many others feel is the best multi-tool ever, you literally can’t miss with the Leatherman Wave.

Included Tools:

  • Needle-Nose Pliers
  • Regular Pliers
  • Wire Cutters
  • Hard Wire Cutters
  • Clip Point Blade
  • Serrated Blade
  • Saw
  • Scissors
  • Large Screwdriver
  • Wood & Metal File
  • Diamond Coated File
  • Large Bit Driver
  • Small Bit Driver
  • 8″ Ruler
  • Bottle/Can Opener
  • Wire Stripper
  • Lanyard Attachment

CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT PRICING

Leatherman Wingman Multi-Tool

Leatherman Wingman

The Wingman is essentially a smaller version of the Wave, having a slightly shorted closed length (3.8”) and weight (7 oz). The Wingman features 14 total tools, including 2 that are outside accessible, the combo knife blade and spring action scissors.

Again the blade is made from 420HC steel. For less than half the price of the Leatherman Wave, the Wingman serves has a good option for someone who really just needs the basics when it comes to their multi-tools.

Tools Included:

  • Combo Knife
  • Spring-action Pliers
  • Needle-nose Pliers
  • Wire Cutters
  • Small Screwdriver
  • Medium Screwdriver
  • Philips Screwdriver
  • Wire Stripper
  • Scissors
  • Wood & Metal File
  • Can Opener
  • Package Opener
  • Ruler
  • Bottle Opener

CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT PRICING

Leatherman Sidekick Multi-Tool

Leatherman Sidekick

The Leatherman Sidekick is another multi-tool that features 14 different tools.  Making it considerably cheaper than number one on the list. The Sidekick is the better option for anyone working on a budget.

The Sidekick and a closed length of 3.8 inches and weights 7 ounces.  The primary blade length is 2.6 inches.  As standard with Leatherman the Sidekick is also guaranteed with a 25 year warranty.

Overall the Leatherman Sidekick offers a great variety of tools for everyday jobs and it is sold at a nearly unbeatable price.  The high carbon stainless provides strength that is really needed for a tool like this to be considered a practical option for you “average Joe”.​

Tools Included:

  • Needle-nose Pliers
  • Regular Pliers
  • Wire Cutters
  • Wire Stripper
  • 420HC Knife
  • 420HC Serrated Knife
  • Saw
  • Ruler
  • Can Opener
  • Bottle Opener
  • Wood/Metal File
  • Phillips Screwdriver
  • Medium Srewdriver
  • Small Screwdriver

CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT PRICING

Gerber Suspension Multi-Plier

Gerber Suspension Multi-Tool

The Gerber brand is renowned for offering its customers quality products that are built to last.

For less than fifty dollars you buy a 12 tool multi-tool that will keep you covered no matter what the job is that you may need to complete.​

The Suspension comes with 12 tools in a in a somewhat heavier package compared to the other offerings.  Weighting 9 ounces with less tools is kind of perplexing to me.

The open frame design would suggest a lightweight package, but that isn’t the case with this multi-too. 

With that being said, I wouldn’t let the extra couple ounces scare you off.  Gerber is a brand that many people trust and for good reason.

The Gerber Multi-Plier ​has your back when it comes to unexpected fixes with this completely compact multi-tool.

Tools Included:

  • Needle-nose Pliers
  • Wire Cutters
  • Saw
  •  Plain Edge Knife
  • Serrated Knife
  • Scissors
  • Crosspoint Screwdriver
  • Small Flat Driver
  • Medium Flat Driver
  • Can Opener
  • Bottle Opener
  • Lanyard Hole

CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT PRICING

Gerber MP600 Multi-Plier

Gerber MP600 Multi-Tool

The Gerber MP600 Multi-Plier is sold in two versions, the Needle Nose and Blunt Nose pliers being the only difference in the two.

Personally I like and believe the Needle Nose version to be much more useful.

The MP600 has a black oxide tactical style finish and looks pretty sharp no doubt.

