The Best Multi-Tools Tested and Reviewed in 2024

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A plethora of handy gadgets in one compact package makes multi-tools increasingly popular. See how some of today’s models fared in my hands-on testing.

A twist on the tried-and-true Swiss Army knife, the aptly named multi-tool offers a number of DIY-friendly functions for use at work, at home, or while on vacation—without having to bring along a cumbersome tool box. Many consumers opt to invest in a quality model that truly performs well. Read on to find out what happened when I tested some of the most popular multi-tools on the market today.

The multi-tools that earned a spot in our lineup had to prove they were dependable, well made, easy to use, and safe. Each tool was extensively tested for quality, performance, and value—and compared against other top models. Ahead, learn what to look for when shopping for a multi-tool and find out how I used test results to choose the following models for this roundup of the best multi-tools.

1. BEST OVERALL: Leatherman Wingman Multitool with Spring-Action
2. RUNNER-UP: Gerber Gear Truss Multitool with 17 Tools: Pocket
3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: WETOLS Multitool, 21-in-1 Hard Stainless Steel
4. UPGRADE PICK: Leatherman, FREE P4 Multitool with Magnetic Locking
5. BEST EVERYDAY CARRY: Mossy Oak Multitool, 21-in-1 Stainless Steel Multi
6. BEST CAR-CARRY: dpnao Multitool Wrench With 7 Tools/Pliers/Wire
7. BEST OUTDOOR: Bear Grylls Ultimate Multitool
8. BEST CAMPING: Dr.Liliang Multitool Camping Accessories
9. BEST COMPACT: Gerber Gear 30-000469N Dime Mini Multitool Keychain
10. BEST EASY-ACCESS: Leatherman, Wave Plus Multitool with Premium

How We Tested the Best Multi-Tools

To get a well-rounded perspective on what to look for in a great multi-tool, we reached out to general contractor and Owner of Illig Properties, Ben Illig, who boasts several decades of experience in the contracting industry. When asked what his essential functions in a multi-tool are, he said, “I look for multitools with a good blade, strong pliers, and a variety of screwdriver heads.” Specifically for DIYers looking for a versatile tool, he added, “a knife, pliers, screwdrivers, and wire cutters are essential tools for everyday household tasks.” We took this advice in mind when picking our lineup for testing.

Then, for consistency in the testing itself, I used a rubric to award points to each multi-tool in different areas, including quality of construction, ease of use, durability, and the ability to use each included tool function successfully.

While I considered top multi-tool manufacturers, such as Leatherman and Gerber, I didn’t automatically eliminate models from smaller or niche manufacturers as long as they offered a quality product that was made to last.

I tested each multi-tool by putting its individual functions to the test. I used the screwdrivers to loosen and tighten fasteners; the knives to cut through cardboard, drywall, and leather; and the wrenches to tighten and loosen nuts. The scissors were rated both on sharpness and ease of use. Pliers had to grip various materials firmly and not slip off when pulled.

The multi-tools were not scored on comfort or ergonomics since multi-tools rarely offer a high degree of comfort during use. Still, I did note tools or functions that were especially uncomfortable or difficult to use. After testing, the scores were tallied, and I used them to determine the best use awards for each multi-tool. The multi-tools that did not meet my high standards were eliminated and do not appear on this list.

Our Top Picks

The market is awash in multi-tools, each claiming to offer the most robust model with the best functions. Rather than take the manufacturer’s word for it, I decided to test today’s top options. I didn’t go easy on the tools, either. If they came with knives, I tested their strength and sharpness. If they came with pliers or screwdrivers, I pushed those functions to their limit on various fasteners.

Tools that broke were automatically eliminated. Points were awarded for high-quality materials, durability, sound engineering, and overall value. At the end of the testing, the following multi-tools earned a spot in this lineup. One is sure to be suitable for your needs.

Best Overall

Leatherman Wingman Multitool with Spring-Action

Product Specs

• Type: Pliers-based
• Number of functions: 14
• Weight and size: 6.9 ounces; 3.8 inches by 1 inch by 2 inches

Pros

• High quality
• Precision pliers
• Easy-to-access functions

Cons

• Ruler has no markings

From one of the top multi-tool manufacturers comes the best overall pick in this lineup—the Leatherman Wingman Multitool. This tool is designed around a pair of solid steel pliers that offer spring action (meaning the user only has to squeeze the handles to close them; they spring open on their own).

I was impressed with the precise fit of the pliers’ jaw tips. There is no gap or unevenness between the steel jaws, and I could grasp tiny wires as easily as larger items. The Wingman also features 13 other tool functions: a knife, small scissors (not spring-loaded), wire cutters, screwdrivers, and a bottle opener. It also has a tiny ruler but, unfortunately, the increments aren’t labeled, leaving the user to guess the actual precise measurements.

The look and feel of the Wingman are top quality. The steel is polished to a high sheen, the surface is exceptionally smooth, and the tools are easily accessible with minimal effort—no straining or breaking a fingernail to get one out. At just 6.9 ounces and measuring 3.8 inches long by 1 inch by 2 inches, the Wingman is compact enough to carry in a tool belt pouch or stow in a car console for quick access.

