Best Multitool of 2024 (Review and Buying Guide)

Leatherman is the go-to brand for plier-style multitools. They’re arguably the most famous brand in the segment, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise to see a few of their products on this list. The first one is the Skeletool RX, a versatile multitool designed with first-responders in mind, and equipped with a wide range of practical tools.

As an emergency tool, it has everything a first responder would need. The highlights include a 154CM steel serrated blade and a carbide bit for breaking safety glass. Leatherman’s Skeletool also features needlenose and regular pliers, wire and hard-wire cutters, a large bit driver, and a carabiner-bottle opener.

It’s true that other products exist with more tools equipped. However, Leatherman decided that a less-is-more approach was better for the Skeletool. Instead, the company focused on easy ergonomics, a lightweight design, and quick accessibility. It can be opened with one hand, weighs only 5 oz, and can fit in any pocket or clip on your belt.

Like all Leatherman products, the Skeletool RX is made in the USA at the company’s factory in Portland, Oregon. Also, all Leatherman tools ship with a 25-year warranty, so you can have confidence in the quality of their products. The Skeletool is a confidence-inspiring piece of everyday carry around.

Victorinox is one of the most famous knife manufacturers in the world. It has a long and illustrious history of making cutlery and survival tools. There are many Victonrinox multitools on the market, but we rate their SwissTool Spirit X plier-style multitool the highest.

Manufactured from stainless steel, this lightweight and durable multitool has a unique design that fits comfortably in the hand. It features an ergonomic tool lock, and a slide and release mechanism. This allows users easy access to each of the included tools.

We could dedicate paragraphs to the amazing amount of functions that this multitool has to offer. Instead, we’ll just mention the greatest hits: needle-nose pliers, 4 different screwdrivers, 4 different cutting edges, 3 openers, 2 saws, and more. With so many tools, there’ll be a gadget to solve whatever problem you’re facing, that’s for sure.

For your money, you get a lot of tools. The Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X is a great option for users looking for one tool that can do almost anything. Plus, each tool comes with a lifetime guarantee too!

Next up, we have the Gerber Center Drive. This is the best multitool for construction workers looking for a handy tool that has a usable screwdriver function. Yes, many other tools have screwdriver bits but most of the time they’re not that fun to use.

They can be uncomfortable and strain your hands, and even then, they have a tendency to strip your screw heads too. This Gerber model is a multitool designed specifically for screwing!

The Center-Driver tool comes equipped wit ha 3.2” center-axis driver system. This opens to create a fully-functioning screwdriver with a magnetic end that can accommodate standard bits. It ships with a 12-piece bit set, but your standard bits will work just as well too.

While the screwdriver steals the show, the tool also features a number of other exciting and useful features. These include a set of pliers, a saw, a pry bar, can and bottle openers, and an impressive 420HC blade. It opens with a one handed opening action, and all the tools are easily accessible, even for clumsy fingers.

Like all Gerber products, this multitool is made in the USA at the company’s Oregon factory. This one also ships with a limited lifetime guarantee.

Here’s another Leatherman product. This one is the Free P4. It’s one of a number of multitools in Leatherman’s Free range, but it’s the most practical in our humble opinion. It’s smart, practical, compact, and packed with features.

Made from stainless steel, the Leatherman Free P4 multitool boasts a total of 21 functions. These include pliers, wire cutters, crimpers, spring-action scissors, a saw, and an impressive pair of 420HC knife blades. Other tools include files, openers, an awl, pry tool, and screwdriver heads.

One of the best features of this tool is the use of magnetic locking. This makes the P4 incredibly fun to use. Accessing tools is easy and intuitive, reducing friction and improving feedback. Leatherman has also used new cam locks to secure tools in their open position with ease. In fact, the whole device has been designed with ergonomics in mind, allowing for ambidextrous one-hand opening.

Since it’s a Leatherman, it’s 100% made in the USA, in Portland, Oregon. Naturally, it ships with Leatherman’s usual 25-year warranty.

