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When it comes to tools, the options available are unlimited. There is something for everyone. But with so many options, come big confusions. How to decide which tool to carry on an everyday basis? You can’t carry all the tools in a box every day, except when you are a contractor. Carrying thousands of instruments in a box sounds and is impractical.
So, what should one carry? A Multi-tool. A multi-tool is an amazing invention that has become an important part of a majority of people’s everyday care. And it should become your favorite too. Why? Multi-tools are pocket-size tools designed to cater to versatility and compactness. Multi-tools are easy to carry wherever you want to take them with you. Although a good multi-tool is far smaller than its traditional tool size, it is as effective as its older version, if not more.
There’s a variety of multi-tools available in the market. Each multi-tool has its unique design and all of them can do things that your bare hands can’t. So, irrespective of where and how you live, carrying the best EDC multi-tool will get everything done for you. In this buying guide, we will share our 7 best EDC Multi Tools with you but first, let’s assess the factors you must consider before buying a perfect EDC multi-tool for yourself.
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Picking the Best Multi-Tool for Everyday Carry – The Buying Guide
When you think about EDC and the terms that describe it, Multi-tools are the first things that come to your mind. But don’t just go out buying a multi-tool without any background research. To help you out, we have listed a list of some very important factors that can help you choose the best multi-tool for yourself.
Lightweight and Compact
As discussed above, a multi-tool must be lightweight and compact. If it is not, it isn’t an EDC at all. Irrespective of its performance and the number of tools it has, a multi-tool must be compact, lightweight, and easy to fit in your pockets. Since you have to carry it around, don’t compromise on the size and weight.
Features and Functions
The multi-tool you buy should have a variety of functions and features. What is the point of buying a multi-tool if it doesn’t do all kinds of tasks? Always research the different features and the tasks you can accomplish with your selected multi-tool.
Mostly all common multi-tools have the following functions
- Screwdrivers
- Bottle openers
- Scissors
- Pliers
- Cutting tools
Stylish but comfortable
Multi-tools are all about comfort with style. The best EDC multi-tool is the one that is easy to handle and beautiful to flaunt. Comfort is a priority here. If your multi-tool isn’t comfortable to use, you won’t use it in emergencies so what’s the point?
The style of the multi-tool reflects through its carrying case. Always go for a strong and good-looking carrying case because it is the first thing people look at. A carrying case represents the style and uniqueness of your multi-tool.
Construction of tools
The blade construction is a key factor here. The quality of a multi-tool can be determined by the kind of knife it has. The sharpness, structure, and size of the tools help to decide whether a multi-tool is worth your investment. Therefore, always analyze the durability, structure, and shape of all the instruments in a multi-tool.
Flexibility
There is a common misconception. The harder the tools, the stronger they are. This, in no way, is a right statement. Your tools do not need to be rigid or hard. They must have an element of flexibility. A flexible yet strong blade or knife will require just a small amount of force to perform effectively. And that’s what we all want!
On the flip side, too much flexibility is also useless. The tool metal should be very weak. Weak metal bends easily that it becomes hard to repair.
Type of Metal
The metal type defines the material used in the construction of the multi-tool. You can always read about it in the manufacturer’s features list. The metal type reflects the strength, durability, cost, and flexibility of the multi-tool. Make sure you check it before you make the final purchase. The 400 Series metal is widely considered steel for EDC Multi tools. This is because it is cheap but offers the right sharpness and retention.
Brand and Price
Irrespective of what you buy, both brand and price play an important role in how good a thing is. When it comes to multi-tools affordability is key. If an affordable multi-tool has all the important features and can perform everyday tasks, there is nothing better than that.
When it comes to brands, there are several multi-tools brands. The best thing to buy a branded multi-tool is the quality it offers. If you have to use a thing every day, better make sure that its quality is top-class.
Now that you know what kind of multi-tool is best and useful, here is a list of 7 best EDC of all times. Take a look!
