# The best multitool **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 15, 2012, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-multitool/621958 "2012-05-15T03:22:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![MichaelEmouse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/michaelemouse/32/101_2.png) [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2012, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-multitool/621958/1 "2012-05-15T03:22:17Z")
So, what’s the best multitool in your opinion? What should one look for in a multitool, generally? Are there brands which are generally of higher quality than others? Is it realistic to expect a sharp blade on a multitool or are they all rather dull? ---
**Author:** ![sitchensis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sitchensis/32/4892_2.png) [@sitchensis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sitchensis)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2012, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-multitool/621958/2 "2012-05-15T03:32:10Z")
I don’t know about the best, but if you are going to go with a Leatherman, pick one of the styles where the main blade can be unfolded without having to open the tool (Wave, Skeletool). It seems like 80% of the time I just need a pocket knife that I can flip out with my thumb. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2012, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-multitool/621958/3 "2012-05-15T03:45:31Z")
Totally depends on too many factors to count. Do you want a full-sized, wear on the belt model or one you can slip into your pocket or one that lives on your key ring? Pliers or scissors? There are so many out there that anybody can find just what they want with a little shopping around. Personally, I carry a Leatherman Squirt on my key ring, have 6 or so different models of the Leatherman Juice in my desk, glove compartment, pack, etc., and carry a Gerber [Suspension](http://www.cabelas.com/multi-tools-gerber-suspension-8482-multitool-1.shtml?WT.tsrc=CSE&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=745221&rid=40&mr:trackingCode=668A9052-F5D2-DF11-82EF-001B21631C34&mr:referralID=NA&mr:adType=pla) or [Grappler](http://www.cabelas.com/multi-tools-gerber-grappler-8482-multitool.shtml?WT.tsrc=CSE&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=1139353&rid=40&mr:trackingCode=FF8397E6-C7EE-DF11-9612-001B21631C34&mr:referralID=NA&mr:adType=pla)when I need to. ---
**Author:** ![moldmonkey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ee59a6/32.png) [@moldmonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/moldmonkey)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2012, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-multitool/621958/4 "2012-05-15T04:13:55Z")
Depends on what you want to do with it. I carry a Leatherman Surge because I want a pliers that can be used hard and I have been very happy with it. Most people wouldn’t like it because it is large & heavy. The one thing I don’t like is that it takes special screwdriver bits and saw blades. I would like to find one that takes standard 1/4" hex bits and jig saw blades. ---
**Author:** ![AncientHumanoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ancienthumanoid/32/278_2.png) [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2012, 4:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-multitool/621958/5 "2012-05-15T04:29:53Z")
I carry a super sharp 2 1/2" blade pocket knife and often grab any old multi tool I happen to run across at the last store I went to. I find that I usually need the pliers and phillips screwdriver the most. I’ve used Leatherman and Gerber and no name brands. While I really can’t tell much of a difference between brands, I do see a real difference in price points. The cheap ones are crap. ---
**Author:** ![ducati](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/cc9497/32.png) [@ducati](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ducati)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2012, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-multitool/621958/6 "2012-05-16T01:23:36Z")
I carry a couple of pocketknives at all times, but I also carry a Leatherman Squirt. These serve me well most of the time, but if I’m going out with a little more intent on basic fix-it in mind, I carry my [SOG Paratool](http://sogknives.com/store/tools.html)as well. SOG makes the sharpest out-of-the-box knife I’ve ever had, and that includes their multi-tools. You’ll have to decide what tools you need, but I do agree with Sitchensis above; having an easy-access blade - if you don’t carry another - is a great feature to look for, and you’ll find SOG has a couple that fit that bill. ---
**Author:** ![that\_darn\_cat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/59ef9b/32.png) [@that\_darn\_cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/that_darn_cat)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2012, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-multitool/621958/7 "2012-05-16T01:56:58Z")
Love my Leatherman Wave. Got the original about 9 years ago and used it hard, until I broke the knife blade. (prying something, natch) The style had changed in intervening years, and they replaced it gratis, including a sheath the old one didn’t come with. Has saved me untold trips to the truck/down off the ladder. Customer for life. My wife is one her second Micra, but that’s the TSA’s fault. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![MichaelEmouse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/michaelemouse/32/101_2.png) [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2012, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-multitool/621958/8 "2012-05-17T01:23:35Z")
I’ve seen a skeleton design used in a multitool. Is the main advantage to that design looks? ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2012, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-multitool/621958/9 "2012-05-17T01:33:58Z")
That and weight. ---
**Author:** ![Enola\_Straight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dec6dc/32.png) [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2012, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-multitool/621958/10 "2012-05-17T02:10:42Z")
I use my Leatherman Micra … EVERY SINGLE DAY …for one reason or another. ---
**Author:** ![Scumpup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce73a5/32.png) [@Scumpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scumpup)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2012, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-multitool/621958/11 "2012-05-17T02:19:23Z")
I like the Victorinox multi-tools. ---
