Large selection of multifunctional pocket tools is offered in corresponding section of our catalog. Filter by selection, among other things, makes it possible to specify the accessories that are required for you, whether it is can opener, useful for hiking and fishing, or stripper - popular thing when stripping wire insulation.

Main rule - we start from the purposes of use

When choosing multitool, of course, it is worth proceeding from the scenarios of its use and the set of devices (functions) that it should have. Current assortment allows you to find the most versatile model that will suit even users with diverse hobbies and tasks. But due to the abundance of tools available, multitool turns out to be heavy (which is not critical, it is acceptable for the glove compartment of car, but undesirable - for hiker or cyclist, and even more so for pocket carry). More often, such “generalists” simply gather dust around at home and are rarely used for their intended purpose.

More balanced approach is to define your application objectives, including making tasks lists of to be solved and / or necessary tools. Relatively speaking, the hiker knows that he needs to open canned food and bottles, file branches for making fire, cut food, use wire cutters, but screwdrivers, for example, are unlikely to come in handy. Fisherman may have his tasks, and the cyclist may have his own.

Abundance of functions is good, but not always necessary in practice.

Of course, modern person often has several hobbies at once. In this case, the more obvious option seems to be pursuit of an abundance of functions and versatility. But in practice, it’s better when one specialized model is waiting in user’s hiking backpack without anything superfluous, in car glove compartment there is another one (already with screwdrivers emphasizing the focus on some minor repairs and basic maintenance), and in the tactical pouch - the third.

Selection of multitool for different application scenarios will be discussed further.

Popular multi-tools

Can I take multitool on plane?

One of starting points for multitool's success was its positioning as survival tool. In this sense, the desire to take the model with you on any trip (especially long-distance) looks logical and justified. When flying, multi-tool can be useful in various scenarios, including the most banal one - in ouse rented abroad or in hotel room, where, with high degree of probability, there will be neither pliers nor simple screwdriver.

You need to understand that knife, scissors of certain length (in practice, almost any) and other cutting and stabbing tools cannot be taken in hand luggage. Therefore, it is worth taking the model in checked baggage, and not in hand luggage, and when traveling light, leave multifunctional tool at home. Otherwise, it is very likely that it will have to be thrown away (left under control).

So that multitool does not have to be left at the control, it must be checked in as baggage.

However, there is one legal way to take model on board in hand luggage. But it is risky and it is much more likely that you will still have to say goodbye to the instrument.

So, in pioneer line, Leatherman brand, there are multi-tools made in accordance with TSA specifications (US Transportation Security Administration). For example, the Style PS model does not contradict the rules that apply to hand luggage during air travel. But in practice, this does not mean that such multi-tool will be allowed to be carried on board the aircraft. Security officers make their own decisions and most often prohibit the carrying of any accessories with piercing or cutting objects. Oh, and Leatherman makes no guarantee that TSA-compliant multitool will eventually be allowed into the cabin. Therefore, on some domestic flight to the United States, it is possible that they will be allowed to pass with similar model, but it is unlikely that it will be allowed for international flights.

If you still want to take multitool that meets the requirements for hand luggage, then follow these recommendations:

  • do not try to hide the model from the scanner at the airport;
  • during the inspection, it is better to get multi-tool and open all the tools, thereby showing that there is nothing forbidden in it;
  • if possible, go to the airport with accompanying people to whom you can give the instrument if it is forbidden to carry it on board;
  • if there are postal services in the terminal (this must be additionally checked before the flight), then you should take an envelope with you. In it, if there are problems during the inspection, you can send multitool to your home or to the address of friends.

As an alternative to full-fledged models, you can consider compact versions of key rings. They usually do not have knife and scissors, and individual samples are also inexpensive, so the potential threat of leaving the product as a result of an airport check will be less unpleasant and painful.

Keychain Multitools

Multitool on hike

Multifunctional tool is often associated with repair and household tasks, so it is rarely used on simple summer trips. Relatively speaking, about week in nature can usually be spent without repair and maintenance - clothes, shoes or the same tent. But experienced tourists still do not refuse multi-tools.