The Gerber MP600 has a total of 14 highly functional tools included.  However, one glaring omission for me would be scissors.  I like scissors on a multi-tool, wish the were available on this tool.

If you can get past no scissors, everything else about this multi-tool is top-notch quality.  One handed opening pliers, black oxide finish, nylon sheath, fully locking tools, Gerber has included all the features you could ask for.

Only drawback I would have with this tool, the needle nose pliers stick out of the handle, adding a little extra closed length to the tool.

Tools Included:

  • Needle-nose Pliers
  • Wire Cutters
  • Wire Crimper
  •  Fine Edge Knife
  • Serrated Knife
  • File
  • Philips Driver
  • Small Flat Driver
  • Medium Flat Driver
  • Large Flat Driver
  • Can Opener
  • Bottle Opener
  • Lanyard Ring
  • Ruler

CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT PRICING

Leatherman Skeletool CX Multi-Tool

Leatherman Skeletool CX

The Leatherman Skeletool is probably the lightest multi-tool on the market today.​ Weighing only 5 ounces, but with just 7 tools included is the reason its not further up the list.

The Skeletool features stainless steel handles with carbon fiber scales and Tungsten DLC scratch resistent coating.  This tool can take a beating and look just as good as the day you bought it.

​The Skeletool is probably the best camping multi-tool out there right now, with all your gear this tool only add’s an additional 5 ounces of weight while still preserving its full functionality.

Previous versions of the Skeletool used 420HC blade steel, the CX version uses 154CM blade steel which is a significantly better quality steel.  Of course this also mean there is about a $20 price difference, absolutely worth it if you ask me.​

Tools Included:

  • Needle-nose Pliers
  • Regular Pliers
  •  Hard Wire Cutters
  • Wire Cutters
  • 154CM Knife
  • Carabiner
  • Bottle Opener
  • Large Bit Driver

CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT PRICING

Leatherman Super Tool 300

Leatherman Super Tool 300

The Leatherman Super Tool is a fitting name, this multi-tool features an incredible 19 tools total.

The hard & soft wire cutters are removable, so in the event you damage one you can either replace or resharpen them.  This feature isn’t an option on the Wave, so that’s an added benefit.

​The 19 tools are nice for any working man, it maybe a little on the heavy side for some but it’s a great tool overall. I can guarantee it has an application for almost any job you can throw at it.

The one and only reason I decided to purchase the Leatherman Wave over the Super Tool 300 is the outside accessible tools.  Unfortunately you have to open this tool to get to the blades and other tools.

I do wish the knife blades were 154CM steel as the wire cutters are, but that would also increase the total price of the tool.

As with all Leatherman multi-tools, the Super Tool 300 comes with the 25 year warranty.

Tools Included:

  • Needle-nose Pliers
  • Regular Pliers
  • 154CM Wire Cutters
  • 154CM Hard-Wire Cutters
  • Ruler
  • Stranded Wire-Cutters
  • Electrical Crimpers
  • Wire Stripper
  • 420HC Knife
  • 420HC Serrated Knife
  • Saw
  • Awl w/ Thread Loop
  • Can Opener
  • Bottle Opener
  • Wood/Metal File
  • Phillips Screwdriver
  • Large Screwdriver
  • Medium Screwdriver
  • Small Screwdriver

CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT PRICING

Leatherman Rebar

Leatherman Rebar Multi-Tool

​With a similar design as the Super Tool 300, the Rebar is a strong well built multi-tool.

What sets the Rebar apart from the Super Tool 300 is the weight.  At only 6.7 ounces this tools is much easier to carry in your pants pocket if you prefer.

The Rebar includes 154CM replaceable wire cutters much like the Super Tool, in fact the only tools missing from the Rebar that are included in the Super Tool would be the stranded wire cutters and the medium screwdriver.

If you can live without those couple tools, which I believe anybody could ​you can shave almost 3 ounces of carry weight and save a few bucks in the process.

