What Is A Multi-Tool?
When you carry a Multi-Tool, it’s like having an entire toolbox in your pocket in one, compact package. The forbear of today’s multi-tools is the Swiss Army Knife, which is still going strong as one of the world’s most sought-after knives. Then, in the early 80’s, the Leatherman made its appearance offering the needle-nosed pliers design that’s most associated with today’s multi-tools. The basic idea is that a variety of common tools are integrated into a body so that they fold in and out like a pocket knife blade. Some of the traditional tools that you’ll find in a multi-tool are screwdrivers, scissors, files, saws and bottle openers. Now, you can find multi-tools in a wide selection of shapes and sizes including non-traditional tools like wire-strippers, pry-bars and even LED flashlights. Also, the tools may be integrated into the overall design in a variety of ways.
Top Five Multi-Tools
With so many multi-tools to choose from, you’re guaranteed to find the one that fits your everyday carry needs. You’ll find a multi-tool suitable for survival, camping, fishing and work. Here are my top five favorites.
Gerber Diesel Multi-Plier
I’m starting this list out with a classic! Big and tough. Capable and versatile. The Gerber Diesel Multi-Plier is a tool that rules the road! Offering true, one-handed deployment with just a flick of your wrist, it’s the ultimate in efficiency. The industrial strength, stainless steel tools are larger than average and more rugged than normal, built for the toughest jobs. You’re getting needle-nose pliers, wire cutters, a partially-serrated knife blade, a cross point screwdriver, a file, a saw, scissors, a can opener, a bottle opener and small, medium and large flat blade screwdrivers. Each one of the tools locks into place for maximum safety and security with Gerber’s Saf.T.Plus system. The Diesel Multi-Plier pulls no punches and shrinks from no task!
Trailblazer Torque Driver
You know when that screw falls out of your chair at work, when you’re putting together that bookcase or when you need to open the back panel on that electronic item, having the screwdriver you need makes life so much easier. That’s why I love this one! A gem of a multi-tool to carry, the
Trailblazer Torque Driver guarantees that you’re prepared to fix anything that falls apart and it even has a flashlight! The tool carries two standard Phillips hex bits and two standard flat head hex bits securely but easily removable. The torque driver can be removed to help access the bits and it can be adapted to an angle driver using the small hex wrench on the base. Also, on the stainless steel base is a 10mm hex wrench, oxygen bottle wrench, bottle opener and carabiner tab. Integrated into the tough, glass-reinforced nylon bit carrier housing is a super bright LED flashlight that is push button operated. With the carabiner, there’s no excuse not to have this handy torque driver multi-tool with you wherever you go!
SHTF 20-In-1 Multi-Tool EDC With Carabiner
The
SHTF 20-In-1 Multi-Tool EDC with Carabiner is absolutely packed with tools in one of the most compact packages I’ve ever seen. You get 20 tools integrated into a design that fits conveniently on your keyring. The multi-tool is made of black stainless steel with a gold titanium-coated rotating tool disk. This allows tools to be exposed while in use but never in the way when you don’t need them. This little beauty gives you a bottle opener, cutting blade, pry bar, wire stripper, nail cleaner, box opener, large flat driver, medium flat driver, eyeglass screwdriver, medium Phillips screwdriver, small Phillips screwdriver, bicycle spoke wrench, measuring ruler, 1/4" wrench, 5/6" wrench, 3/8" wrench, 1/2" wrench, and a 9/16" wrench. The quick release clip carabiner gives you plenty of carry options and its compact size lets you carry it anywhere.
Smith & Wesson 15-Function Pliers
One of the oldest and most legendary brands in America, Smith & Wesson, offers much more than firearms. Their 15-Function Pliers covers all the bases with a lightweight, spring-loaded pliers design. It’s crafted of black, anodized 2Cr13 stainless steel, which features weight-reducing thru-holes in the handles. The tough tools it offers are a large flathead screwdriver, medium Phillips screwdriver, medium flathead screwdriver, small Phillips screwdriver, small flathead screwdriver, wire-cutter, wire-stripper, coarse file and both a 2 1/2”x 1/2” drop point blade and saw blade, can opener, bottle opener, nail puller and three-sizes of wrenches. Best of all, it folds to a compact 4 1/8” closed length and a nylon storage sheath is included for storage and transport.
Gerber Lockdown Pry Multi-Tool
Another different take on the multi-tool, the Gerber Lockdown Pry Multi-Tool has the ideal EDC formula: a low profile, modern aesthetics, and a mix of purposeful tools. The oxide-coated stainless steel tools that fold out of the compact, easy-to-carry package include a 2 1/2” fine edge blade, a replaceable #11 utility blade, scissors and a file with a chisel edge. The handle is aluminum, and the cast pry bar is integrated into the handle, along with a nail puller and a large and small flat head screwdriver. Whatever gets thrown at you, now you are only a pocket away from solving it with the Lockdown Pry Multi-Tool.
