Best Multi-Tools for 2023

This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Last Updated on January 18, 2023 by admin_hunter

Remember MacGyver? The man could make an exploding pen from a rock/paper/scissors game. Just one click after you’ve signed your name, and BOOM! the baddies are blown to smithereens. Not one bit of them soiling his hair, his shirt, his rugged good looks.

Do you want a multi-tool? Don’t waste your time on posers. Buy a multi-tool that gets the job done; the first time, it threatens to. Then you’ll never have to buy another multi-tool again.

What Makes for a Great Multi-Tool?

Straight-up convenience makes for a great multi-tool convenience that looks like this:

  1. As close to lifetime guarantee and quality as possible.
  2. It does everything, and by everything, we mean that the components have been well-thought-out for the average person who might need to screw or cut something. Even the above-average tool user needs a nifty multi-tool to keep handy.
  3. Size. Size does matter, and not in the way you might think. You’re not a jailer. You don’t need a bull-ring size keyring jangling at your hip with your myriad of tiny tools. You need one compact, foldable, powerful multi-tool that can fit in a pants pocket or purse.
  4. And last but not least; safety locking, because when you say that you almost bled to death, people don’t expect that it would be at the hands of your multi-tool blade.

Do I Really Need a Multi-Tool?

Yes, you do. Nothing screams satisfaction like independence. Nothing compares to the sense of achievement we get from fixing something or building something. Especially when it’s something you weren’t sure you could. 

Multi-tools are versatile and have many functions, like you. Multi-tools are cool. And having a good multi-tool is invaluable to helping you level up your inner Handy Man and maintain your super-useful status. 

We like people with multi-tools. They help us. We want to be them.

The Best Multi-tools for Every Situation (The Top 5 choices)

Utility, utility, utility. What exactly do you need your multi-tool for? Will it become a permanent part of you from this day forward? Is it necessary for your work? Or do you just want the convenience of independence and “can-do” when the time comes? 

Either way, we’ve rounded up what we think are the action heroes of what’s available out there.

Victorinox Swiss Tool X Plus

Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit X Plus Ratchet Swiss Army Knife, 36 Function Swiss Made Multi-Tool with Needle-nose Pliers - Silver
  • SWISS TOOL: Whether you’re at home, in the office or exploring the great outdoors, this Victorinox multi-tool has you covered. The Swiss Tool is the ultimate pocket multi-tool, designed for extreme functionality.
  • EXTREME FUNCTIONALITY: With 26 functions, including wire stripper, hard wire cutters, metal saw, bottle opener, wood saw and 2 large blades, there’s nothing it can’t handle.
  • COMPACT COMPETENCY: This robust multi-tool packs all the functionality of your toolbox into a pocket-friendly form, ensuring that you are always prepared – no matter where life may take you.
  • HIGHEST SWISS QUALITY: Victorinox stands for skilled craftsmanship and innovative design. We draw on 13 years’ experience to produce iconic, high-quality knives, watches, luggage and perfumes.
  • SPECIFICATIONS: Measurements: 115 mm / 4.5 in long × 35 mm / 1.4 in wide × 21 mm / .8 in high. Weight: 29 g / 1.2 oz. Scale material: Steel.

The Tony Stark of multi-tools. You’ve gotta love the Swiss. Not only do they make a tool with 37 functions, but they make it fit into a sleek leather pouch!  The price is a bit plus also at $ 221.53, but considering  you’ll probably have it for life; it’s worth the investment. Weighing in at just over 290 grams and only 115mm long, it proves that dynamite does indeed come in small packages. What’s more, is that it holds the Popular Mechanics title for Editor’s Choice. Oooh.

Check out the Victorinox website for full specs, details, and where to buy.

Leatherman Surge

LEATHERMAN, Surge, 21-in-1 Heavy-Duty Multi-tool for Work, Home, Garden, DIY & Auto, Stainless Steel with Premium Nylon Sheath
  • A Leatherman for Everyone: For the last 40 years, Leatherman has been empowering millions to conquer the expected and unexpected, transforming everyday challenges into triumphant moments
  • Engineered to Withstand: From our Portland, Oregon factory and backed by our 25-year warranty, our multi-tools are built to last a lifetime, embodying the innovation and perseverance of our founder, Tim Leatherman
  • Powerful Workhorse: Built to handle tough jobs, the Surge is one of our biggest multi-tools featuring our largest pliers and longest blades; Crafted to meet the needs of electricians, mechanics, plumbers, construction workers and other professionals
  • King of Multitasking: From household fixes and DIY pursuits to crafting and gardening, Surge is your trusty companion for everyday tasks and professional projects, alike
  • Interchangeable Saw Blade/File: The saw is great for bigger tasks like cutting branches to clear out your yard; For precision jobs such as smoothing edges or trimming wood down to the right measurement, swap out the saw for the file

Leatherman is like the Apple of multi-tool design. Always striving for better functionality, without compromising quality and  looks.  The Surge is available in either stainless steel or black with a sleek Molle Black Nylon sheath.  This multi-tool boasts 21 tools and is one of their two largest  multi-tools with the largest pliers and longest multitool blades. It is specifically built for tough jobs and a lifetime of use and is available to buy straight off their website at $129.95 (what are you waiting for?).

