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Our top picks are lightweight, versatile, and seriously convenient.
Photo:Real Simple
Think Swiss Army knife, but bigger and more sophisticated.
The Leatherman comes with 21 tools, including wire cutters, pliers, blades, and a can opener.
Overall, we wouldn’t change anything about the Free P4.
PHOTO: Amazon
It lacks one-handed convenience.
If you are hiking or camping, the Wetols 21-in-1 Multi-Tool is a good tool to keep nearby.
This multi-tool has a variety of tools, including pliers, screwdrivers, and knife blades.
PHOTO: Real Simple
Plus, it’s textured for a comfortable grip.
The 3-inch saw in particular performed well during testing and was able to cut through a wood clock easily.
It’s also pretty bulky, and is less suited for DIY projects.
Still, if budget is your primary concern then this multi-tool is a fantastic choice.
It’s not suitable for electrical or plumbing work.
Its actually designed as a keychain multi-tool and features a keychain loop for you to hang.
Although, it has no Phillips screwdriver, which is a bummer if you need tight-fitting screws.
Still, its not so small that you cannot use all of the tools.
it’s possible for you to’t get much use out of it beyond bike repairs.
Its slightly different from other multi-tools as there are no screwdrivers and pliers.
Overall, we were pleased with this tool because of its compact status and diverse tool mix.
None of the tools have locking mechanisms.
It stands out due to its comfortable size, and the fact that it doesnt feel bulky.
And although its small, it has a surprising number of tools.
But for camping or outdoor activities, this is a fantastic option.
Our Testing Process
We acquired 30 popular multi-tools and put them to the test in our lab.
Next, we considered size.
We evaluated whether each tool could effectively complete the tasks, and whether there were any difficulties.
We also took note if the multi-tool was missing any common tools.
Our last test was focused on durability.
Finally, we viewed the price of each multi-tool to determine overall value.
We took all these insights into consideration to determine the best multi-tools.
Keychain multi-tools are great if you need something small and lightweight that can fit on your key ring.
Many multi-tools will have at least one blade, though this isn’t always the case.
For instance, tools used for bike maintenance typically do not come with blades.
Weight
When selecting a multi-tool, it is important to take into account its weight.
According to Claire: The weight of a multi-tool can matter depending on how you plan to use it.
In the end, the best multi-tool for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Questions You Might Ask
What’s the difference between a multi-tool and a pocket knife?
How many tools does a typical multi-tool have?
PHOTO: Amazon
The number of tools on a multi-tool can vary depending on the model.
Who should use a multi-tool?
PHOTO: Real Simple
PHOTO: Gerber Gear
PHOTO: Real Simple
PHOTO: Amazon
PHOTO: Real Simple
PHOTO: Amazon
PHOTO: Real Simple
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Real Simple / Henry Wortock
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