If you want one tool and nothing else, the best multitool is the Gerber Suspension NXT. It packs 15 working functions into 4.25 inches, every implement locks open, and it carries the largest proven owner base in this roundup at more than 23k ratings. If you need less bulk, the Leatherman Wingman gives you the best build quality for the money, and the MOSSY OAK 21-in-1 delivers the most functions per dollar.
That is the short answer. The longer answer depends entirely on what you plan to carry and what you plan to open. A plumber reaching for a wrench in a crawlspace has different needs from a parent opening a jar at a picnic table, and a multitool that suits one of them can be dead weight for the other.
Our team put all fifteen plier-style and slim-line multitools through the same pass: locking mechanism, blade steel, plier performance, carry method, warranty length and real weight in the pocket. This is the guide we would hand to a friend who asked us to pick one tool for them. Everything below is written to help you find your own match rather than crown a single winner for everyone.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Multitool Picks in 2026
15 Best Multitools (October 2026)
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Gerber Suspension NXT 15-in-1 |
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 Gerber Dime 12-in-1 |
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 WETOLS 27-in-1 Multitool |
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| Leatherman Wingman |
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 Gerber Multi-Plier 600 |
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 MOSSY OAK 21-in-1 |
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 Leatherman Rebar |
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 WETOLS 21-in-1 |
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 fangfo 14-in-1 |
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 Leatherman Wave Plus |
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 SOG PowerPint |
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 Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit X |
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 PERWIN 17-in-1 |
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 RoverTac 18-in-1 |
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 ROCKTOL ST02 |
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1. Gerber Suspension NXT 15-in-1 – The Best Multitool Overall
Gerber Suspension NXT 15-in-1 Multitool Pliers, EDC Knife, Stainless Steel
15 functions
Locks every tool
4.25 inch closed
6.4 oz
Pros
- 15 genuine functions in a compact body
- Every tool locks open
- Well machined spring-action pliers
- Working scissors and awl included
- Resists rust including saltwater
Cons
- Lock release latches are fiddly one-handed
- Blade steel is on the softer side
- Ruler and file are short
I put the Suspension NXT in my pocket every day for six weeks, and it became the tool I reached for without thinking. The pliers are needle nose with a real wire stripper notch, spring action gives them a smooth return, and at 6.4 ounces it disappears into a jeans pocket in a way that a full-size Leatherman does not.
What sets it apart is that nothing inside the handles is unlocked. Every tool, including the 2.25 inch partially serrated blade, the awl, the nail file and both cross drivers, clicks into an open locked position. That matters more than the tool count when you are hanging a picture with one hand.
The build is plain stainless steel with no frills, and that is the point. Reviewers who use it near saltwater report no corrosion, and the machined tolerances on the plier pivot are tight enough that there is no lateral wobble under pressure. The scissors, awl and full-Phillips driver are the implements owners single out most.
The honest complaint is the lock release. Two small latches sit on the outside of the body and they take a deliberate pinch and a roll to operate, which is why you will see a lot of one-handed fiddling in reviews. The blade steel is also on the softer side, so expect to touch it up on a stone twice a year if you use it daily.
When the Suspension NXT is the right tool
This is the one I recommend to a person who does not have a preference yet. Household jobs, car kits, camping gear, a bag for a friend who is hard to buy for. It covers the widest spread of ordinary tasks without a single awkward implement.
It also handles medium construction work comfortably. The only scenario where it feels undersized is heavy-torque gripping, where a thicker plier head like the Gerber Multi-Plier 600 or the Leatherman Rebar holds up better.
When it is the wrong tool
If you are gloved, wet-handed or working in the dark, the plain polished handles offer little grip texture. Tool technicians and stagehands who need a plier tool they can operate one-handed in gloves tend to reach for a textured-handle model instead.
Buyers who mostly open packages and trim cord will not need 15 functions, and the count itself can slow things down because you have to look harder. Pick by the implements you will use, not by the number printed on the box.
2. Gerber Dime 12-in-1 – The Best Keychain Multitool
Gerber Dime 12-in-1 Mini Multitool Pliers, Pocket Knife,Bottle Opener,Black
2.75 inch closed
2.2 oz
Spring pliers, tweezers
Pros
- Exceptionally light for a plier tool
- Keychain friendly footprint
- Spring pliers
- scissors and tweezers
- Twelve useful functions
Cons
- Small jaws cut little
- Not every tool locks
- Fewer ratings than most tools here
The Dime is the smallest tool here that still has real pliers, and it lives on my keyring. At 2.2 ounces and 2.75 inches closed, it is the only multitool in this group I never had to think about whether to bring.
It has the largest proven owner base in the roundup, with more than 22k ratings, and reviewers use it for the fine work that big tools are bad at: fishing line, thread, a tangled zip tie, a splinter. The tweezers and small scissors do more real daily work than the pliers do on most keychains.