The Caliber X

Hold onto your seats for this one! The Caliber X guarantees audible gasps of awe and wonder  each time you crack it open.  They’ve reincarnated MacGyver into a  multi-tool, a tool that fits perfectly into your lifestyle. Designed for modern men and women. It even  comes with a firestarter! A firestarter?! And would you believe that it’s available for a mere $85.00? Take my word for it and go check out the rest of the mind-blowing details on their website:

SOG Powerlitre

SOG PowerLitre Mini Utility Multi-Tool w/ 19 Lightweight Tools, Compact 5 Inch Long Utility Tool with Knife, Screwdriver, Hex Bit Holder, Black
  • VERSATILE MINI MULTI-TOOL - The PowerLitre is a mini-multi tool with that delivers full-sized utility, including the first SOG multi-tool to include a corkscrew; the Litre comes equipped with a magnetic hex bit holder
  • 19 TOOLS IN A COMPACT PACKAGE - This industrial stainless steel multitool pocket knife works hard and plays harder; small multitool includes pliers, scissors, knife, a magnetic 1/4 inch hex bit holder and corkscrew
  • 4.6-OUNCE LIGHTWEIGHT MULTITOOL - Pocket knife multitool and multitool pliers is designed to be super compact at just 5 inches; all in one tool is crafted in 5Cr15MoV stainless steel; store it in your backpack, your glove box or in your pocket
  • CONSTRUCTED FROM STAINLESS STEEL - With its stainless steel construction, the PowerLitre ensures durability and corrosion resistance, providing reliable performance in diverse environments; it is designed to be a dependable companion for all your needs
  • COMPOUND LEVERAGE - SOG's proprietary Compound Leverage technology works by employing multiple pivot points that generate greater handle travel in relation to plier movement: approximately twice the power of a conventional multi-tool

Did you know that SOG is the knife-maker choice for the U.S Navy Seals? Do you know why? Utility. Single-handed utility. Gone are the days of someone needing to hold your beer or

baby, while you go about making the world a better place. The SOG Powerlitre is a powerhouse mini multi-tool with 19 tools compacted into rugged efficiency.  And for $65.95, this little precious can be yours! Small enough and light enough to store anywhere, like Lara Croft’s bra. It has a magnetic bit holder, and wait for it…a jewelry driver. Go check it out on their website:

Gerber Dime

Gerber Gear Dime 12-in-1 Mini EDC Multitool - Needle Nose Pliers, Pocket Knife, Keychain, Bottle Opener - Gifts for Men, EDC Gear and Equipment - Black
  • 12-IN-1 EDC MULTITOOL: The Gerber Dime compact multitool features needle nose pliers, wire cutters, tweezers, bottle opener, retail package opener, plain edge blade pocket knife, scissors, small and medium flat head driver, fine and coarse file
  • INNOVATIVE DESIGN: Made from durable stainless steel to withstand tough conditions, this EDC pocket knife mini multi-tool is designed for convenience with a butterfly opening and locking feature to protect the tools when not in use
  • OUTDOOR ESSENTIALS: The Dime mini multitool is perfect for hunters, tradesmen, and everyday carry; an excellent addition to your camping essentials, toolbox, work wear, and fishing and hiking gear
  • COMPACT AND CONVENIENT: 2.75" closed length and 4.25" overall length; 2.2 oz weight; Fits easily in your pocket or on a keychain or lanyard ring; Perfect for camping and EDC gear
  • GERBER GUARANTEE: Backed by a limited lifetime warranty, ensuring quality and reliability in all Gerber essential hunting gear

I love this little guy because it’s not just a pretty face. Available in 3 different colors, sporting 12 tools and all as a keychain.  Being so compact makes it extremely useful as your daily companion so that you’re always prepared. In fact, some reviewers report having even used it to fix some motor parts.  Also, that the bright color makes it easy to spot amongst the myriad of other things you have lying around. And at $24.00, it’s not about to break your budget either. Check it out on their website:

Bob the Builder! Can He Fix It?!

Yes, he most certainly can! And now you can too. Owning a dependable, handy multi-tool has never been easier. No household should be without one. The key to choosing is ultimately deciding what you want yours for. 

Keep in mind that you’re probably not going to be able to build an entire house with one of these, but you will most certainly be able to construct some furniture, even IKEA furniture.

Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a hardened tradesperson, go forth in multi-tool independence and fix something like you mean it.