If you take multifunctional tool on hike, then it should have the following useful devices:

  • can opener and bottle opener are must-haves for preparing for meal in nature;
  • one, and even better two blades, because an additional blade can be used to cut food, and the main one can be used to work with wood, fabric, cords (or vice versa);
  • file. It is useful for cutting branches, preparing impromptu stakes for an awning, etc .;
  • nail file - will allow you to take care of nail plates on hike;
  • the hook is universal accessory that, among other things, will be useful when removing the pot from the fire or tightening the knots;
  • scissors. Useful for hygiene and/or cutting cords.
On hike, multitool will not be superfluous and will help with survival in nature.

Experienced tourists and group leaders may also be interested in multi-tool repair tools - screwdrivers, wire cutters or even a wrench. With their help, you can bring back to life not the newest equipment, like a burner, etc. But additional functions make the product heavier, so you still need balance between their number, weight and dimensions.

It is worth noting that Swiss knives are also excellent for tourist purposes. Their advantages include relatively low weight and compactness. We also recommend reading the material “How does multitool differ from Swiss knife?” which will allow us to better understand this issue.

Swiss knives

Balanced model for fishing

For fishing in general, you can consider multitool with the same tools available as the camping model. For example, for food in nature after fishing, can opener and an opener will probably come in handy. Plus, knife, an additional blade, file (for example, for harvesting wood chips into fire) will not be superfluous.

Multitool will definitely help when working with gear.

Nevertheless, the optimal multifunctional tool for fishing still has differences from the camping one. The most popular components for fisherman include:

  • pliers. They can act as an extractor, that is, they will simplify the procedure for removing the hook from fish mouth. For these purposes, ordinary pliers are also useful, but they may not be so convenient. Also, pliers will help with crimping float sinkers and other work with gear;
  • good blade, including special knife for cleaning fish ;
  • scissors. They are suitable for grinding and trimming bait, should be useful when equipping gear;
  • awl. This tool will speed up fishing line unraveling, sometimes used for other everyday tasks in nature;
  • file is must have for the fisherman who is trying to extend the life of hooks by sharpening them further.

In addition to these tools, wire cutters and hook can come in handy when fishing. Those who like to make various fishing accessories with their own hands, of course, will need other accessories, including screwdrivers. But it is not always necessary to overpay for wide functionality, because even among multi-tool keychains there are profile solutions, like Gerber Gutsy, where there is special knife and even its own hook extractor to replace the extractor.

Multitool in the glove box of car

Initially, multitool was conceived as an affordable alternative to toolbox, because Tim Laserman, Leatherman brand creator, needed to service his old Fiat while traveling in Italy. Today, multifunctional tool also often lies in the glove compartment of car (or storage niches for motorcycle) and comes to the rescue in variety of situations.

Using multitool, for example, you can independently replace the air filter or the light bulb in the headlight, do electrical work, remove or crimp the battery terminals, tighten the hose clamp and more.

The car owner will need, first of all, repair tools, namely:

  • slotted (flat) screwdriver ;
  • crosshead screwdriver;
  • bit adapter + nozzles. These accessories increase multitool versatility and allow you to work with wide variety of fastening tools in shape and size;
  • pliers and needle nose pliers;
  • wire cutters;
  • stripper;
  • file;
  • knife and extra blade.

Recommended for motorists and set for emergency situations in the form of cullet and strap cutter. The first accessory will break the glass, and the second will cut the seat belts. Both actions may be needed in case of an accident - they will allow you to get out of the car.

If the problem with the car catches on the road, then multitool can come to the rescue.

This list, with the exception of the emergency kit, can also be used by motorcycle owners. If for car model dimensions do not play special role, then motorcyclists usually do not have roomy luggage compartments, so model compactness also plays role. True, motorcycle owners can place multifunctional tool in specialized backpack or motorcycle bag.

It is clear that in the garage multi-tool will not replace full-fledged set of tools. Moreover, it is advisable for owners of older cars to carry such suitcase in their trunk. But if the car is still under warranty, and if you have problems with the vehicle, you will most likely go to the service, for unforeseen circumstances, small multi-tool in the glove compartment will suffice.