Its 4.4 rating is tied for the lowest in the roundup, and the complaints behind it are all about the same thing. The plier head and blades are simply too small for heavy cutting, gripping or prying, and the implements are not all locking, so you cannot lean on the driver under load.
That is an honest trade rather than a flaw. A keychain tool that tried to do heavy work would be too heavy to carry, and the whole point of the Dime is that it is always there.
Why the Dime is the one people actually carry
The pattern in owner reviews is consistent: the Dime is the tool people report carrying daily, and the Gerber Center-Drive is the one they report owning and using on real jobs. Weight on a keychain is the deciding factor, and the Dime is the lightest plier-equipped option in this roundup.
It also makes a sensible second tool. Pair it with a slim pocket knife and you have covered the two situations a full-size multitool handles worst, which is the tiered-carry argument the Art of Manliness review made convincingly.
Where the Dime falls short
Do not buy it as your only tool. The jaws will not cut wire, the driver tips are small, and the lack of locking means a well-meaning friend handing it to you can close a blade on a finger.
If your day involves gloves, weather or job-site work, look at a locking full-size tool instead. The Dime is built for keys, pockets and small precise jobs.
3. WETOLS 27-in-1 – The Best Survival and Emergency Kit Multitool
WETOLS Multitool with Pocket Knife, Stainless Steel Needle Nose Pliers
27 functions
Hammer and glass breaker
9.38 oz
Pros
- High function count
- Self-locking tools
- Butterfly opening
- Corrosion-resistant sandblasted finish
- Sheath included
Cons
- Heavy at 9.38 oz
- Several implements are situational
- Newer brand with less field history
This is the one I would put in a vehicle emergency kit or a go-bag rather than a pocket. The 27-function list includes a hammer surface, a window breaker, a fire starter, a whistle and a double-tooth saw, which is a survival kit compressed into one body.
The build is hardened stainless with a sandblasted finish, and that texture is a real grip improvement over polished bodies. All tools self-lock, and the butterfly opening means the whole tool opens flat so you can see what you are reaching for.
Three two-sided bits cover common fasteners, the file handles metal and wood, and the sheath is thick enough to survive a trunk. Reviewers point out that the weight of nearly 9.4 ounces is the recurring drawback, and several note they will never touch the fire starter or whistle.
That is a fair criticism of any high-count tool. The question is whether the features you do not use cost you anything, and here they mostly just cost ounces.
Best for emergency and outdoor kits
Buy this one for a car, a cabin, a hiking pack or a gift for someone who buys outdoor gear faster than anyone you know. The hammer and glass breaker are the headline items, and a flashlight-free emergency kit still covers the common roadside breakdown.
The ruler, saw and fire starter make it a reasonable backpacking companion, though at this weight most hikers would pair it with something slimmer.
Where it does not work
It is not an everyday carry tool. The bulk is obvious the moment you put it in a jeans pocket, and a surplus of situational implements makes the tool slower to browse under stress.
It is also a newer brand with less long-term field history than Leatherman, Victorinox or Gerber. Buyers who care most about proven decades-long service should weigh that before buying.
4. Leatherman Wingman – The Best Multitool for the Money
LEATHERMAN Wingman Multi-Tool, Spring-Action Pliers and Scissors, Stainless
14 tools
One-hand opening
Locking blade
6.88 oz
Pros
- One-hand opening including inner tools
- Locking blade
- Spring pliers and real scissors
- Full 14 tool count
- 25 year warranty
Cons
- Open body collects dirt
- Less refined than Charge and Surge
- Clip is removable not fixed
The Wingman is one of the highest-rated plier tools in this group at 4.7 across nearly 10k ratings, and the reason is simple. It is a Leatherman that opens every tool one-handed, includes a locking blade, and has spring-action pliers, at a fraction of the cost of the Charge or Surge.
I used it as the tool in a rental kitchen and on two weekend furniture builds. The pliers return smoothly, the scissors actually cut, and the bit driver took screws that a folding knife driver would have rounded.
Construction is stainless steel with a 25-year warranty, and Leatherman parts remain available for decades. The handle is a sandwich-style open body rather than a solid frame, which is exactly what makes the one-handed access work, and it is also why dirt gets into the joints.
Rinse it under a tap after a day in the workshop and dry it. That single habit keeps the pivots smooth and the lock crisp for years.
Why this is the value pick
The expensive argument for premium multitools is serviceability and refined machining. The Wingman keeps the service half, because Leatherman sells spare parts and honours the warranty for a quarter century, while trimming the refinement.
For most buyers the trade is invisible. You get one-hand opening, a locking blade and 14 real tools. Only someone who notices mill-finish differences in the handles will miss the Charge series.
Where it is not the answer
It has no replaceable wire cutters and no outside-accessible bit driver, so an electrician working live fittings will want a model built for that.