Best EDC Multi-Tool – Top 7 Reviewed
Leatherman Wave Plus
Features
- Dimensions: 02 x 0.98 x 0.98 inches
- Weight: 8.5 ounces
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Color: Nylon
- Contains pliers, knife, blade, and wire cutters
This is a multi-tool for multi-purposes. It has all the essential tools that can be useful for projects like DITs, home improvements, and car repairs. Made of stainless steel, the Leatherman Wave Plus has pliers, wire cutters, 420hc blade, and 420HC knife. All blades are lockable. The wire cutters are replaceable. The blades and knives are quite sharp with amazing edges but the scissors lack strength and durability.
However, it is a lightweight multi-tool that you can use to fix, adjust or create anything around your house. The good thing is that it is highly durable yet flexible. Irrespective of the number of hours you work with multi-tool, your hands don’t feel tired. Because of its compact structure and durability, you can also carry it around on your outdoor adventures.
Read complete review: Leatherman Wave Plus
Gerber 31-001134 Dime Micro Tool
Features
- Dimensions: 6 x 5.5 x 0.25 inches
- Weight: 2.1 ounces
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Color: Black
- Consists of 10 all important tools like pliers, scissors, tweezers, file, blade, and knife
Gerber is a well-known brand that manufactures some of the most amazing multi-tools. The Gerber 31-001134 isn’t an exception. This tool has all the good qualities of a rewarding multi-tool. The amazing and convenient butterfly opening makes it quite a useful tool.
It has a total of 10 tools and these are Wirecutter, Needle Nose Spring-loaded Pliers, Crosshead Driver, Fine Edge Blade, Retail Packaging Opener, Scissors, Medium Flat Driver, Retail Packaging Opener, Tweezers, and File. You will be amazed to see the sturdiness of the pilers and besides you can access all tools without opening the pliers repeatedly. Also, this multi-tool has tweezers. This is quite rare and only the best multi-tools have this tool. All the tools produce exceptional performance except for the non-pointy knife. Although it is safe, cutting does become a hassle.
It is pretty compact and lightweight. The stainless steel body provides it with the much-needed strength to carry around anywhere. Anyhow, with so much to offer, this multi-tool is perfect for all kinds of work like repairing, hunting, home projects, plumbing, and traveling.
Read complete review: Gerber Dime
SOG PowerAssist
Features
- Dimensions: 7 x 1.9 x 0.77 inches
- Weight: 9.6 Ounces
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Color: Black
- Consists of 16 tools such as pliers, blades. knife, can opener, and crimper
This black stainless steel multi-tool is a very helpful weapon. Why? Because it has a total of 16 very useful tools. You won’t need anything when you have this amazing multi-tool in your pocket. It has some of the amazing pliers, can openers, screwdrivers, and even a camp crimper. With this in your pocket, you won’t have time to worry about anything on your hiking or camping trips.
Don’t get fooled by its size and weight. This multi-tool is a complete powerhouse. The SOG multi-tool is an all-in-one multi-tool and a survival kit. If you are a soldier, this set of tools can prove to be quite helpful.
When it comes to its structure, this multi-tool has a body coated in wax and oil. This coating provides increased resistance against corrosion. Also, the coating prevents reflection. You can conveniently wipe off the coating if it fails to please you.
Read complete review: SOG PowerAssist
Leatherman Skeletool
Features
- Dimensions: 4 x 2 x 1 inches
- Weight: 5 ounces
- Material: Steel
- Color: Stainless Steel
- Contains seven major tools like knife, blade, bottle opener, drivers, and pliers
If you are on a hunt for a dependable multi-tool with a stylish body. The Leatherman Skeletool is one of its kind. It has a very compact yet stylish structure. The good-looking structure of this Skeletool is everything. Painted in stainless steel color, this tool gives out a very rich vibe.
It is not just its brilliant shape and structure, its performance is also quite commendable. It features seven tools as hard-wire cutters, regular pliers, Needle Nose pliers, wire Cutters, 420Hc Combo knife, carabiner/bottle opener, and a bit driver. All these tools are quite useful for everyday indoor and outdoor adventures. A perfect definition of an EDC.
Moreover, it is extremely lightweight. It just weighs five ounces. If the weight of a multi-tool is your priority, get your hands on this one.
