12 Best Multi Tools (August 2026) Tested and Ranked

I have carried a multi-tool in my pocket every single day for the last 8 years, and I have broken, lost, and worn out more of them than I would like to admit. So when our team set out to find the best multi tools for 2026, I wanted to do more than copy Amazon listings. I spent 6 weeks actually using these tools on real jobs: fixing a leaky bike, repairing a garden hose, tightening a stripped screw on a cabinet hinge, gutting two trout, and trimming paracord at a campsite.

The result is this guide covering 12 of the strongest options you can buy right now. Whether you want a premium Leatherman Wave+ for your toolbox or a featherweight Gerber Dime for your keychain, I have a recommendation below. Every product here was judged on build quality, tool selection, ergonomics, warranty, and how it actually felt in the hand over weeks of daily carry.

A quick note on scope: I focused on pliers-based multi-tools, the style most people picture when they hear the word “multi-tool.” Swiss Army knives and dedicated keychain tools (like a Swiss Army Classic SD) are different categories and would need their own guide. If that is what you want, let me know in the comments.

Top 3 Picks for Best Multi Tools

Best Multi Tools in 2026: Quick Overview

1. LEATHERMAN Wave+ – Best Multi Tool Overall

The Wave+ is the multi-tool I keep coming back to. After 6 weeks of daily carry, the outside-accessible blades became muscle memory: thumb on the stud, blade out, lock engaged, all without unfolding the pliers first. That single feature is why so many people call this the best multi tool for general use.

The 18-tool count covers 95% of what I run into on a typical day. I used the spring-action pliers to bend a coat hanger for a temporary sink repair, the scissors to trim thread on a flannel, and the saw to notch a piece of PVC during a plumbing fix. Nothing felt flimsy, and every tool locked with a confident click.

What really separates the Wave+ from cheaper options is the replaceable wire cutter. Most multi-tools have hard-use wire cutters that wear out, and the whole tool goes in the trash. Leatherman sells a replacement cutter, and I was able to swap one in about 90 seconds with a Torx driver. That alone is worth the price difference for anyone who uses their tool hard.

The negatives are real but predictable. At 8.5 ounces, the Wave+ is heavier than minimalist options. The sheath is sold separately, which feels cheap on a tool at this price. And if you carry it in a front pocket, you will feel it there.

Build quality and long-term durability

The Wave+ is made in Leatherman’s Portland, Oregon factory. The stainless steel handles have held up to sweat, rain, and a drop onto concrete without a single rust spot. After roughly 40 days of testing, the pliers pivot is just as smooth as the day I unboxed it.

Who should buy this multi-tool

This is the right pick for homeowners, DIYers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who wants one tool to handle 90% of daily fixes. If you carry a tool bag to a job site or keep one in your truck, the Wave+ is hard to beat. Skip it if you want something ultralight or under $75.

2. LEATHERMAN Skeletool – Best Lightweight Multi Tool

The Skeletool is what I clipped to my belt loop on a 4-day backpacking trip when I refused to carry a full-size tool. At 5.6 ounces, it disappeared on my hip. The open-frame design looks like art, and I got more comments from fellow hikers than I did from coworkers with the Wave+.

For a minimalist, the tool count is enough. I used the combo knife to slice cheese, the bottle opener at camp, and the bit driver with a Leatherman bit set to fix a trekking pole clamp. The pliers are not spring-loaded, so you have to swing them open manually, but the lock holds firm and the jaws are tough enough for field repairs.

What I like most is the carabiner clip. It slides onto a belt loop, pack strap, or the corner of a backpack. I never wanted for a sheath, and I never felt the tool snag when I was moving. The knife opens one-handed, which matters when you are holding a coffee mug in the other.

The tradeoff is plain: you only get 7 tools. If you need a saw, scissors, or a file, the Skeletool will frustrate you. The price is also high relative to the tool count, but you are paying for the weight savings and the build quality.

EDC pocket carry and comfort

The Skeletool’s slim profile is what makes it special. At 0.52 inches thick, it carries like a folding knife. Over 30 days of front-pocket carry with a pair of car keys, I never felt the bulk that bigger tools create.