Get the Leatherman Wingman multi-tool at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.

Runner-Up

Gerber Gear Truss Multitool with 17 Tools: Pocket

Product Specs

• Type: Pliers-based
• Number of functions: 17
• Weight and size: 8 ounces; 1.75 inches by 0.5 inch by 4.35 inches

Pros

• Well made
• Quality pliers
• Spring-loaded scissors
• Gunmetal gray steel

Cons

• Slightly uncomfortable when gripping tightly

Gerber, a respected name in multi-tools, pocket knives, and tactical gear, produces the second-to-top pick in this lineup. The Gerber Gear Truss Multitool is a pliers-based tool that features a total of 17 functions. The pliers are heavy duty and spring-loaded for easy use, and the plier jaws meet flawlessly at the tips, making it easy to grab even tiny items, such as wire or paper, without slippage.

I was pleasantly surprised by the inclusion of spring-loaded scissors because many models don’t have this feature. The Gerber Gear multi-tool fits nicely in the hand with one exception: a molded polyethylene lanyard loop at the bottom of one handle protrudes slightly, and when I grasped the tool tightly to exert force on the pliers, the loop poked into my palm. This could become uncomfortable for someone who needs to use the pliers for an extended period.

This multi-tool is made from attractive gunmetal gray steel that is polished to a satin sheen. Some of the functions, such as the screwdriver and the bottle opener, are slightly hard to pull out, but they’re solid and easy to use once they are extended. Overall, this is a well-made pliers-based multi-tool that offers a range of other functions, including multiple screwdrivers, can and bottle openers, a file, a serrated saw, and more. It weighs in at 8 ounces and measures 1.75 inches by 0.5-inch by 4.35 inches (when closed).

Get the Gerber Gear multi-tool at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Best Bang for the Buck

WETOLS Multitool, 21-in-1 Hard Stainless Steel

Product Specs

• Type: Pliers-based
• Number of functions: 21
• Weight and size: 11.8 ounces; 4.8 inches by 2.44 inches by 1.65 inches

Pros

• Ultra-smooth feel
• Quality pliers
• Large 3.25-inch knife blade

Cons

• Slightly heavy

There’s no need to spend a lot to get a decent multi-tool with abundant functions. The WETOLS 21-in-1 Multitool offers a robust set of pliers and a host of other tools in a compact size that’s just 4.8 inches long by 2.44 inches by 1.65 inches. At 11.8 ounces, it weighs slightly more than some other multi-tools in this lineup, but it features a very smooth hand feel, and all the tools are easy to extend and retract. Plus, it comes at an attractive price point.

I liked the ultra-smooth feel of the WETOLS. It has no sharp edges, and the outer edges of the handles appear to have some type of protective coating, which I appreciated. I was impressed by the large (and very sharp) knife: The blade measures a full 3.25 inches, and when locked in place, it measures 7 inches from the tip of the blade to the bottom of the handle. That’s almost unheard of in a pliers-based multi-tool where the knife is basically an add-on.

The WETOLS features many standard multi-tool functions, including knives, files, and bottle and can openers. It also offers something a little unusual and super-handy: a hexagon socket that holds four different driver bits that are kept in a pocket of the tool’s canvas sheath. The double-ended screwdriver bits include a flat-head, a Phillips, and a Torx (star-shape). A strong magnet holds the bits snugly in place; they didn’t fall out even when I shook the tool vigorously.

The can opener on this multi-tool worked better than the ones I tested on the other tools—it was sharp and large enough to cut around the top of a can without slipping. All in all, I found the WETOLS multi-tool offered a lot of value for its budget price.

Get the WETOLS multi-tool at Amazon or Walmart.

Upgrade Pick

Leatherman, FREE P4 Multitool with Magnetic Locking

Product Specs

• Type: Pliers-based
• Number of functions: 21
• Weight and size: 12 ounces; 5.38 inches by 7 inches by 1.25 inches

Pros

• Sleek and attractive
• Stainless steel belt clip
• Robust saw
• Magnetic closure

Cons

• Slightly heavy
• Pliers not spring-loaded

The second Leatherman multi-tool to make the lineup, the FREE P4, is engineered to near-perfection, and it comes with a softly brushed stainless steel finish that gives it an upscale look. Like nearly all Leatherman multi-tools, the plier jaws on the FREE P4 are highly precise and fit together without so much as a hair’s breadth of space between them. That said, I was disappointed that the pliers were not spring-loaded. Interestingly enough, the small pair of scissors is spring-loaded and cuts exceptionally well.

The individual tools are all easy to extend, and the FREE P4 comes with the nice inclusion of magnetic handles that lock together to keep the tool closed but are simple to pry apart. The FREE P4 comes with a stainless steel pocket clip, but the device weighs in at a total of 12 ounces, so it could get a little heavy if clipped to a pocket for any length of time. It’s probably better suited to a desk drawer, a briefcase, or a car console.