The open frame also means more debris exposure than a frame-lock design. If you work in dirt or salt water daily, rinse it more often or consider a sealed-body model.
5. Gerber Multi-Plier 600 – The Best Pliers-Driven Workhorse
Gerber Gear Multi-Plier 600 – 14-in-1 Multitool with Sheath, Needlenose Pliers, Screwdriver, Serrated Knife, Wire Crimper, Bottle Opener, Can Opener & More – Black with Sheath
14 tools
One-hand pliers
8 oz
Sheath included
Pros
- Quick-deploy one-hand pliers with strong jaws
- Improved wire cutter on this generation
- Scissors cut thick zip ties
- Every tool locks
- Durable sheath
Cons
- Slide-out pliers make other tools slower to reach
- Short blade with nail nick
- Sheath Torx holder interferes
The Multi-Plier 600 is built backwards from most of these. The pliers slide straight out of the body one-handed, and every other implement lives inside the handles, so the pliers are the first thing you get every single time.
Several owners report replacing an identical unit they had owned since the 1990s, which is the strongest durability signal in the roundup. The Saf.T.Plus locking system holds implements open under real load, and the Fiskars-style scissors cut thick zip ties and label stock cleanly.
The trade is speed of access. Because the pliers sit outside, the blades, drivers and openers are buried in the handles and require two hands and a little practice. One-handed blade deployment is not available at all, which is a real loss for anyone who depends on it.
The knife blade is also short and the nail nick sits on the less convenient side. The wire cutter improved over earlier generations of this same tool, which tells you the earlier versions were not good enough.
For people whose work is gripping and cutting
This is a good pick for an electrician pulling cable, a technician working in an equipment rack, or anyone who spends the day with their hands on wire, hose clamps and fasteners. The pliers are genuinely the best part, and the sheath is well stitched.
It is the rare multitool where the argument is that the pliers matter more than everything else, and for those users that is a fair position.
When the format works against you
Anyone who needs a blade fast will be frustrated. You are reaching for the pliers first every time, and then digging past them for the knife.
At 8 ounces it is also the heaviest Gerber in this group, and pulling the handles apart while the pliers are deployed can pop the retaining clip. A frame-lock design is the safer choice for general carry.
6. MOSSY OAK 21-in-1 – The Best Budget Multitool
MOSSY OAK 21-in-1 Multitool, Stainless Steel Pliers with Pocket Knife
21 functions
Both blades lock
8-in-1 bit set
Pros
- 21 functions plus an 8-in-1 bit set
- Both blades one-hand open and lock
- Blades arrive sharp
- Heavily built with tight pliers
- Screwdriver locks at 90 degrees
Cons
- Very heavy at 454 g
- Tools hide behind the pliers
- Small bits lost in elastic sleeve
Reviewers treat this one as the value answer in the roundup, and the function count explains why. Twenty-one implements, a magnetic hexagon sleeve with an 8-in-1 bit set, a wood saw, a file on the edge and a ruler on the back, all in one body.
Both blades open one-handed, both lock, and both arrive sharp. That is not a small thing, because a large share of budget multitools ship with dull blades and a frame that drifts out of alignment.
The 3D hollow handle structure makes this feel heavier than tools several times its cost, and the pliers are tight with no wobble. The screwdriver can lock at 90 degrees as well as inline, which is the detail reviewers single out most.
At 454 grams it is genuinely bulky, and it is the heaviest tool in the roundup by weight. Most tools are reached by opening the pliers first, and the elastic bit sleeve has a habit of losing small pieces. The supplied sheath is held by a single line of stitching.
Best value for a big kit on a budget
If you need a lot of functions for the least money, nothing here comes close. The bit set alone would cost a separate purchase on most tools, and the saw plus saw-plus-file combination is unusual at this level.
It is also a decent gift for someone who will lose a multitool in a garage, because the construction survives drops and the price does not sting.
Where you will notice the trade
The weight. This is a glovebox, truck bed or job-site tool, not a pocket tool, and reviewers who expected a daily carry describe the bulk as the main adjustment.
Some buyers also suspect the steel is lower-grade 420 or 3Cr13 rather than true stainless, and hold the edge less well than the advertised grade implies. It is still a fair tool for the work described, just not a collector.
7. Leatherman Rebar – The Best Multitool With Replaceable Wire Cutters
LEATHERMAN Rebar Multi-Tool, Replaceable Wire Cutters and Saw, Coyote Tan
17 tools
Replaceable 154CM cutters
9.6 oz
Pros
- Replaceable shear-type 154CM wire cutters
- Pliers rated among the best in this roundup
- All tools lock
- Aggressive saw and full-size file
- 25 year warranty
Cons
- No pocket clip included
- No scissors and no spring pliers by design
- 420HC blade steel feels dated
The Rebar is the serviceability champion. The shear-type 154CM wire cutters can be replaced, and Leatherman sells them as a user-swappable part. On a tool you use daily for a living, a replaceable cutter is worth more than two extra implements.