I’ve read many reviews stating the Leatherman Rebar is the best cyclist mult-tool for the simple fact that is light, yet still has all the tools needed for quick repairs.

​The one issue I’ve found with the Rebar, is so popular that it’s hard to keep in stock.

Tools Included:

  • Needle-nose Pliers
  • Regular Pliers
  • 154CM Wire Cutters
  • 154CM Hard-Wire Cutters
  • Electrical Crimpers
  • Wire Stripper
  • 420HC Knife
  • 420HC Serrated Knife
  • Saw
  • Awl w/ Thread Loop
  • Can Opener
  • Bottle Opener
  • Wood/Metal File
  • Phillips Screwdriver
  • Large Screwdriver
  • Medium Screwdriver
  • Ruler

CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT PRICING

Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Multi-Tool

Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Multi-Tool

​Surely you’ve heard of Bear Grylls, the crazy guy on TV drinking his own pee.

Well he has capitalized on his success with Gerber and created his own brand of survival knives and now multi-tools.

The Gerber Ultimate is consider by many one of the best survival multi-tools, of course any multi-tool could prove useful in a survival situation, but this particular one is marketed as such.

This multi-tool comes equipped with 12 total tools, which all lock in place when open adding a nice safety feature.​

Setting this multi-tool apart from others is the textured rubber grip, as opposed to stainless steel this rubber grip provides comfort while in use, also ensuring a solid no slip grip.​

Another nice feature is the spring loaded jaw, release pressure on the plier handles and it opens up if you need a quick reposition.​

The ergonomics of this tool are nice, it fits well in your hand either opened or shut.  However it does flare out on the bottom and it a little wider than needed I believe.

Another complaint, while the rubber textured grip is nice, it is slightly harder to remove it from it’s sheath due to the grippy nature of the rubber.​

Tools Included:

  • Needle-nose Pliers
  • Fine Edge Knife
  • Serrated Edge Knife
  • Phillips Scewdriver
  • Small Flat Driver
  • Medium Flat Driver
  • Lanyard Ring
  • Bottle Opener
  • Can Opener
  • Scissors
  • Wire Cutters
  • Saw

CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT PRICING

​Does Leatherman make the best multi-tools?

I could easily ignore other multi-tools and focus solely on Leatherman, because lets be honest, they are top notch multi-tools.

Leatherman has brand recognition, when you think of a multi-tool you quickly think Leatherman​.  If fact this is so much so that most of the time a multi-tool is called a Leatherman. 

To the question, is Leatherman the best. Simple answer is yes, their tools are superior to many other tools available. My first choice would be Leatherman.​ 

But for the sake of variety let’s take a look at a few others.

  • Victornix SwissTool Spirit – A Swiss made multi-tool with 27 functions, retails for around $100 on amazon.com
  • Cerberuso Multi-Tool – This multi-tool has only recently came on my radar, but its has some excellent reviews. Coupled with a lifetime warranty and money back guarantee why not give it a shot, right? You can pick it up on amazon for under $30, good deal!
  • Tarvol Multi-Tool – 14 in 1 multi-tool with multiple outside accessible tools, and its dirt cheap on Amazon. Really can’t beat this multi-tool.
  • Magnelex Multi-Tool Plier – This multi-tool has 11 integrated tools plus an extra 11 attachable bit.  Not a bad deal for under $40 on amazon.

There you have it, the best multi-tools money can buy.  Now all that’s left to do is to buy one, so make a decision already and do it.

If you have some additional info on a multi-tool you think is the best, please leave it in the comments for others to enjoy.​

2 thoughts on “Top 10 Best Multi-Tools Money Can Buy”

  1. The description for the surge seems to be a copy of the Gerber before it!, overall though pretty sweet review, I came to see how my surge stands on your list, heh

    Reply
    • Oh man, thanks for pointing that out. Thanks for checking out the review, the Surge is an outstanding tool, its a shame I’ve messed up the review for it. I’ll have that fixed ASAP

      Reply

Leave a Comment