The saw on the FREE P4 is a nice addition—I found it quite sharp and able to slice through a wood dowel quickly and easily. The multi-tool comes with other standard functions, including a wire cutter and an assortment of screwdrivers and knives. It also has a wire stripper and a wire crimper, but since the tool is solid steel and not insulated, working with electrical wires might not be the safest idea. Users should ensure all electrical wires are not hot (i.e., powered) before using the stripper or the crimper.

Get the Leatherman FREE P4 multi-tool at Amazon, Cabela’s, or Bass Pro Shops.

Best Everyday Carry

Mossy Oak Multitool, 21-in-1 Stainless Steel Multi

Product Specs

• Type: Pliers-based
• Number of functions: 21
• Weight and size: 12 ounces; 5.9 inches by 2.9 inches by 2.97 inches

Pros

• Well made
• Quality brushed stainless steel
• Magnetic socket and driver bits
• Spring-loaded pliers

Cons

• No pocket clip

Right out of the box, I found the Mossy Oak’s multi-tool to be an impressive combination of quality and engineering. The pliers on this plier-based model are beefy and robust. In addition to precise needle-nose tips, they feature a larger convex area toward the base of the jaws that is suitable for grabbing wider items, such as nuts. The brushed stainless steel handles are well made and very smooth—no rough or sharp spots.

The high quality of the pliers, combined with the inclusion of a magnetic driver socket and four double-ended screwdriver bits (stored in its canvas sheath), makes this multi-tool a beneficial choice for carrying on a daily basis. It can be used to tighten or loosen nuts and screws, cut lightweight materials, or file wood or metal—and its ruler has labeled increments.
Weighing in at 11.8 ounces, it’s on the beefy side, but it features the functions I consider most likely to be used regularly. A pocket clip would be a great addition to the Mossy Oak, but as it is, I found the tool highly functional.

Get the Mossy Oak multi-tool at Amazon or Walmart.

Best Car-Carry

dpnao Multitool Wrench With 7 Tools/Pliers/Wire

Product Specs

• Type: Pliers-based
• Number of functions: 7
• Weight and size: 6.7 ounces; 5 inches by 1.4 inches by 0.4 inch

Pros

• Adjustable crescent wrench
• Spring-loaded pliers
• Comes with 9 driver bits
• Easy to use

Cons

• No scissors

While the dpnao multi-tool is a pliers-based model, it comes with an adjustable crescent wrench that allows the user to loosen or tighten a variety of nut sizes, such as those found on automobile fixtures, engines, and batteries.

Of all the multi-tools I tested, this one was the best suited for working on minor car issues. I used it to tighten battery cables and remove a frozen stem cap from a tire. While the dpnao comes with a sturdy stainless steel pocket clip, when I went to retrieve the tool from my pocket, the protruding end of the wrench scraped my hand. That was only a minor inconvenience; this is a very nice little tool in general.

It comes with just seven functions: spring-loaded pliers, the adjustable wrench, wire cutters, two screwdrivers, a sharp knife, a handle that accommodates a socket, and nine driver bits that store in the case.

Everything on the dpnao multi-tool is intuitive—the safety lock is in plain sight, as is the rotary adjustment for the wrench. The movement is smooth but solid, and the tool is made from brushed stainless steel. It weighs just 6.7 ounces, making it light enough to carry in a pocket or purse, and it measures 5 inches by 1.4 inches by 0.4 inch.

Get the dpnao multi-tool at Amazon.

Best Outdoor

Bear Grylls Ultimate Multitool

Product Specs

• Type: Pliers-based
• Number of functions: 12
• Weight and size: 10.5 ounces; 4 inches by 2 inches, by 0.5 inch

Pros

• Well made
• Rubberized handle inserts for comfort
• Spring-loaded pliers
• Tweezers

Cons

• Lock-release buttons slightly rough

Made by Gerber for outdoor enthusiasts, the Bear Grylls Ultimate Multitool features 12 functions that will come in handy when users are away from home and modern amenities.

As with most Gerber tools, the pliers-based Bear Grylls multi-tool is robust, well designed, and made to last. However, I found it was slightly difficult to extend a number of the tools, including the two knives, the screwdrivers, and the scissors. After testing it for over 30 minutes, the tools loosened up just a bit. The pliers are the star of the show—they’re spring-loaded and come with both a needle-nose and a wider-throat option.

One of my favorite features is the rubberized inserts on the sides of the handles, which really amp up the comfort factor. A slight downside is that the lock releases the tools with serrated edges, making them uncomfortable to depress and after frequent use, they left a tender spot on my thumb.

The knives are nice and sharp, but to access each tool, I had to open the one closest to the edge to gain access to the next one and the next. It would have been nice to individually select the tool I wanted and open just that one while leaving the rest in place. Still, the Bear Grylls multi-tool offers a good selection of functions, including tweezers that would come in handy for removing splinters. Plus, at just 4 inches by 2 inches by 0.5 inch, and weighing in at just under 8 ounces, it’s an excellent addition to a backpack and can also be worn on a belt.

Get the Bear Grylls multi-tool at