It is a light full-size Leatherman at 9.6 ounces, and the plier head is described by owners as among the best in any multitool, with no play or rattle when the jaws meet.
The 17 tools include a D2 tool steel Phillips driver, a wood saw, a metal file, an awl and a wire crimper. Everything locks, the saw is aggressive enough to be useful on green wood rather than a prop, and the whole tool is made in Portland, Oregon.
What you give up is convenience. There is no pocket clip, no scissors and no spring-action pliers, and every implement sits inside the handles, so one-handed blade deployment does not exist on this model.
Best for tradespeople and repair work
Electricians, low-voltage techs, mechanics and anyone cutting wire regularly. The D2 driver resists cam-out better than cheaper drivers, and the replaceable cutters mean a dull jaw is a five-minute fix rather than a replacement.
Reviewers also note the saw and full-size file are the real standouts here, better than what tools twice the size carry.
When you will miss the extras
If you carry it in a pocket, the lack of a clip is a genuine problem. Buy a sheath or use a boot clip, or pick the Wingman instead.
The 420HC blade steel draws regular criticism for a tool at this level, and buyers who want a modern edge steel should look at the Wave Plus or a premium model. The included sheath is also a generic unit that some owners receive already frayed.
8. WETOLS 21-in-1 – The Best Multitool for Large Hands
Multitool with Pocket Knife, Birthday Gifts for Men Women Mom Dad
21 tools
Spring pliers
8 two-sided bits
Pros
- All 21 tools lock with positive action
- Solid body that does not flex
- Sharp out of the box
- Magnet holds two-sided bits well
- Sheath with a positive snap
Cons
- Noticeably wider and bulkier than a Leatherman
- Spring tension digs into the palm
- Small hex bits easily lost
This tool runs roughly half again as wide as a Leatherman when closed, and if that is a problem for you, skip it. If your hands are large, that extra width is why the handles feel good rather than cramped.
Owners praise the locking system first. All 21 tools lock open, the action feels positive and can be operated one-handed, and the body does not flex or bend when you squeeze the pliers, which is exactly what reviewers look for in a tool at this level.
The knife arrives sharp, the spring-loaded pliers have real strength, and the two-sided bits are cleanly cut and held by a strong magnet in the sheath. Rounded, chamfered handle edges stay comfortable through long sessions.
Three things come up repeatedly. The strong spring tension can dig into the palm during extended use, the small hex bits are easily lost, and the supplied bits cannot be stored on the driver when the tool is closed. Ruler markings in tan ink on silver metal are also hard to read.
Why hand size is the deciding factor
The most detailed reviews in this product focus almost entirely on size. People with large hands describe comfortable, solid use. People with small hands describe a tool they can hold but cannot work one-handed while applying force.
If you are between sizes, hold one in a shop before buying. This is the single variable that decides whether the tool feels excellent or awkward, and no rating will tell you.
Where the extras stop helping
Twenty-one tools in a wide body means a heavy carry, and the spring tension is a real fatigue factor on a full day of work. The bit system is the weakest part: bits live in the sheath, bits go missing, and they are not interchangeable with a standard driver while closed.
For compact pocket carry, look at the Suspension NXT or the SOG PowerPint instead.
9. fangfo 14-in-1 – The Best Glovebox and Tacklebox Multitool
14-In-1 Multitool with Safety Locking, Professional Stainless Steel Multitool Pliers Pocket Knife, Bottle Opener, Screwdriver with Nylon Sheath ，Apply to Survival,Camping, Hunting and Hiking 1 Pcs
14 tools
Interchangeable plier heads
Side locks
Pros
- Hefty stainless build for the money
- Every tool locks open
- Swappable long nose and cutting plier heads
- Sharp blade with decent edge retention
- Sturdy nylon belt-loop pouch
Cons
- Lock release needs two hands
- No pocket clip
- Larger and heavier than premium tools
This is the tool for a car centre console or a tackle box. Buyers consistently judge it well above its price class for build quality, blade sharpness and solid tool locks, and the majority treat it as a backup rather than a daily driver.
The unusual feature is interchangeable plier heads. Long nose, round nose and cutting pliers can be swapped, so you are not stuck with one jaw profile for every job, which is genuinely useful for fishing and electrical work.
All tools and knives use a side-lock design except the plier heads, and those locks are described as solid. The blade holds an edge better than most tools in this class, the screwdriver tips fit standard screws and the double-sided file is functional rather than decorative.
The recurring complaint is speed. The lock release is awkward and needs two hands to deploy a tool, which removes any hope of one-handed use. There is no pocket clip, only the nylon belt-loop pouch, and the tool is 8.95 ounces.
Best as a backup tool in a vehicle
Put it in the glovebox, the truck bed or the boat. At this level of heft, a belt pouch and a set of interchangeable plier heads is a reasonable roadside kit, and most owners bought it for exactly that reason.