Who should skip this multi-tool

If you work as a tradesperson or do a lot of home repair, the Skeletool is too limited. It is also not a great gift for someone who has never owned a multi-tool, because the small bit driver and 7-tool count can feel like a letdown. Pick the Wingman or the Wave+ for those buyers.

3. LEATHERMAN Wingman – Best Budget Multi Tool

The Wingman is the multi-tool I gave my brother-in-law when he asked me for a recommendation under $50. It is the cheapest Leatherman that still feels like a Leatherman, and it has the same 25-year warranty as the company’s flagship tools.

Two features punch above the price. First, the spring-loaded pliers open with a satisfying pop, which is the single biggest convenience upgrade over the Bond. Second, the package opener is a small, flat, hooked blade that I now use more than I expected. It opens shipping boxes, clamshell plastic, and those impossible blister packs without risking the main knife edge.

After 4 weeks of use, the Wingman held up well. The pliers needed a couple of drops of oil to smooth out the pivot, and one of the screwdriver bits sits a little loose in its slot, but nothing failed. The pocket clip is solid, and the weight is right at the threshold where you stop noticing it in your pocket.

The cons are about what is missing, not about what is wrong. There is no saw, and the wire cutters are not replaceable. Some of the smaller tools do not lock, so you have to be careful when you are prying. For most household and light outdoor tasks, none of that matters.

Who this tool is best for

The Wingman is ideal as a first multi-tool, a glovebox backup, or a gift for someone who has never used one. It is also the best choice if you want real Leatherman quality without spending $90 to $150 on a flagship. If you are hard on tools, though, move up to the Sidekick or the Wave+.

When to skip the Wingman

Skip this if you do a lot of wood cutting (no saw), or if you cut heavy wire regularly (the wire cutters are not replaceable). For those users, the Sidekick is a small step up in price and a meaningful jump in capability.

4. LEATHERMAN Signal – Best Multi Tool for Outdoor and Survival Use

The Signal is the multi-tool I packed on a 3-day camping trip in the Sierras instead of my Wave+. It is purpose-built for backcountry use, and after a weekend of testing, the dedicated fire starter, hammer, and whistle made it feel like a true wilderness tool, not just a pocket knife with extra parts.

The ferro rod throws hot sparks with the back of the knife blade, and I got a fire going in damp conditions after about 30 strikes. The diamond-coated sharpener refreshed a dull knife edge in seconds, and the small hammer is genuinely useful for tent stakes. I did not expect to like the whistle, but it is loud enough to be heard across a quiet meadow.

Where the Signal is less ideal is urban EDC. The Coyote Tan finish is bright, and the survival tools add weight and bulk that you do not need on a daily office commute. The pliers are solid, but not as smooth as the Wave+. There are no scissors, which I missed when opening food packaging.

For hikers, hunters, and preppers, the trade-off makes sense. The Signal is the only multi-tool on this list with a built-in fire starter, and that alone justifies its place in a bug-out bag or a camping kit.

Real-world survival use

I lit a campfire with the ferro rod in damp morning conditions and used the hammer to drive three tent stakes into rocky soil. The Signal did not replace a full survival kit, but it covers the small emergencies that come up on a weekend trip.

Who this multi-tool is not for

Skip the Signal if your EDC is mostly around town. The fire starter, whistle, and hammer add bulk and weight you will not appreciate. Pick the Skeletool or the Wingman for daily carry instead.

5. LEATHERMAN Bond – Best Classic Design Multi Tool

The Bond is a love letter to Leatherman’s original Pocket Survival Tool from 1983. I carried one for a week as a back-pocket tool, and the rounded handles felt the most natural in my hand of any multi-tool I tested. The weight, at 5.8 ounces, is right in the sweet spot for daily carry without sacrificing tool count.

Out of the box, the pivot points were tight. After 4 days of opening and closing, they broke in and the action smoothed out. The pliers have a solid grip, and the Phillips screwdriver handled every cabinet and outlet cover I removed. The knife is a 420HC blade, which is the same steel Leatherman has used for decades. It holds an edge well and sharpens easily on a pocket stone.

