
As a handyman, construction worker, carpenter, outdoor person, policeman or basically a regular human being you want to simplify projects and tasks to complete them faster, but with greater success. Practical multitool is incredibly important for everything you do. After all, successful completion of some tasks depends on good organization and specific tools that you use. To make things easy and simple, you can always opt for multitools which and, fortunately, they’re easy to find and use. In this post, we’re going to focus on the best tools of this kind that you definitely need in your toolbox.
Best Multi-tool Every Handyman Needs
When engaging in any work, you need quick access to all the tools for convenience. Additionally, they have to be easy to carry around in case you need to change your work station. If you are a handyman, you should have the best tools that fit in your handbag. So, we will strive to enlighten you with the best multi-tool that every handyman needs.
Ideally, three things determine which tool fits your purchase. You may have other preferences, but these should be your guiding principle in your market research. The manufacturing brand is a must in this industry. Topping the best three on the list are Leatherman, Gerber, and Swiss Victorinox. But the brand alone should never be your final denominator.
What to look for in a multitool
Before we discuss some of the best multitools, it’s useful to learn a thing or two about factors to look for in these products. When buying multitool, the goal is to get the best value for your money. You want a product with most tools that also work, but are affordable enough to be friendly for your wallet. So, here’s what to look for in multitool:
- Selection of tools (you want as many as possible)
- The functionality of tools featured in a multitool
- Price
- Size
- Weight (heavy duty or lightweight, based on your needs and preferences)
- Durability
- Leatherman Super Tool 300 Multitool
Source: Amazon
Leatherman is one of the most well-known brands of multitools and knives whose products stand for quality, ease of use, and durability. Their Super Tool 300 multitool is built with the strongest pliers the brand has ever made. The handle is specifically made to be gripped with gloves which are particularly important if we bear in mind that many tools are uncomfortable and awkward to use when a person is wearing gloves. This multitool features 19 different tools in total. Some tools include knives, screwdrivers, pliers, electrical crimper, wire cutters, file, saw the bottle and can opener, ruler, and all. What makes this multitool so amazing is the fact Leatherman put a lot of effort into making it safe as well. With the all-locking feature, all tools and knives lock when fully opened for safe and secure handling.
Pros
- High-quality build and design
- 25-year limited warranty
- Practical and functional
- Safe to use
- Versatile
- Designed for comfort, portability, and safety
- Leatherman Skeletool CX Lightweight Multitool
Source: Amazon
A major problem for some men and women is that multitools can be quite heavy, which is not practical in many situations. If you’re looking for a lightweight multitool, then you may want to consider Leatherman’s Skeletool CX Lightweight Multitool. This piece of work contains only the most necessary tools that most users need. As a result, it’s not heavyweight, and it’s easy to carry it around on a daily basis. Skeletool CX features needlenose and regular pliers, wire cutters (both hard and regular), bottle opener, and a large bit, driver. Probably the most practical thing about this multitool is the fact that you can only use one hand to open all the tools that are included in it. Sometimes you are too busy with work, and you need to do something as soon as possible, but you can only do it with one hand. In those situations having a multitool that you can open with one hand is crucial. This is definitely a good tool to use.
Pros
- Comes in two variations: stainless steel and stainless steel with a nylon sheath
- Perfect for everyday use
- Lightweight
- Carbon handle
- Solid and sturdy feel
- 25-year warranty
Cons
- Wire cutter section is quite small
- Pocket clip doesn’t grip pants well enough
- Pliers are a bit stiff
- SOG Multitool Pliers
Source: Amazon
Based in Lynwood, Washington, SOG belongs to the group of the most popular knife and tool manufacturing companies. Their products are inspired by military and tactical forces, and they’re designed for everyday use. This particular multitool features the PowerAssist mechanism which allows you to open and pull out tools with ease. Due to the fact that blades are placed outside, they are easier to deploy. At the same time, the assist mechanism completes the opening process. The 420HC steel was used to make the blades of this multitool. One blade has a fine edge with a black oxide finish while the other one is fully serrated. A total of 16 tools is featured in this multitool such as screwdrivers, pliers, bottle and can openers, blasting cap crimper, and others. It’s also important to mention that this multitool is lightweight and easy to use when camping, fishing, backpacking, in the warehouse, combat, you name it.
Pros
- Patented compound leverage: proprietary SOG tech for twice the power of regular multitools
- PowerAssist mechanism
- Great design
- Durable
- Practical
- Sharp blades
Cons
- Multitool is quite large, but blades are rather small
- One-hand opening and closing isn’t quite doable
- Victorinox Swiss Army SwissTool Multi-Tool
Source: Amazon
While this may not seem like a “regular” multitool, it’s a great thing to have for general use. This multitool features 27 functions such as pliers, spear tip blade, screwdriver, openers, saw, rulers, and others. SwissTool comes in a pouch meaning you don’t have to worry about losing it and its parts, they’re safely stored. The lightweight tool is made of stainless steel for amazing strength and durability. The convenient design allows users to access each tool individually from the outside of the handle. Once opened, tools lock in place for safe handling.