**Author:** ![wolfman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a8b319/32.png) [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2012, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-multitool/621958/12 "2012-05-17T02:21:31Z")
Multi-tools have magic powers, so the best multitool is the worst, and the worst multitool is also the worst. Goods ones give off an Aura that makes them undetectable by the human eye. After using it twice , and seeing just how useful it is, you will be hooked, and two or three times a week you will think, “damn this will be a snap with the tool” And then will begin the weekly ritual of wasting an hour looking for it. 5 years later when it is only a faded memory you will be moving the microwave to get something that fell behind it, and the muti-tool will fall on your foot as you tip it forward. You then get two more uses out of it before it spends 5 more years hiding on the stack of video tapes right beside the TV. The shitty ones will always magically appear on the table right in front of you whenever having a knife or screw driver would be handy right now. Because it is right there, you will lazily use it instead of getting a decent tool, and fuck up whatever needed done. Seriously though, a locking blade that works well is critical. Some have locks that will collapse under enough pressure, giving a false sense of confidence, and being very dangerous. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2012, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-multitool/621958/13 "2012-05-17T02:40:24Z")
> [@wolfman](#): > > And then will begin the weekly ritual of wasting an hour looking for it. Kinda impossible for me. 3 in the bowl with my keys, so one always is in my pocket (usually a Squirt.) There are 3 in the truck (glove box, tool box, console), 2 in my desk at work, 1 in my backpack, 2 in the car, and a couple in various bug-out bags and camp boxes. The Squirt gets used almost every day, multiple times, and the others are always on hand should I need them. ---
**Author:** ![AaronX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/7bcc69/32.png) [@AaronX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AaronX)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2012, 6:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-multitool/621958/14 "2012-05-17T06:40:16Z")
I carry a Leatherman PST 2 everywhere I go (they don’t seem to sell it anymore). I guess you should decide on the features and size you want. I got the PST 2 because it has a scissors. I think the functions I use most, from the top are: scissors, pliers knife, screwdriver. I’ve tried a few really cheap ones, and the hinges are terrible - they don’t snap into place. Maybe you should also decide if you want a single-handled (like the common Victorinox) or double-handled (the common Leatherman). I’d also get a locking blade, for safety. ---
**Author:** ![DearestDane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/f9ae1b/32.png) [@DearestDane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DearestDane)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2012, 7:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-multitool/621958/15 "2012-05-17T07:58:28Z")
> [@MichaelEmouse](#): > > So, what’s the best multitool in your opinion? Screwdriver. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![gotpasswords](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c57346/32.png) [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2012, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-multitool/621958/16 "2012-05-17T15:27:42Z")
A bit trite, perhaps, but the best one is the one that you like and use. I used to carry an original Leatherman and used the heck out of it. When the day came that I went from working at a craft to working in a cubicle, I pretty much lost all need for it and it’s been relegated to living in my car’s glove box. It bears repeating over and over - avoid the cheap ones! They will fold up at the least opportune moments and I’ve seen some that will actively try to injure you. ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2012, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-multitool/621958/17 "2012-05-17T23:33:08Z")
I have 3 Leatherman Waves. I keep one in each car, and one in my computer bag. They are awesome. The tool I use most is the scissors - it’s incredibly handy. ---
**Author:** ![SmellMyWort](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ea5d25/32.png) [@SmellMyWort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmellMyWort)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2012, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-multitool/621958/18 "2012-05-18T14:00:41Z")
Gerber. Hands down. ---
**Author:** ![mack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b19c9b/32.png) [@mack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mack)\ **Post date:** [May 18, 2012, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-multitool/621958/19 "2012-05-18T17:52:11Z")
> [@MichaelEmouse](#): > > So, what’s the best multitool in your opinion? > > What should one look for in a multitool, generally? > Are there brands which are generally of higher quality than others? > Is it realistic to expect a sharp blade on a multitool or are they all rather dull? Blades on multitools can be quite sharp and useful, IMO, the difference (mentioned by sitchensis) being how big a pain in the ass it is to get the blade out and then unlocked when you’re done with it. I carry a little leatherman style that easily clips and unclips from my keys. I use the scissors the most. I have a Topeak Alien that is actually a bike tool but it has a blade, Allen wrenches, a Philips head, etc. that’s usually my go-to tool for around the apartment. ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2012, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-multitool/621958/20 "2012-05-19T20:12:36Z")
I own a bunch of multi-tools. All the top brands will do the job well. Re “the best” the best quality fit and finish would be the [Victorinox Spirit](http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00487O9BM/ref=asc_df_B00487O9BM2021375/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=395033&creativeASIN=B00487O9BM&linkCode=asn&hvpos=1o1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=169139310147632255&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=). It really is a precision instrument that is designed for the human hand. Gerbers are OK but the steel tends (in my experience) to be a touch harder and more brittle in tough use which can lead to snapped off saws and blades. For keychain models I like the Leatherman squirts with pliers. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-multitool/621958.md?page=2)