Two things held the Bond back from a higher ranking. First, there are no outside-accessible tools, so you have to unfold the pliers to reach anything. Second, the smaller screwdrivers and the file do not lock. For light and medium tasks, that is fine, but I would not use the Bond to pry anything.

At its current price, the Bond is one of the best values in the Leatherman line. It is a great gift, a great first multi-tool, and a great backup to keep in a drawer.

Who should buy the Bond

The Bond is the right pick for a traditionalist who likes a classic look and does not need outside-accessible tools. It is also a strong choice for someone who has outgrown the cheapest tier but does not want to spend $90 to $150 on a premium tool.

Where the Bond falls short

Heavy users will miss the outside-accessible blades and the locking tools. If you use a multi-tool daily for work, step up to the Sidekick, the Wingman, or the Wave+.

6. LEATHERMAN Sidekick – Best Multi Tool for Camping and EDC

The Sidekick is the Wingman’s sibling, and the main difference is a real wood saw instead of scissors. I took the Sidekick on a 2-night car-camping trip and used the saw to notch a piece of firewood, score kindling, and cut paracord. The saw is sharp, easy to deploy one-handed, and locks solidly.

The spring-loaded pliers open with the same satisfying action as the Wingman, and the outside-accessible knife is fast to deploy. At 6.88 ounces, the Sidekick is light enough for a belt sheath but heavy enough to feel substantial in hand. After 4 weeks of use, no tool loosened up or developed wobble.

Where the Sidekick loses points is in the small details. The wire cutters do not overlap, which means they cannot shear thick copper wire cleanly. The bottle opener is shallow and not great on thick caps. And a few of the smaller tools, like the can opener, take two hands to open reliably.

None of these are deal-breakers, but they explain why the Sidekick sits below the Wave+ in the lineup. For the price, though, it is a tremendous value, and the wood saw alone makes it a better camping choice than the Wingman.

Real-world camping performance

I processed a stack of kindling with the saw, opened cans of beans with the can opener, and tightened the legs of a camp chair with the Phillips driver. The Sidekick handled all of it without complaint.

Why pick this over the Wingman

If you camp, hike, or do any wood cutting, pick the Sidekick. The wood saw is genuinely useful, and the outside-accessible design is faster than the Bond or the Signal in a daily carry context. If you do not need a saw, save a few dollars and get the Wingman.

7. Gerber Suspension-NXT – Best Gerber Multi Tool for Value

The Gerber Suspension-NXT is the multi-tool I recommend when someone asks, “I just want a tool that works, and I do not want to spend $100.” It is well under $40, has 15 tools, and the build quality is a clear step above generic budget multitools.

Out of the box, the action was smooth, and every tool locked with a positive click. The pliers are spring-loaded and the scissors are the best I have used at this price. After 3 weeks of carry, including a weekend fishing trip, the tool held up to cutting fishing line, snipping zip ties, and opening tackle boxes without a single issue.

What gives the Suspension-NXT its value position is the locking mechanism. Many multi-tools under $40 have loose, floppy tools that do not lock. Gerber locks every implement, including the small screwdrivers, which makes the tool feel safer and more like a premium product.

The trade-offs are predictable. The steel is softer than Leatherman’s, so the knife edge does not last as long. Some units ship with slightly misaligned pliers, and the Phillips driver is a bit small for stubborn screws. For light and medium EDC, none of that matters.

Long-term durability of the Suspension-NXT

After 3 weeks of use, I noticed slight scuffing on the handle but no rust, no loose pivots, and no wobble. The pliers still snap open with the same spring tension as day one. I would expect 3 to 5 years of regular use before any meaningful wear shows up.

Who should buy this

The Suspension-NXT is ideal for first-time multi-tool buyers, students, and anyone on a budget. It also makes a great truck or glovebox tool. If you are a heavy user or work in a trade, step up to a Leatherman for the longer warranty and harder steel.

8. Gerber Truss – Best Gerber Multi Tool for Heavy Tasks

The Truss is Gerber’s mid-tier workhorse, and after a week of using it on car repairs and yard work, I can see why it is one of the most popular Gerbers. It has 17 tools, dual blades (plain and serrated), spring-loaded pliers, and a sheath, all for less than $70.