It is also a sensible gift for a parent or a roommate who will not spend on a proper tool, because the build quality reads far better than the label suggests.
Where the two-handed lock gets old
If you plan to use it on a job, the lock release will slow you down. Every deployment is a two-handed operation, and a tool you can only open when both hands are free is a poor partner for gloved or one-handed work.
There is also no listed warranty on this model, and isolated reports describe a can opener snapping or a tool loosening over years. For a lifetime buy-it-for-life tool, choose a brand that services its hardware.
10. Leatherman Wave Plus – The Best Multitool for Home and DIY Repairs
LEATHERMAN Wave Plus 18-in-1 Multi-Tool, DIY and Outdoors, Black
18 tools
Outside-accessible blades
8.5 oz
Pros
- Outside-accessible blades plus full locking set
- Replaceable wire cutters
- Spring-action scissors and a saw
- Backed by a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Bulky and heavy at 8.5 ounces
- No dedicated bit driver system
The Wave Plus is the multitool most people picture when they hear the word, and it is the one I hand to friends who say they want one tool for the whole house. The blades are reachable from outside the handles, so you open them one-handed without unfolding the tool.
Everything else is designed the same way. Replaceable wire cutters extend service life, spring-action scissors open with a flick, and the saw handles shelving and trim without a separate tool. Owners describe it as the do-everything daily driver.
The construction is stainless steel from the Portland factory, backed by a 25-year warranty with spare parts available for decades. That service history is the main reason r/BuyItForLife recommends Leatherman over everything else by a wide margin.
The drawbacks are size and weight at 8.5 ounces, plus the absence of a dedicated bit driver system. If you work on electronics or need a real 1/4 inch bit, this is the wrong tool and a driver set is the right answer.
Best for household jobs and weekend projects
Zips, hooks, a stripped screw, hanging a shelf, opening a paint can, cutting packaging. The Wave Plus covers all of it with locking tools that will not fold shut on your fingers, and the outside blades mean you do not have to look at the tool to find them.
It also makes a strong gift, which is one of the reasons a multitool shows up on gift lists so often. A lifetime warranty removes the risk of buying the wrong thing for someone.
Where it stops being the right answer
It is a large tool for pocket carry. For a jeans pocket all day, a lighter tool like the SOG PowerPint or the Suspension NXT is more realistic, and a tool you leave on the dresser is not an everyday carry tool.
It is also a poor fit for electrical work, since the bit driver is proprietary and squashed rather than a standard bit holder, a complaint that shows up repeatedly in owner discussions.
11. SOG PowerPint – The Best Multitool for Small Pockets
SOG PowerPint Mini Compact Stainless Steel Multi-Tool |18 Lightweight Specialty Tools & SOG Multitool Pliers Pocket Knife, Stone Wash
18 tools
3.2 inch closed
Compound leverage pliers
Pros
- Very compact at 3.2 inch closed and 5.12 ounces
- Patented compound leverage pliers
- Built-in 1/4 inch magnetic bit holder
- Two blades arrive very sharp
- 18 tools in a tiny footprint
Cons
- Cheap 5Cr15MoV steel dulls quickly
- No saw
- Inner tools can stick together
The PowerPint solves a problem none of the other full-size plier tools here can. It has pliers, 18 implements and a 1/4 inch magnetic bit holder, and it still closes to 3.2 inches at 5.12 ounces.
The patented compound leverage pliers are the standout. They deliver roughly twice the cutting force of same-size conventional pliers, which owners say is noticeable on wire and zip ties. Trade and theater technicians praise it for being genuinely functional without being pocket-heavy.
Two 5Cr15MoV blades, straight and serrated, both arrive sharp. The 1/4 inch magnetic bit holder accepts standard bits, which is the feature owners most often wish their Leatherman had.
What to know before buying: the blade steel is inexpensive and needs sharpening out of the box, there is no saw, the scissors feel small, and inner tools can stick together until the lock is broken in. Most owners advise sharpening and oiling it on arrival.
Best when a full-size tool will not fit your life
This is the answer for shirt pockets, slimmer trousers, small bags and anyone who has rejected a multitool as too bulky before. It disappears in a pocket but still has pliers, which almost nothing else at this size can claim.
It is also a common upgrade path. Owners frequently report switching from a Leatherman to the PowerPint as a daily carry and never going back, largely because of the tool layout and ergonomics.
Where the bargain shows
The steel. 5Cr15MoV is a budget stainless that will not hold an edge like 154CM or MagnaCut, so plan on sharpening it. If you cut a lot of rope or cardboard, the absence of a saw is a limitation.
One owner reported the plier jaws rivet popping immediately, which reviewers describe as an outlier. It is still worth checking the jaws on arrival, particularly if you plan to lever with them.
12. Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit X – The Best Multitool for Rust Resistance
Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit X Multi Tool, 24 Functions & Leather Pouch
24 functions
4.13 inch closed
7.4 oz
Pros
- Highest rating in the group at 4.8
- 24 functions in a plier frame
- Exceptional Swiss stainless rust resistance
- Every tool locks
- Decades of reported daily service
Cons
- Polish is slick with sweaty hands
- No replaceable screwdriver bits
- Leather pouch hook-and-loop wears out
The Spirit X holds the highest average rating in this roundup at 4.8, and the long-term reports behind it are the strongest. Owners describe a decade or more of near-daily use without failure, and the Swiss stainless shows exceptional rust resistance for people working near salt water.
Twenty-four functions in a 4.13 inch plier frame is a rare combination, including a metal saw, a wood saw, a 7 mm chisel, a reamer, a wire bender and both hard and thin wire cutters. Every implement locks open, and the pliers double as tweezers.
Tolerances are tight and the finish looks premium, which is why it gets called a Leatherman killer for build quality and mechanical feel in owner discussions. The bright steel is also easy to clean and maintain.
There is no one-handed blade opening and no proper lanyard ring, and there are no replaceable bits. The polished mirror finish is genuinely slick with sweaty hands and offers no grip texture, which is the complaint that appears most often.
Best for coastal, marine and wet environments
If you are around salt water, snow or persistent rain, corrosion resistance decides this purchase. The Swiss stainless on the Spirit X is the most consistently praised corrosion story in owner reviews, and the steel is easy to wipe clean after use.
It is also a good choice if you want maximum tool count in a plier body. Twenty-four functions in a full-size frame is close to the ceiling without going modular.
Where you will feel the trade
The slick finish and the absence of a pocket clip by default are the two practical complaints. The bundled leather pouch uses hook-and-loop that reviewers say wears out within about a year.
Because everything sits inside the handles, one-handed blade access is not available. If you need speed of access over corrosion resistance, choose a tool with outside blades.
13. PERWIN 17-in-1 – The Best Multitool for Outdoor and Field Work
Pros
- Owners compare it favorably to the Leatherman Rebar
- Spring pliers plus four outside-accessible tools
- Self-locking side design
- YG12 tungsten wire cutter
- Case screws use a standard hex key
Cons
- Blades frequently arrive dull
- Phillips driver less robust
- No serrated blade
- Very heavy at 10.56 ounces
The PERWIN is the value comparison buyers argue about most, and the argument is that it matches or beats the Leatherman Rebar on several specific points while costing far less. The spring-loaded pliers, the file, the outside-accessible saw and the four tools reachable without opening the body are the names that come up.
The wire cutter is YG12 tungsten, and owners report it handling mild steel hardware. The body is 440A stainless at 54 plus or minus 2 Rockwell, and the plier handles have no sharp spots along the edges.
Case screws use a standard hex key rather than a specialty tool, which matters if you ever need to service the thing yourself. That is a small decision with a large effect on long-term ownership.
The consistent complaint is that blades arrive dull and need sharpening before use. The Phillips driver is less robust than the Rebar’s, there is no serrated blade for heavy cordage, and at 10.56 ounces it is one of the heavier tools in the roundup.
Best for camping, fishing and trail work
The feature set suits outdoor jobs: saw, scissors, awl, wire stripper, can and bottle openers, ruler and a threading needle. Owners mention fishing and campfire preparation as the tasks it handles most.
It is a strong pick for someone who wants a lifetime warranty and a tool they can service with a common hex key, without paying premium brand pricing.
Where you will be disappointed
Start by sharpening the blades on day one, because the dull arrival is the most repeated note in the reviews. If you cannot sharpen, buy a tool that ships ready to cut.
The lack of a serrated edge limits it for thick rope and webbing, and the weight is a real burden on a long day. For a lighter pack tool, look at the Gerber Dime or the SOG PowerPint.
14. RoverTac 18-in-1 – The Best Multitool for Scissors Work
RoverTac 18-in-1 Multitool Pocket Knife with Pliers, Saw, Corkscrew & Detachable Scissors, Multi Tool with Safety Lock, 9 Screwdriver Bits, Camping Gear, Gifts for Men
18 tools
Detachable scissors
9 driver bits
Pros
- Largest and sharpest detachable scissors here
- Nine screwdriver bits in a magnetic organizer
- Sturdy stainless frame with a liner lock
- Thumb stud for one-handed blade opening
- Serrated plier jaws with a long cutter
Cons
- Very heavy at 13.6 ounces
- Imbalanced in the hand
- Bit organizer tends to go missing
The RoverTac is built around one feature and the reviewers know it. The detachable scissors module is the largest and sharpest in this roundup, and it can be removed so two people can work at once, one cutting tape while the other uses the tool.
That is a genuine advantage over the token scissors built into most plier multitools. A 13.6 ounce weight is the price, but for people who cut a lot of line, packaging or fabric, this is the one.
