Alexandra Ramirez
1. Leatherman
Best Overall Multitool
5/5 Product Rating
The new bronze bushing makes one handed knife access smooth and easy. The design allows the user to choose one tool at a time easily.
There are 17 amazing tools on this multitool. These are:
- Needlenose pliers
- Regular pliers
- Wire cutters
- Hard-wire cutters
- Clip point knife
- Serrated knife
- Saw
- Scissors
- Wood/metal file
- Diamond coated file
- Large bit driver
- Small bit driver
- Large screwdriver
- 8” ruler
- Bottle/can opener
- Wire stripped
- Lanyard attachment
Construction is stainless steel and Black Oxide. Every tool on the Leatherman Wave is lockable except for the plier head. Many of the tools have nail nicks that allow you to easily choose the tool and get it open quickly and efficiently. Drill bits are simple to change; just remove the existing bit and pop a new one in.
This Leatherman Wave Multitool has some optional accessories that can be purchased separately including a bit kit that offers 21 double ended bits or you can get s pocket clip and quick release lanyard ring for easy and accessible carrying.
Consumers who purchase this tool also have a 25 year limited warranty. Covered items will either be repaired or the customer will receive a replacement of equal or greater value. When opened the multitool are 6.3” and closed it is 4”. All the blades and tools are made of 100% stainless steel.
– Darius Spieth
2. SOG
Best Overall Multitool – Runner Up
4.7/5 Product Rating
Users will love the sleek black oxide finish and full serrated blade it offers. The 16 tools that it includes are:
- 3 sided file
- Blasting cap crimper
- Bolt grip channel
- Bottle opener
- Can opener
- Hard wire cutter
- Large flat screwdriver
- Medium flat screwdriver
- Needlenose pliers
- Phillips screwdriver
- Ruler
- Small flat screwdriver
- Straight edge blade,
- V cutter
- Wire crimper
- Full serrated blade
It is compact and lightweight and comes with a nylon sheath for easy transport that will keep it protected when not in use. The locks on the blades and tools add even more safety to allow for safe storage and safe use as well.
The lanyard hole and clip attachment with hook and loop closure make carrying this tool around with you very easy and since it’s lightweight, you won’t find it cumbersome. Consumers have a lifetime limited warranty against any defects in craftsmanship.
SOG products are used often by law enforcement, military and industrial customers who find the quality and design very useful and appealing. These multitools are rugged and durable and will stand the test of time when taken care of properly.
– Darius Spieth
3. Gerber Diesel
Best Budget Multitool
4.3/5 Product Rating
- Cross point screwdriver
- Small flat blade screwdriver
- Medium flat blade screwdriver
- Large flat blade screwdriver
- Can opener
- Bottle opener
- File
- Saw
- Scissors
- Wire cutter/stripper
The needle nose pliers fit into all kinds of tight spots. Opening the multitool is easy with just a flick of your wrist offering users one handed operation, leaving your other hand free for other needed tasks. The patented Saf.AT Plus system locks each tool and blade into place so you never have to worry.
The Gerber multitool weighs only 8.6 ounces and measure 4.92” closed and 6.61” opened. It has a nylon ballistic cloth sheath as well so it stays protected when not in use. The attractive and sleek bead blast finish looks great. It comes with a limited lifetime warranty. It’s the perfect multitool for hunting, camping survival and other outdoor situations.
– Darius Spieth
Multitool Buying Guide
What is a Multitool?
One of the most important aspects of choosing the right multitool is knowing how you will be using it. Since there are so many different models on the market with different tools, you want to be sure that you get the one you need. You will want to decide on the components before you select your multitool. You want to get the best tool you can for the budget you have. A poor quality tool will brake and the tools on it will not work very well which could harm the user.
Multitool Features
What kind of tools are you looking for? Do you want screwdrivers? A cork? Ruler? What you personally want to see on your multitool will determine the kind you get as well as the cost. If you’re a hunter, you’ll probably want to find a tool that has tools like serrated blades, screwdrivers, can opener, LED flashlight and more. Some multi tools even have fish scalers.