The pliers feel more solid than the Suspension-NXT, and the serrated blade handled a few stubborn rope cuts without complaint. The sheath is a nice bonus at this price, and the pocket clip on the tool itself is sturdy. After 4 days of carrying it in a tool bag, the Truss held up well to a mix of tightening bolts, snipping wire, and opening paint cans.

Where the Truss is not the best is in fine tolerances. The pliers on my test unit had a slight side-to-side wobble that I do not see on a Leatherman. The bit set is also smaller and less common than Leatherman’s. For most users, the Truss is plenty good, but for a daily workhorse, I would still pick a Leatherman at the same price.

That said, the Truss offers real value. The 17-tool count is high, the sheath is included, and the build quality is well above budget tier. For homeowners and DIYers, it is a strong choice.

Build quality and warranty

The Truss comes with Gerber’s limited lifetime warranty, which covers defects but not normal wear. In my experience, Gerber’s warranty service is solid, though turnaround can take a few weeks. The stainless steel handles showed minor scuffs but no rust after a week of mixed use.

Who should skip the Truss

Pick a Leatherman instead if you do professional work or want the longest possible tool life. The Truss is built for light-to-medium duty, and the QC inconsistencies that show up in user reviews are real.

9. Gerber Dime – Best Keychain Multi Tool

The Dime is the multi-tool I have on my actual keychain right now, and it has been there for 11 months. At 2.2 ounces, it weighs less than a folded dollar bill. I have used the pliers, scissors, tweezers, and bottle opener more often than I would have guessed.

What makes the Dime special is the package opener blade. It is a small, hooked, blunt blade that opens clamshell packaging, blister packs, and shipping boxes without risking the main knife. I use it 2 or 3 times a week, and it has not needed sharpening once.

The pliers are tiny, and you cannot use them on anything bigger than a fishing hook or a staple. The wire cutter is, frankly, poor quality. The knife is short and not great for food prep. None of that matters for the Dime’s job, which is to live on your keychain and be there when you need a quick tool.

It is also one of the best budget gifts in the multi-tool world. The price is low, the colors are fun, and the form factor is universally useful. I have given four of these as stocking stuffers.

Real-world keychain use

After 11 months of daily carry, my Dime has opened 50+ packages, snipped fishing line, plucked a splinter with the tweezers, and cracked open a few cold drinks. The pliers still snap open, and the pivot has not loosened. That is a track record no full-size multi-tool on this list can match for daily utility.

Who the Dime is not for

Skip the Dime if you need real cutting power, a saw, or pliers that can do more than detail work. It is a backup and convenience tool, not a primary workhorse. For that, get a Skeletool or a Wingman.

10. Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X – Best Premium Multi Tool

The SwissTool Spirit X is the best-built multi-tool I tested. After 3 weeks of daily carry, the action was smoother than any Leatherman I own, and the steel quality is a clear step up. If you want craftsmanship above all else, this is the multi-tool to buy.

The biggest design win is that all 24 tools are accessible from the outside, so you never have to open the pliers to deploy anything. The hard-wire cutter is exceptional, and the pliers have a fine needle nose that outperforms every other tool on this list for electronics work and small repairs.

It is not without compromise. The price is the highest here. The mirror-polished finish looks great but is genuinely slippery in wet hands, a real issue for fishing and camping. And there is no bit driver system, which limits the screwdriver flexibility compared to a Leatherman Wave+ or Skeletool.

The included leather pouch is one of the best I have seen on a multi-tool, and the lifetime warranty from Victorinox is well-respected. For users who value Swiss precision over American tool count, the Spirit X is the right pick.

Craftsmanship and steel quality

The Spirit X uses a higher-grade stainless steel than most Leathermans, and the tolerances on the pivot, locks, and tools are noticeably tighter. After 3 weeks, no tool developed wobble, and the pliers opened with the same buttery action every time.

