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The best multitools for IT technicians

We don't always have access to a fully equipped toolbox, but with the right multitool, you always have access to the basics. Here is a selection of the best multitools that I have owned and tested over the years.
Written by Adrian Kingsley-Hughes, Senior Contributing Editor
Leatherman Free P4 | 21 essential tools, from a knife to pliers to scissors
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Leatherman Free P4
21 essential tools, from a knife to pliers to scissors
View now View at Amazon
Leatherman Squirt PS4 | When you don't need a full-sized Leatherman multitool
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Leatherman Squirt PS4
When you don't need a full-sized Leatherman multitool
View now View at Amazon
Leatherman Raptor | A great tool for anyone who does a lot of cutting
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Leatherman Raptor
A great tool for anyone who does a lot of cutting
View now View at Amazon
Victorinox SwissTool CS Plus | A true, pocketable toolbox
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Victorinox SwissTool CS Plus
A true, pocketable toolbox
View now View at Adorama

It's great to have a tool kit stuffed with all the gear you need because having the right tools makes any job quicker, easier, and safer. But there are times when you'll find yourself on an away mission with nothing more than the stuff you have in your pockets. You probably won't always have your flathead or SOG with you.

This is when a good multitool really pays off! There's more than just your everyday carry swiss army knife out there.

This gadget is a hardcore workhorse. I've used it and abused it doing all sorts of tasks, and it still looks new and works perfectly; this product has great durability and is more than just a pocket knife. The pliers, main knife blade, and saw have really been put through their paces, and they're just as sharp as they were when the tool was new.

At the core of the Leatherman Free P4 are 21 essential tools, from a serrated blade to pliers to scissors, but it features better ergonomics (the multitool feels much better in the hand, especially for extended use), it has a new magnetic catch allowing single-handed access to the pliers and a new thumb-operated mechanism for accessing the myriad of tools -- which means no more broken fingernails!

  • Needlenose pliers
  • Regular pliers
  • Wire cutters
  • Hard-wire cutters
  • Stranded-wire cutters
  • Electrical crimper
  • Clip-point knife
  • Serrated knife
  • Scissors
  • Wood/metal file
  • Saw blade
  • Package opener na dpry tool
  • Awl and ruler
  • Ruler (9 inches/22 cm)
  • Bottle/can opener
  • #1-2 Phillips screwdriver, medium, small, and extra-small screwdrivers

There are times when you might not want to carry a full-sized Leatherman multitool with you. This is when you need a Squirt.

  • Spring-action needlenose pliers
  • Spring-action regular pliers
  • Spring-action wire cutters
  • 420HC knife
  • Spring-action scissors
  • Flat/Phillips screwdriver
  • Bottle opener
  • Wood/metal file
  • Medium screwdriver

A multitool aimed at EMT specialists who need a robust pair of scissors. This is a great tool for anyone who does a lot of cutting (fabric, cardboard, plastics, and so on). I'm a great fan of this one because it doesn't come across as scary to members of the public and yet has some awesome features.

It's also great at cutting cables, especially network cabling.

I like mine so much I had a custom kydex holster made for it.

  • 420hc stainless steel folding medical shears
  • Strap cutter
  • Ring cutter
  • Ruler
  • Oxygen tank wrench
  • Carbide glass breaker

A robust multitool packed with 39 different functions. This is a true toolbox that you can fit into your pocket.

  • Needle-nosed pliers
  • Wirecutter for thin and soft wire
  • Hardwire cutter
  • Blade, large
  • Scissors
  • Wood saw
  • Reamer/punch
  • Can opener
  • Screwdriver 3mm
  • Bottle opener
  • Wire bender
  • Screwdriver 5mm
  • Phillips screwdriver 1 / 2
  • Screwdriver 2mm
  • Screwdriver 7.5mm
  • Crate opener, strong
  • Chisel 7mm
  • Wire stripper
  • Wire scraper
  • Ruler (inch)
  • Lanyard hole
  • Ruler (cm)
  • Metal saw
  • Metal file
  • Bitwrench
  • Bit Phillips 0
  • Bit Torx 10
  • Bit Torx 15
  • Corkscrew
  • Mini screwdriver 1.5mm
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