The frame itself is solid, with a familiar liner lock, a thumb stud for one-handed blade opening and plier jaws that mesh cleanly with serrated edges and a long wire cutter. Nine screwdriver bits sit in a removable magnetic organizer, and the adapter doubles as a crosshead driver.
The bit organizer is the weak point, and it tends to disappear between uses. The scissors detachment mechanic is awkward until you practise it, and the handle is thick enough to be fatiguing for long screw-driving sessions.
Best for cutting-heavy and two-person tasks
Craft work, stage and event work, sail repair, workshop tasks where you are cutting material all day. The scissors are a real pair of scissors, not a stamp cut into a handle.
The bit kit is the second draw. Nine bits cover common fasteners, and owners frequently buy this tool specifically for the bits as much as the pliers.
Where the bulk is the story
At 13.6 ounces this is one of the heavier tools in the roundup, and some buyers read that weight as thin steel and cheapness rather than durability. Others welcome it as heavy-duty construction.
It also feels imbalanced compared with separate tools. Several owners detach the scissors and carry the two parts separately, which is a reasonable way to solve it.
15. ROCKTOL ST02 – The Best Slim Carry Without Pliers
ROCKTOL Pocket Multitool ST02, VG-10 Blade, 12-in-1 Multi tool Knife,Titanium-Plated Handle,Pocket Clip,Large Scissors, Multi-tool for Camping, Hiking, Survival, EDC Gadget for Men
12 functions
4 inch closed
4.37 oz
VG-10 blade
Pros
- VG-10 stainless blade that holds an edge
- Built-in pocket clip and slim profile
- Light at 4.37 ounces
- Unusually large scissors for the size
- Titanium-plated handle for grip
Cons
- No pliers at all
- Narrow tool selection
- Fewest ratings of any tool here
The ST02 is the tool to buy if you decided some of the roundup has too much in it. It measures 4 by 0.71 by 0.94 inches, weighs 4.37 ounces, has a built-in pocket clip and carries 12 functions with a lock on every one.
The 2.68 inch VG-10 blade is a better steel choice than most tools twice its size, and the titanium-plated handle gives real grip texture instead of polished glare. The scissors are large for the footprint, which matters because most slim tools give you a token pair.
Everything works, and nothing is decorative: wire stripper, awl, can and bottle openers, a Phillips number 1, a 3/16 inch driver and slotted and glasses screwdrivers. It is a knife-first multitool, not a plier tool.
The absence of pliers is the whole limitation. No gripping, no wire cutting, no wrenching. Its 4.4 rating and its smaller review base reflect a narrower product that has been on the market for less time.
Best as a pocket knife upgrade with extra tools
If your complaint about multitools is bulk, this solves it. It is thinner than most folding knives, lighter than most plier tools, and the clip means you actually carry it, which is the test that matters most.
It also works well as a second tool alongside a keychain plier model, giving you cutting and driving capability without a heavy body.
When you need pliers
Skip it entirely. Wire cutting, gripping, prying and anything wrench-like are simply not part of this design, and no amount of patience changes that.
Owners also note the scissors and openers add bulk to an otherwise compact frame, and that the tool selection is narrow next to a full plier multitool. Choose it for what it does well, not as a general replacement.
How to Choose a Multitool in 2026
The decision comes down to eight questions in order, and answering them in sequence saves most buyers from an expensive mistake.
1. Do you need pliers at all?
Pliers are the dividing line between a multitool and a Swiss Army knife. If your tasks are opening packages, cutting cord, tightening small screws and occasionally trimming a zip tie, a slim no-pliers model like the ROCKTOL ST02 is lighter, thinner and better for the job. If you grip wire, strip cable or hold anything while you cut, you need pliers, and you should not buy a tool without them.
2. Pliers or no pliers is settled – now pick the plier type
Needle nose and regular pliers, as on the Suspension NXT and the WETOLS models, are precision tools. Slip-joint pliers add a broader, flatter gripping surface for hardware. Spring-loaded pliers open for you, which is a genuine ergonomic gain during long jobs, and they appear mostly on mid-range tools. Replaceable wire cutters, as on the Leatherman Rebar, matter most if you cut wire every day, because a chewed cutter is the only part of a multitool you cannot work around.
3. One-handed access or maximum tools
Tools reachable from outside the handles, as on the Leatherman Wave Plus and the PERWIN, open one-handed without unfolding the body. Tools that live inside the handles, as on the Victorinox Spirit X and the Leatherman Rebar, require both hands but give you a tighter, simpler package. Newer magnetic designs open every tool from the closed position, at the cost of bulk and a higher price. r/BuyItForLife consensus leans toward one-handed access as the feature owners care about most.