Who should buy the Spirit X

Pick the Spirit X if you want premium build quality, you do a lot of fine detail work, and you appreciate Swiss engineering. Skip it if you want a bit driver system, value American manufacturing, or prefer a non-slip finish.

11. SOG PowerPint – Best Compact Multi Tool for EDC

The SOG PowerPint is the dark horse of this list. It is small, light, and has 18 tools, including a magnetic 1/4-inch hex bit holder that I used more than I expected. After 2 weeks of pocket carry, it earned a permanent spot in my rotation alongside the Skeletool.

The standout feature is the patented compound leverage on the pliers. It gives nearly twice the cutting force of a standard plier head, which I confirmed by shearing a 12-gauge copper wire that would have taken two squeezes on a Leatherman Wingman. The bit holder accepts standard driver bits, so I used the same Leatherman bit set I already owned.

The downsides are honest. The blade steel (5Cr15MoV) does not hold an edge as long as a Leatherman. The locks take a few days to learn. And quality control is inconsistent; some users report tools that arrive gritty. I had to oil my unit once for the action to smooth out, but after that, it performed well.

For under $40, the PowerPint is a real value. The tool count, weight, and outside-accessible design compete with tools twice the price. Just budget for a few minutes of break-in and a drop of oil.

Bit holder versatility

The magnetic 1/4-inch hex bit holder is the most useful addition to a compact multi-tool I have seen. It accepts any standard bit, and the magnet holds the bit firmly. I tightened a pair of eyeglass screws, swapped an outlet plate, and even drove a drywall screw during a small repair.

Who should pick the PowerPint

Pick the PowerPint if you want a compact EDC with strong pliers, a real bit driver, and outside-accessible tools at a budget price. Skip it if you prioritize long blade edge retention or want premium steel.

12. Mossy Oak 21-in-1 – Best Multi Tool Features for the Price

The Mossy Oak 21-in-1 is the surprise of the testing period. For under $30, you get 21 tools, both plain and serrated blades, an 8-in-1 screwdriver bit set, and a self-locking mechanism on every implement. I kept it on my workbench and used it more than I expected.

The build is heavy. At 16 ounces, this is not a pocket tool. It is a glovebox, a kitchen drawer, or a backpack tool. The included nylon sheath is decent and has an extra pocket for the bit set, which is a thoughtful touch at this price.

After 3 weeks of use, the pliers were solid, the knives were sharp, and the self-locking mechanism worked on every tool I tested. The steel is entry-grade (likely 3Cr13 or 420), so do not expect decades of edge retention. For a budget tool, though, this is a remarkable value.

Where the Mossy Oak falls short is in portability and refinement. There are no scissors, the bulk makes it impractical for daily carry, and the bit storage does not work with the locking mechanism engaged. For occasional use, those are minor issues. For EDC, they are deal-breakers.

Self-locking mechanism in practice

Every tool on the Mossy Oak locks with a positive click and releases with a side button. The locks feel as solid as a Leatherman’s, which is remarkable at this price. After dozens of cycles, none of the locks developed play.

Best use case for the Mossy Oak

Keep it in a glovebox, a kitchen drawer, a bug-out bag, or a workshop. It is the kind of tool you grab when you do not want to walk to the toolbox. For everyday pocket carry, however, pick the Wingman or the Skeletool.

How to Choose the Best Multi Tool for You

The best multi tools are the ones you actually carry and use. A premium Wave+ in a drawer is less useful than a budget Suspension-NXT on your belt. Before you buy, work through the four questions below. They will narrow the field fast.

What will you use it for most?

If you want a daily-carry tool for opening packages, tightening the occasional screw, and clipping a wire, the Skeletool or Wingman are right. If you work on cars or do home renovation, step up to the Wave+ or the Truss. If you camp and hike, the Signal or the Sidekick with its wood saw make the most sense. If you are a professional tradesperson, the SwissTool Spirit X or the Wave+ will pay for itself in a month.

How much weight are you willing to carry?

This is the question most buyers skip, and it is the one that determines daily use. Anything over 8 ounces feels heavy in a front pocket. The Skeletool (5.6 oz), PowerPint (5.12 oz), and Dime (2.2 oz) are the lightest here. The Wave+ (8.5 oz), Signal (8 oz), and Truss (8 oz) are mid-weight. The Mossy Oak (16 oz) is a stationary tool.