Other people may want tools such as wire cutters, toothpicks and tweezers. The different components don’t have to be by chance. Decide which ones you have to have and look for multitools that have those tools as part of their lineup. An important feature is a clip or ring that is tied to a lanyard for safe and reliable transporting of your multitool.
Warranties are Good
You want to make sure that you choose a multitool that offers a good warranty as well. Many models of multitools offer limited lifetime warranties. You want to find the best warranty you can so you are protected from any defects in quality or craftsmanship. With the right warranty, you will have peace of mind knowing the company stands behind the quality of their products.
Quality is Important
When you are looking for a multitool it is important to choose one that is of good quality. You want it to be lightweight but durable so the tools work well and you don’t break it the first time using it. You want all the different tools to be well made too. One of the best ways to check this out is to read online reviews on the multitools you are interested in. See what customers are saying about quality, construction and tool strength and durability.
There is no point in scrimping on quality and purchasing the least expensive multitool you can find. You really get what you pay for so be sure to get the most quality for your buck as you can. Look for descriptions that discuss the type of stainless steel they use and so on. Even though higher quality stainless steel will cost you more, it will last a good long time and you will not be replacing the multitool in a year. The blades will last longer and be more durable as well.
Part of the quality of a multitool is the company it comes from. You should never by a generic or off brand multitool. Stick to well known and well respected companies such as Gerber, Leatherman, SOG and Victorinox. These companies have proven themselves in the market with their successes and when you stick to the well known brands such as these, you will already know that you are getting a high quality product from a company that will stand behind them.
Design of the Multitool
Multitools come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, colors, joint designs and tool combinations. A well designed multitool will have a good variety of tools that are durable and strong. It will also have safety features in place such as locking mechanisms for the blades and tools and a sheath to carry it with. The locking capability is very important to prevent the tools from coming down on your fingers.
Another convenient design style is one that has tools that are detachable and replaceable. This is much better than having to replace the whole multitool because one component is messed up. When looking for a good multitool, definitely take design and durability into consideration. That will ensure a good quality tool that you will use for a very long time.
How to Care for Your Multitool
You want to make sure that you care for the multitool properly so it lasts as long as possible. Caring for your knife properly will help it last and will keep it and the tools in great working order.
- Blade sharpening – You will need to be conscientious about keeping the various tools sharp. Regular inspections are crucial so you can ensure that the blade and those tools stay sharp and ready to. You can use a whetstone or file to properly sharpen the blades.
- Cleaning the Multitool – Keeping your multitool clean and in proper working condition means it will work well when you need it and last a long time as well. Despite being made most often by stainless steel, they can still rust so take care to keep them out of the elements. Be certain to follow all safety procedures and practices when using a multitool. Also know that multitools are not meant to be carried by young kids. An older, responsible teen would find it very useful and would probably use it quite often.
- Carry Case – How you are going to carry your multitool will determine the kind and size you get. If you want to carry it in your pocket, you will not want to get a large one that will be bulky in your pocket and even tug on your pants, pulling on them. Many multitools have lanyards and hooks to carry them on belt loops. If you are attaching the multitools to your belt loop you can afford to have one that is a little bigger than the one you will want to carry in your pocket.
Conclusion
Multitools are wonderfully useful. If you are an avid outdoorsman and participate in fishing, camping, hunting activities, you will definitely get a lot of use from your own multi-tool. They can easily fit into your pocket or backpack so they don’t take up much room at all. They also have such a big variety of tools that it will be easy to find one that has most of what you are look.
While these versatile tools can’t replace regular full size tools, they will definitely make doing certain jobs much easier and are a lot easier to use when certain little situations arise. These top rated multitool reviews have provided a lot of insight to some of the best tools on the market and our buyer’s guide has provided the additional information you need to understand what makes a good quality multitool.
When you are armed with the right knowledge, you can take that information and use it to sort through the many choices that are available on the market today. Finding the best multitool for your needs and personal preferences doesn’t have to be stressful or based on guess work. You now have the information to make an informed decision. You can be confident that that informed decision is one that you will love and use for many years to come.
