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Top 10 multitools and pocket tools

We don't always have access to a fully-equipped toolbox, but with the right multitool, you can always have access to a basic set of hand tools. Here is a selection of the best multitools that I have owned and tested over the years.
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1 of 10 Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

Victorinox SwissTool CS Plus

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

  • Needle-nosed pliers
  • Wire cutter for thin and soft wire
  • Hard wire cutter
  • Blade, large
  • Scissors
  • Wood saw
  • Reamer/punch
  • Can opener
  • Screwdriver 3 mm
  • Bottle opener
  • Wire bender
  • Screwdriver 5 mm
  • Phillips screwdriver 1 / 2
  • Screwdriver 2 mm
  • Screwdriver 7.5 mm
  • Crate opener, strong
  • Chisel 7 mm
  • 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 1.5 mm

Price: $140 | More information

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2 of 10 Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

Leatherman Squirt PS4

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

Price: $36.50 | More information

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3 of 10 Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

Gerber Cable Dawg

A multitool specially designed for the US military, the Cable Dawg is a specialized, industrial grade multitool for work on fiber optic, IT, and cable systems. Very unusual, but highly useful for anyone who works with cabling a lot.

  • Rugged and reliable design
  • Can be used in various military, hunting, survival, tactical, industrial and outdor situations
  • All products are field tested
  • Wire cable cutter, with CAT5 jacket cutter and RJ45 crimper
  • Magnetic driver extension and driver storage compartment
  • Spring loaded jaw and head wire strippers
  • Detachable component handle includes partially serrated edge knife with jacket cutter
  • Made in the USA

Price: $190 | More information

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4 of 10 Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

Leatherman Tread Multitool Bracelet

A multitool that you can wear around your wrist. Feels a bit gimmicky at first, but once you get used to it, it's very functional.

  • 1/4-inch box wrench
  • 3/16-inch screwdriver
  • 6mm hex drive
  • 1/4-inch hex drive
  • Oxygen tank wrench
  • 3/16-inch hex drive
  • 1/8-inch hex drive
  • 3/16-inch box wrench
  • 3/32-inch hex drive
  • 3/32-inch screwdriver
  • 1/8-inch flat screwdriver
  • 4mm hex drive
  • 8mm box wrench
  • 3mm hex drive
  • 5/16-inch screwdriver
  • 3/8-inch box wrench
  • 1/4-inch flat screwdriver
  • #1 Phillips
  • 6mm box wrench
  • #2 Phillips
  • Carbide glass breaker
  • Pick/SIM card tool
  • Cutting hook
  • 1/4-inch socket drive
  • Bottle opener
  • #2 square drive

Price: $220 | More information

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Leatherman Surge

A chunky multitool that can is tough enough to take whatever you can throw at it.

  • All-locking blades
  • Needlenose pliers
  • Regular pliers
  • Wire cutters
  • Hard-wire cutters
  • Stranded-wire cutters
  • Electrical crimper
  • Clip-point knife
  • Serrated knife
  • Scissors
  • Blade exchanger
  • Diamond file blade
  • Wood file blade
  • Saw blade
  • Large bit driver
  • Small bit driver
  • 5/16-inch screwdriver
  • Awl with thread loop
  • Ruler (9 inches/22 cm)
  • Bottle/can opener
  • Wire stripper
  • Lanyard ring
  • Two double-ended bits

Price: $99.85 | More information

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Leatherman Crunch

A multitool featuring an adjustable vice grip that can clamp objects up to 1-inch in diameter.

  • Regular pliers
  • Locking pliers
  • Hard-wire cutters
  • Wire stripper
  • 420hc serrated knife
  • Ruler
  • Pin vice
  • Bottle opener
  • Wood/metal file
  • 1/4-inch hex bit driver
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Large screwdriver
  • Medium screwdriver
  • Small screwdriver

Price: $110.85 | More information

Swiss-Tech Utili-Key 6-in-1
7 of 10 Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

Swiss-Tech Utili-Key XT 8-in-1

The smallest multitool that I've owned, not much bigger than a key. I keep one on my car keys and I'm surprised how often I turn to it.

  • Flat screwdriver
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Micro-sized screwdriver (perfect for eyeglasses)
  • Straight blade knife
  • Serrated blade knife
  • Bottle opener

Price: $8 | More information

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8 of 10 Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

Victorinox SwissCard

A credit-card sized multitool that you can slip into a purse of wallet. Kitted out with the same high-quality scissors that you find in any Swiss Army Knife,

  • Nail file
  • Screwdriver 2 mm
  • Toothpick
  • Tweezers
  • Pressurized ballpoint pen
  • Pin, stainless steel
  • Emergency blade (letter opener)
  • Scissors

Price: $38 | More information

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9 of 10 Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

Swiss+Tech Micro-Max 19-in-1

A compact multitool that you can clip onto a keyring. So cheap you can afford to get a set for all your keys.

  • 1/4-inch Hex Wrench
  • 7/16-inch Hex Wrench
  • #0 Flat Screwdriver
  • #1 Flat Screwdriver
  • #2 Flat Screwdriver
  • #0 Phillips Screwdriver
  • #1 Phillips Screwdriver
  • #2 Phillips Screwdriver
  • Pliers
  • Wire Cutter
  • Wire Stripper
  • Wire Crimper
  • Nail File
  • Hand Drill
  • Bottle Opener
  • Inches Ruler
  • Inches Ruler Extension
  • Ruler
  • Ruler Extension

Price: $8.50 | More information

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10 of 10 Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

Leatherman Raptor

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).

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

Price: $69.85 | More information

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