Pros
- Comes with pouch
- Mini toolkit
- 27 functions
- Easy to use and clean
- Durable remains perfect even with long-term use
- Smooth and rounded corners and edges
- Tools open easily and smoothly
- Sturdy, nice feel
Cons
- Quite pricy
- Some users may still find it bulky and heavy
- Leatherman Wave+
Source: Amazon
The Wave+ is the most popular multitool made by Leatherman. It comes in two versions: stainless steel and black oxide finish. Amazing construction makes this multitool suitable for different kinds of environment. Above all, it’s sharp, durable, and easy to use. Users can access blades like file and saw without having to open the pliers. Plus, their blade deployment is smooth and seamless, which is always a good thing. Wave+ features replaceable wire cutters, pliers, wire stripper, saw, ruler, can opener, bottle opener, files, screwdrivers, plain and serrated knives, scissors, among others. The multitool is designed in a way to allow men and women to use only one hand to open the desired tool. Compact and lightweight Wave+ fits easily into your pocket where you can access it whenever you want or need.
Pros
- Durability and strength
- High-quality
- Sturdy design
- Tools are easy to open
- Comes with a pouch
- Pliers are perfectly matted
Cons
- No clip
- Black finish in black oxide finish multitool scratches easily
- Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Multi-Tool
Source: Amazon
Bear Grylls is a famous name, and all of us have watched his shows where this brave guy does extraordinary things to survive. Now, you can have a tool that Bear Grylls uses when he’s in some of the harshest and most dangerous places on the planet. The multitool is suitable for different purposes such as military, survival, tactical, hunting, industrial and outdoor situations, and many others. The multitool is a result of collaboration with Bear Grylls and features 12 weather-resistant components including needle nose pliers, fine-edge and serrated knives, saw screwdriver, flat drivers, lanyard ring, bottle and can opener, wire cutters, and scissors. Lightweight and comfortable design won’t weigh you down; it’s easy to carry it and use whenever necessary.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Great strength-to-size/weight ratio
- Sturdy
- Tools are easy to take out
- Well-constructed
Cons
- The pouch has a divider which makes it difficult to slide the tool into it
- The pouch is also tight
- The screwdriver is too small
- Tekton 7989 10-in-1 pocket multi-tool
Source: Amazon
A common problem that many people encounter is that they need multitool, but most products on the market tend to be expensive. If you’re on the budget and still need multitool for your job or hobby, then Tekton’s item is worth considering. The 10-in-1 pocket multitool has a good build with anodized aluminum handles with grips made of soft rubber. That way, the multitool won’t slip as you use it. The practical multitool comes with pliers, awl, wire cutters, screwdrivers, bottle and can openers, saw, knife, and file. Due to the fact that pliers feature spring-action function they are able to return to open position and reduce hand fatigue.
Pros
- Affordable
- Rubber grip
- Strong pliers
- Wire cutters are sharp and durable
- Spring action is convenient
Cons
- No sheath or pouch
- No open lock mechanism
- Knives need more sharpening
- Tools are packed tightly
How to Find the Best Handyman Multi-tool
Before deciding on what you want, you must consider your needs first. They will guide you in narrowing your search. Most designs come in three categories. These are a keychain, general-purpose and specialized multi-tool. Matching these designs with your needs will save you money and give you an excellent purchasing experience. Lastly, you can only buy within your financial budget. The market offers many rates of prices. Choose what suits your range and widen your search.
Besides that, these are the most important things to consider.
Material Used
A multi-tool is a workman device. So, you need to have something that will serve you for a while. That puts a lot of consideration on the type of manufacturing material. The most essential is whether the material is light or heavy-duty. A stainless steel device has a higher quality than the rest. This is where you have to opt for durability rather than a brand.
Over the years, Leatherman products have been dominating the market. But if you need an affordable yet durable multitool device, then the Gerber Multi-tool 600 should be your perfect choice. It is robust and most preferable by the US military personnel for its durability.
Size and Versatility
You do not need to carry a toolbox for a handyman multitool. Whereas there is a need for a multiplicity of functions, that should not warrant bulkiness of the device. A small device with a knack of versatility is most admirable. Then look for something that gives you an edge in both the indoors and outdoors.
If that is your worry, then the multi-tool axe will serve you best. The extra hammer and axe is efficient when camping or hiking. It also has a saw for any emergency. When on the road, you can still hang and secure it on your camp bag. The most famous brand is Rose Kuli. But you can always find what suits you best.
Tools and Functionality
Most of the multi-tools are homogeneous. That makes it harder for you to single out what makes your life better. It should be easy to use and has distinct features in diverse parts of use. Some devices have extra working parts for stripping and nipping wires. This puts the multi-tool electrician on the top for the domestic and outdoor working environments. On this device, you may think of trying the Gerber Groundbreaker for a start.
The list of useful multi-tools for your convenience is endless. Apart from checking on the above guidelines, you may have other preferences also. That will depend on your minute specific needs. If that is so, narrow down your market search to a particular brand and functionalities of a multi-tool. You may also look into considering the multi-tool holster. This will help you in securing your device when not in use.
Conclusion
The multitool is a convenient addition to your job, hobby, home, and you name it. Before you make a final purchase make sure you consider size, quality, tool selection, price, and other factors. Go for a product that matches your wallet, needs, and preferences the most.