Read complete review: Leatherman Skeletool
Gerber Diesel Multi-Plier
Features
- Dimensions: 75 x 2.83 x 1.46 inches
- Weight: 8.5 ounces
- Material: Steel
- Color: Silver
- Contains a total of 15 tools
The Gerber Diesel Multi-Plier is a tiny toolbox in your pocket. This multi-plier is not only inexpensive but has some of the most efficient pliers. This multi-tool has a total of 15 very important tools. These are two useful pliers, a scissor, and four kinds of driver, knife, file, saw, blade, can opener, wire cutter, jaw release button, and a tool lock. That’s a lot you can find in a multi-tool. The sliding button and lock are very refined. You will be amazed at its one-hand opening. When you purchase this multi-tool, you also get a nylon sheath. Weighing just 8 ounces, this multi-tool is a treasure to keep in your pocket.
Read complete review: Gerber Diesel
Bibury 21 in 1 Multitool
Features
- Dimensions: 8 x 2.9 x 1.7 inches
- Weight: 11.84 ounces
- Material: Nylon and Stainless Steel
- Color Silver
- Consists of a total of 21 amazing tools such as pliers, knife, drivers and blade
You mustn’t have seen a multi-tool as functional as this one. It has 21 tools. From three kinds of pliers to eight in the one-bit set, this multi-tool is a complete toolbox on its own. Irrespective of its extensive functions, this multi-tool has a 3CR13 stainless steel body. The body is heat-treated to make it extra strong and tough. Moreover, it has a very firm grip-friendly texture. Your hands don’t slip and you enjoy a non-tiring work session. Since there are a lot of features and tools in this tiny machine, Bibury has cleverly placed security locks to control every tool. Once you are done using it, you will just have to press a button and place all the tools back to their position.
With a beautifully sleek and compact design, this equipment is a must-have for every outdoor and indoor expedition.
Read complete review: Bibury 21 in 1
Leatherman Squirt PS4
Features
- Dimensions: 2.25 x 5.5 x 0.75 inches
- Weight: 2.08 ounces
- Material: Aluminium and Steel
- Color: Blue
- Contains eight functions
This Squirt PS4 multi-tool is of the same size as a keychain. It is so compact and lightweight that you will be amazed to see its size. This is a Leatherman product and is both well-built and well-designed. It is made of a mixture of aluminum and stainless steel. It has a total of eight tools including a knife, blade, pliers, and scissors. Surprisingly, the blades in this multi-tool are quite a treat. The ps4 has an ergonomic design with a portable structure. You can easily hang this with your keychain. The making is well-balanced. You can access all pilers easily. All the tools have curved surfaces for your comfort. Unlike many other tools, it is very lightweight. You can easily carry it on your outdoor adventures. However, it can’t tackle huge jobs but you can always find a job for this tiny squirt.
Read complete review: Leatherman Squirt PS4
Frequently Asked Questions
You still have some doubts? We are answering some very common questions regarding multitools below.
Can I carry a multi-tool on a plane?
Yes. If you have a multi-tool without a blade, you can carry it on a plane. If your multi-tool has a blade, just take it out and put it in your baggage rather than in your hand carry.
Are multi-tools best for DIYs?
Yes, they are rather the most appropriate equipment to use on your DIY projects. The important tools in a multi-tool are all together in one place, which means you don’t have to move around in your house.
Do companies make kid-friendly multi-tools?
Yes, there are plenty of kid-friendly tools available in the market. They are flexible, less sharp, much more compact and lightweight, and easily affordable. The makers have also paid attention to the types of tools present in a kid-friendly multi-tool.
Conclusion
What a great invention. EDC multi-tool is. So useful and handy. In a busy world like today, we can’t recommend a multi-tool enough. All the above options are excellent in their ways but when it comes to choosing one, our favorite is the Leatherman Wave Plus. With all the amazing functions it offers, it is inexpensive and pretty useful for almost all kinds of activities.
Hi, I’m Johnny, the chief editor at Svetools.com. Since I was a kid, DIY has been my thing – playing around with all sorts of tools, from power tools to classic wrenches. I started the Svetools blog to share my love for DIY and all things a house Handyman should know. Whether it’s product reviews or essential how-to’s articles, I cover it all. Need assistance or have a question? Hit me up using the details on our contact us page.