It’s great to have a toolbox stuffed with all the gear you need because having the right tools makes any job quicker, easier, and safer. But there are times when you’ll find yourself on an away mission with nothing more than the stuff you have in your pockets.
This is when a good multitool really pays off!
21 essential tools, from a knife to pliers to scissors
This tool is a hardcore workhorse. I’ve used it and abused it doing all sorts of tasks, and it still looks new and works perfectly. The pliers, main blade, and saw have really been put through their paces, and they’re just as sharp as they were when the tool was new.
At the core of the Leatherman Free P4 are 21 essential tools, from a knife to pliers to scissors, but it features better ergonomics (the multitool feels much better in the hand, especially for extended use), it has a new magnetic catch allowing single-handed access to the pliers and a new thumb-operated mechanism for accessing the myriad of tools — which means no more broken fingernails!
Needlenose pliersRegular pliersWire cuttersHard-wire cuttersStranded-wire cuttersElectrical crimperClip-point knifeSerrated knifeScissorsWood/metal file Saw bladePackage opener na dpry toolAwl and rulerRuler (9 inches/22 cm)Bottle/can opener#1-2 Phillips screwdriver, medium, small, and extra-small screwdrivers
$139 at Amazon
When you don’t need a full-sized Leatherman multitool
There are times when you might not want to carry a full-sized Leatherman multitool with you. This is when you need a Squirt.
Spring-action needlenose pliersSpring-action regular pliersSpring-action wire cutters420HC knifeSpring-action scissorsFlat/Phillips screwdriverBottle openerWood/metal fileMedium screwdriver
$39 at Amazon
A great tool for anyone who does a lot of cutting
A multitool aimed at EMT specialists who need a robust pair of scissors. This is a great tool for anyone who does a lot of cutting (fabric, cardboard, plastics, and so on). I’m a great fan of this one because it doesn’t come across as scary to members of the public and yet has some awesome features.
It’s also great at cutting cables, especially network cabling.
I like mine so much I had a custom kydex holster made for it.
420hc stainless steel folding medical shearsStrap cutterRing cutterRulerOxygen tank wrenchCarbide glass breaker
$85 at Amazon
A true, pocketable toolbox
A robust multitool packed with 39 different functions. This is a true toolbox that you can fit into your pocket.
Needle-nosed pliersWirecutter for thin and soft wireHardwire cutterBlade, largeScissorsWood sawReamer/punchCan openerScrewdriver 3mmBottle openerWire benderScrewdriver 5mmPhillips screwdriver 1 / 2Screwdriver 2mmScrewdriver 7.5mmCrate opener, strongChisel 7mmWire stripperWire scraperRuler (inch)Lanyard holeRuler (cm)Metal sawMetal fileBitwrenchBit Phillips 0Bit Torx 10Bit Torx 15CorkscrewMini screwdriver 1.5mm
$149 at Adorama