Bit Adapter Multitools

Multitool for home

At home, it is necessary to correctly understand multifunctional tool main role . This is not device for full-fledged repair, but rather an assistant for small household chores, such as quick change of batteries in remote control or children's toy, tightening the fasteners of handle or kitchen shelf door hinges, checking the absence of “burned” wiring in socket.

For example, to assemble small bedside table, replace plumbing fixtures, or other more serious (and responsible) tasks, it is better to use set of tools, including high-quality screwdrivers, adjustable wrenches, etc. It’s not always convenient to follow them to the closet (or even to the garage) because of the little things, and if there is multi-tool right at hand, then it’s just easier to use it.

For serious repairs, multitool is not suitable, but for point tasks - very much so.

Even in household tasks, multitool can be useful solution when renting home. If there is no serious tool in rented apartment or house, then it is not very advisable to spend money on it. But calling the owners for trifles, when you need to fasten loose table leg, is also not logical.

For home use, the main functions of multitool are repair tools, the previously mentioned screwdrivers, set of bits, stripper, pliers, wire cutters, sometimes hook, scissors and file. But knives are sometimes not at all necessary, as is tourist set of openers and can opener.

Multitool for cyclist

Bicycle owners usually have access to specialized type of multi-tool. Such multitool is little more like Swiss knife than “classic” based on pliers, which are completely absent here. The main highlight of bicycle models is, of course, set of hex keys of different sizes (usually from 2 to 8 mm). There are also often Torx sprockets and additional popular bicycle accessories can be found, namely:

  • squeeze for the chain;
  • key for knitting needles;
  • disc leveler;
  • side shovel;
  • wrench for Presta nipples, etc.
Main components of bike multitool - hexagons.

If the owner of bicycle considers classic multitool, then one of its mandatory components will be an adapter for bits and set of hexagonal nozzles. But such model is inferior to profile counterparts, so it is suitable primarily for mixed use, for example, for bike trips or trips on two-wheeled vehicles for fishing.

Classic multi-tool for cyclist will also not be superfluous.

Multitools for tactical purposes and other scenarios

In the current range of multifunctional tools, there are many models with different profile purpose. Separately, it is worth highlighting multi-tools for tactical purposes. One of the trendsetters in this class is the Leatherman Mut EOD. It is intended for maintenance of firearms (primarily M4 rifles) and sapper equipment. The exclusive tools of the model are represented by ramrod, wire wringer, cartridge extractor, carbon scraper and replaceable punch;

In the segment of multi-tools for the military, it is also worth highlighting the Real Avid Gun Tool Clam Pack - this is compact set of tools with punch, hexagons for mounting sight, and other improvised tools for maintaining weapons.

It is not uncommon for universal models to receive one (or several) highly specialized devices that make them good choice for gardener, doctor (or paramedic), dog handler, or other professions. Most people do not need such multi-tools, because the use of rare tools often requires special skills and abilities. This is another reason to look not at the total number of features, but at how exactly you can put them into practice.

For tactical purposes, various specialized multi-tools are offered.

Conclusions and recommendations for choosing multitool

If you have already decided on the scenarios for using multifunctional tool, then you also recommend paying attention to the following points:

  • way of fixing accessories in the handle. The presence of simple, but durable and functional latch is sign of good multitool and one of the main differences from cheap and problematic models;
  • multitool size and weight is secondary when it is used in car glove box or permanent home storage, in other cases, compactness and lightness can become an additional advantage;
  • the bit adapter expands the potential scope of multitool, which is at least worth keeping in mind when choosing the right model.
  • among manufacturers, the founder and leader - Leatherman - stands apart. The category of high-end models includes Victorinox products, in the line of which there are little more than ten multitools. Noteworthy are also solutions from the Gerber, Roxon and SOG brands, and among relatively inexpensive manufacturers - Ganzo and Xiaomi.
Multitool + bits is very versatile set.

Even the most reliable and expensive multi-tool cannot completely replace set of professional tools. But solid pocket model can still be useful in certain scenarios, that is, it is not toy, but practical assistant. And to make it so, even before the purchase you need to decide on the functions (tools) you need.