A good multitool puts pliers, a knife, screwdrivers and a saw in one pocket-sized package. It is the tool that fixes a broken pack strap, opens a stuck can, tightens a loose bolt or strips a wire, and in an emergency the pliers turn off a gas valve if you also carry a utility wrench.
We compared multitools on the quality of the pliers and blade, which tools are included, how the tools lock and how much they weigh, from a full-size Leatherman to a keyring tool.
Best overallLeatherman Wave+Check price
Best value LeathermanLeatherman WingmanCheck price
Best for the toolboxLeatherman RebarCheck price
Best budget pickGerber Suspension NXTCheck price
Leatherman Wave+
For: one tool that does nearly everything
- Tools18
- Weight8.5 oz
- CuttersReplaceable
- Warranty25 years
Leatherman's best-selling multitool for good reason: full-size pliers with replaceable wire cutters, outside-accessible blades, a saw, spring-action scissors, screwdrivers and more, made in Portland, Oregon and backed by a 25-year warranty. It's heavy for a pocket, ideal for a pack or a car. The sheath is sold separately.
What we like
- The most useful tool set
- Replaceable cutters
- 25-year warranty
Watch out for
- Expensive
- No sheath included
Leatherman Wingman
For: a real Leatherman at a lower price
- Tools14
- OpeningOne-handed
- BladeLocking
- Warranty25 years
A smaller, cheaper Leatherman with spring-action pliers, a locking blade, scissors, screwdrivers, wire cutters and openers, all one-hand opening, with a pocket clip and the same 25-year warranty.
What we like
- Spring-action pliers
- Pocket clip
- Same warranty as the Wave
Watch out for
- No saw
- Lighter-duty pliers
Leatherman Rebar
For: tougher jobs at home and on site
- Tools17, all locking
- CuttersReplaceable, incl. hard-wire
- SawYes
- Warranty25 years
An update of Leatherman's original tool, with every tool locking, stronger pliers with replaceable wire and hard-wire cutters, a saw, an electrical crimper and a file.
What we like
- All tools lock
- Strong pliers
- Saw and crimper
Watch out for
- Tools are inside the handles
Gerber Suspension NXT
For: a solid multitool for the car or a go-bag at a low price
- Tools15
- Weight6.4 oz
- Length4.25 in closed
- LockTool lock
The most-reviewed multitool we found, at a fraction of a Leatherman's price: needle-nose pliers, a wire stripper, several screwdrivers, scissors, an awl and openers, with a tool lock and a pocket clip. Cheap enough to leave one in each car.
What we like
- Very low price
- Light
- Pocket clip
Watch out for
- Pliers less refined
- Shorter warranty than Leatherman
Gerber Multi-Plier 600
For: pliers you can flick open with one hand
- Tools14
- OpeningOne-hand sliding pliers
- LockSaf.T.Plus
- SheathIncluded
Gerber's classic sliding design lets you deploy the needle-nose pliers one-handed with a flick, and its locking system keeps the tools safe. A sheath is included.
What we like
- One-handed pliers
- Sheath included
- Locking tools
Watch out for
- Heavier than the NXT
Leatherman Skeletool
For: everyday carry when weight matters
- Tools7
- Weight5 oz
- IncludesBlade, pliers, bit driver
- Warranty25 years
A pared-back Leatherman: a sharp blade, pliers, wire cutters, a bit driver and a bottle opener, at 5 ounces. A good first multitool for someone who'll carry it every day.
What we like
- Light and slim
- Sharp, easy-to-open blade
Watch out for
- Only seven tools
Victorinox Classic SD
For: the smallest useful tool, on your keys
- Functions7
- Weight0.7 oz
- Length2.3 in
- Made inSwitzerland
The tiny Swiss Army knife with a small blade, scissors, a nail file and a screwdriver tip, weighing less than an ounce, and one of the most-reviewed knives on Amazon. Not a survival tool, but the one you'll always have.
What we like
- Always with you
- Excellent scissors
- Inexpensive
Watch out for
- No pliers
- Tiny blade
What to look for
- Pliers first: full-size pliers with wire cutters are what most people use most. Check that they close cleanly and the cutters are replaceable.
- Locking tools: blades and screwdrivers that lock open are safer.
- Outside-accessible blades open without unfolding the pliers.
- Weight: full-size tools weigh 6–9 oz. That is fine for a car or home kit, and heavier than you want in a pocket every day.
- Warranty: the big brands offer long warranties, a good sign of build quality.
Knife and multitool laws vary; check the rules where you live and travel.
How we rate
We score every pick out of 10 on four things, weighted for what matters when the power is out or the trail is long: whether it does the job when you need it (40%), meaning a filter's rated capacity and what it removes, a radio's reception and charging options, a kit's contents rather than its piece count; build and reliability (25%), including seals, batteries and shelf life and what owners report after months in a closet or a pack; ease of use under stress (20%), whether it can be set up in the dark, with cold hands, by someone who has never used it; and value (15%).
We have not tested these products ourselves. We read the manufacturer's specifications, certifications and instructions and look for the patterns in verified owners' reviews, both the praise and the recurring complaints. No brand pays for placement, and a commission cannot buy a higher rating. When a pick changes, we will say so on this page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best multitool for survival?
One with full-size pliers, a locking blade, a saw and screwdrivers from a maker with a long warranty. Our top picks are above.
Leatherman or Gerber?
Both make good tools. Leatherman’s are generally more refined, with a 25-year warranty; Gerber’s often cost less.