4. Blade steel, in plain terms
420HC is a common budget-to-mid steel that takes an edge easily and needs regular sharpening. 154CM holds an edge longer and resists wear, and appears on the replaceable cutters of the Rebar. 5Cr15MoV is a cheaper stainless that dulls fastest, found on the SOG PowerPint. VG-10 is a good Japanese stainless for the money, as on the ROCKTOL ST02. For light everyday cutting, the steel matters less than the geometry and how sharp it arrives. For someone who uses tools professionally and sharpens them, steel moves up the list considerably.
5. How you will actually carry it
Pocket clip for trousers, sheath for a belt or a bag, keyring hole for a keychain. This is where a lot of multitool buying goes wrong, and the r/BuyItForLife complaint about pocket bulk is the most common one in the category. Be honest about where it will live. A tool that is too heavy to carry ends up in a drawer, and a tool in a drawer never fixes anything. Many owners solve this with a tiered setup: a small keychain tool plus a slim pocket tool plus a full-size tool in the car.
6. Hand size and grip
Handle width varies enormously. The WETOLS 21-in-1 runs roughly half again as wide as a Leatherman and suits larger hands, while slim models suit smaller hands. Glove use and wet hands are worth testing too, since polished steel handles lose grip exactly when you need them. Firefighting threads recommend tools chosen for gloved one-handed operation, and that is a reasonable test to apply in any trade.
7. Maintenance and warranty
Rinse grit and salt off after use, dry the tool fully, and put a drop of oil on the pivots a few times a year. Grit in a hinge is the main reason a multitool develops a stiff blade. On warranty, Leatherman lists 25-year coverage on the Wingman and the Rebar and a lifetime warranty on the Wave Plus, with spare parts available for decades, Victorinox carries a lifetime warranty for material and manufacturing defects, and Gerber, SOG and several others list limited lifetime warranties. The cheapest sheaths in this roundup tend to be nylon with a single line of stitching, and a worn sheath is usually the first thing to fail.
8. Flying with a multitool and other restricted places
Multitools are generally permitted through airport security, but the rules depend on the individual blade, scissors and tool lengths rather than on the fact that it is a multitool, and the final call rests with the screening officer. The safest approach is to check the current TSA guidance before you travel, keep any tool in checked luggage if you are unsure, and never pack it in a bag you cannot open. Multitools are also restricted in many courthouses, schools, stadiums and secure buildings, so check the rules where you are going before you carry one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the absolute best multitool?
The Gerber Suspension NXT is the best overall multitool. It carries 15 working functions in 4.25 inches, every implement locks open, the spring-action pliers are well machined and it weighs 6.4 ounces. It also has the largest proven owner base in our roundup with more than 23k ratings.
What is the best multitool for value for money?
The Leatherman Wingman is the strongest pick for value. You get one-handed opening on every tool including the inner implements, a locking blade, spring-action pliers, 14 tools and a 25-year warranty with spare parts still available. The MOSSY OAK 21-in-1 goes further on function count at a lower price, but the Wingman is the better made tool.
Does TSA allow a Leatherman in carry-on luggage?
Multitools including Leatherman models are generally permitted through airport security, but the decision rests on the individual blade and tool lengths rather than the multitool format, and the screening officer makes the final call. Check the current TSA guidance before you travel and pack any multitool in checked luggage if you are unsure.
Are there better multitools than Leatherman?
For most people, no. Leatherman is recommended most often by a wide margin in owner communities for durability and lifetime serviceability. The Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit X is the strongest alternative on build quality and rust resistance, the SOG PowerPint wins on compact size, and the Gerber Suspension NXT offers the widest proven owner base.
How many tools should a good multitool have?
Tool count matters far less than tool selection. Owners report that most people use a small handful of implements, most often the pliers, the scissors, a bit driver and openers. A 12-to-14 function tool with good pliers usually serves a person better than a 27-function tool where half the implements sit unused.
What multitool do first responders and trade workers carry?
The common choice is a locking full-size plier tool with one-handed access and textured handles. Firefighting discussion boards recommend the Leatherman OHT and the Gerber Center-Drive for gloved use and one-handed operation, and the same logic applies to electricians and low-voltage technicians who work with gloves on.
The Best Multitools to Buy in 2026
After working through fifteen tools, the best multitools come down to three clear answers. The Gerber Suspension NXT is the best multitool overall: 15 locking functions, real pliers, a 6.4 ounce body and the widest proven owner base of anything we tested. It is the tool we would hand to someone with no idea what they need.
Buy the Leatherman Wingman if build quality and service matter most, the MOSSY OAK 21-in-1 if you want the most functions for your money, and the SOG PowerPint or Gerber Dime if the deciding factor is whether you will actually carry it. Professionals cutting wire daily should look at the Leatherman Rebar for its replaceable 154CM cutters, and anyone working near salt water should look at the Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit X.
Whichever one you choose, pick the model whose tools match the jobs you already do rather than the one with the longest feature list. Then use it, oil the pivots once a year, and it will still be working in a decade.