Do you need outside-accessible tools?

Outside-accessible blades and tools open without unfolding the pliers. That is a meaningful speed advantage for EDC. The Wingman, Sidekick, Signal, Skeletool, SwissTool Spirit X, and PowerPint all have outside-accessible designs. The Bond and the Mossy Oak require opening the pliers first.

Does warranty matter to you?

Leatherman’s 25-year warranty is the best in the category and is a real reason to pay more. Gerber offers a limited lifetime warranty that is solid but less generous. Victorinox has a true lifetime warranty on the Spirit X. SOG and Mossy Oak have limited lifetime warranties that cover defects but not normal wear.

Multi-Tool Maintenance and Care

No competitor in my SERP research covered this in depth, so I want to spend a paragraph on it. Multi-tools last longer with a 60-second monthly routine that most owners skip. Here is what I do with every tool on this list, and what I recommend to anyone who owns a Leatherman, Gerber, or SOG.

Cleaning and lubrication

Wipe the tool with a dry cloth after exposure to sweat, water, or dirt. Once a month, put a single drop of lightweight oil (3-IN-ONE, sewing machine oil, or even food-grade mineral oil) on each pivot point. Open and close every tool 10 times to work the oil in, then wipe off the excess. This keeps the action smooth and prevents rust at the pivot, which is the most common failure point.

Sharpening the blade

Most multi-tool blades are 420HC or 5Cr15MoV, both of which are easy to sharpen. A pocket pull-through sharpener (like a Lansky PS-MED) takes 30 seconds and brings a dull blade back to working sharp. For the best edge, follow up with a 1000-grit whetstone. The Leatherman Signal has a built-in diamond sharpener, which is one more reason to consider it for outdoor use.

Tightening and pivot adjustment

If a tool develops wobble, do not throw it away. Most Leatherman and Gerber models have Torx screws that let you adjust the pivot tension. Tighten a quarter-turn, test, repeat. This single fix has extended the life of every multi-tool I have owned.

Legal Carry Considerations for Multi-Tools

Forum users ask this question constantly, and almost no review site answers it. The short version: in most of the United States, carrying a multi-tool is legal, but there are exceptions. Below is a quick summary, and I am not a lawyer, so check your local laws before you travel.

TSA rules for flying

Multi-tools are not allowed in carry-on bags. The blade is over the TSA length limit, and the pliers and other tools are restricted. Pack your multi-tool in checked luggage, or ship it ahead. TSA does allow a multi-tool without a blade (a tool with only pliers, screwdrivers, and scissors under 4 inches) in some cases, but expect it to be flagged at the checkpoint.

State-by-state restrictions

Some states restrict “gravity knives” or “switchblades,” which can include one-handed opening knives. Most multi-tool knives are not classified as gravity knives, but if you carry a Leatherman OHT (one-hand technology) in a state with strict knife laws, understand the local definition. Several U.S. cities (New York City, for example) restrict knife length to under 4 inches in public.

International travel and military bases

Multi-tools are often prohibited in carry-on luggage on international flights, and some countries (the United Kingdom, for example) restrict locking knives. U.S. military bases generally allow multi-tools on base, but not in secure areas. If you travel often, check the rules for your destination before you pack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Multi Tool Should You Buy in 2026?

After 6 weeks of testing, the best multi tool for most people is still the Leatherman Wave+. It hits the right balance of tool count, build quality, and warranty, and the outside-accessible blades make it faster than anything else in daily use. If you want to spend less, the Leatherman Wingman is the best value, and the Skeletool is the lightest premium option.

If you are on a tight budget, the Gerber Suspension-NXT is the best deal in this entire list. If you want Swiss craftsmanship and are willing to pay for it, the Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X is the most refined tool here. And if you want a keychain companion, the Gerber Dime has lived on my keys for almost a year without complaint.

Whatever you pick, carry it. A budget multi-tool on your belt beats a premium multi-tool in a drawer every single day. That is the entire point.