SOG-branded knives are a piece of American history and famed for their use during the Vietnam War era. Today, SOG manufacturers more than the famous Studies and Observation Group knife and the brand’s multitools are some of the best in the industry. For this list, we’ve chosen the enormously capable PowerLock model.

Made from GSA-approved 420 stainless steel, this sturdy tool has a practical design that makes it ideal for site workers. It’s tough, durable, and packed with plenty of useful features. These include pliers, scissors, crimping tools, a folding knife, a socket driver, and a selection of screwdrivers.

What separates the SOG from similar models on the market is its strength. Thanks to a unique gearing system, the PowerLock’s pliers are some of the strongest in the business. Not only that, the PowerLock uses a special locking system with a 1-press action to release the tools when needed.

SOG also gives customers a fairly handsome lifetime guarantee. It’s quite a broad warranty, and the brand will even repair and replace parts…providing that the owner has properly taken care of their knife. If you look after your SOG, SOG will look after you.

CRKT, Columbia River Knife & Tool, is an American knifemaking company that has been producing quality tools since it was first established in 1994. Over the years, the company has developed a reputation for making top-notch equipment, and the brand’s Bivy multitool is one of our favorites.

It doesn’t have a million functions, but instead, it has five high-quality tools in one tough and robust package.  Featuring a wide blade, strong spring-assisted pliers, two screwdrivers, and a marlinspike, the Bivy is a must-have for anyone working with rope. Here at Boatsafe, we’re always tying knots, so this one is a perfect fit for us.

This cool tool was designed in collaboration with world-record breaking speed climber Hans Florine. Since it was designed with real practical use in mind, it features a smooth one handed operation, with spring-assisted tools, and an ergonomic grip.

CRKT always give their accessories a fairly decent 1-year limited warranty. This covers manufacturing defects or damages. It’s not as comprehensive as you get from other manufacturers, but the price reflects that.

Our next offering from Gerber is a little different from the others on this list. “Little” being the operative word. This is a mini-multitool rather than a full-sized one. It’s ideal EDC since it’s so small. It can fit in almost any pocket! It’s small in stature but big in features.

In fact, it packs an impressive 12 different features into a lightweight frame that weighs a mere 2.2 ounces. It’s keychain friendly, and while it’s small, it’s not delicate. It can stand up to heavy-duty use. Naturally, it can’t measure up to bigger products, but if you find yourself stranded somewhere remote, having this in your pocket will make your life much easier.

The list of tools includes standard pliers, needle nose pliers, wire cutters, tweezers, a bottle opener, a package opener, scissors, a couple of screwdrivers, files, and a sharp, fine-edged blade. It’s quite an impressive selection given the tool’s miniature stature.

Of course, this multitool has its limits, and it won’t be useful to workers who rely on a heavy-duty tool for everyday use. However, it’s a neat thing to keep on your keychain, and it’s very, very affordable too.

It’s proof that good things do come in small packages.

Though it’s more commonly known as a Swiss Army Knife, the Victorinox SwissChamp is a multitool. In fact, some might argue that it’s the original multitool. It has an impressive selection of tools, a sturdy construction, and a small and compact size that makes it easy to carry in your pocket. It doesn’t have the traditional plier-style multitool silhouette, but these Swiss Army knives are design icons in their own right.

The SwissChamp is made from stainless steel, wrapped in an ABS plastic shell. Each tool is also made from stainless steel. There are 33 different tools included in the SwissChamp, including a sturdy 2.45” blade, multiple screwdrivers, small pliers, a bottle opener, and a corkscrew. That’s not all, other gadgets include another knife blade, a pair of rulers, a toothpick, and a magnifying glass. There’s even a ballpoint pen! And so much more.

This multitool is better suited for hikers, campers, and for regular everyday carry, than for worksite or tactical applications. However, if you need a lot of features in a small, compact, and affordable product, then this is worth considering.

All Victorinox products ship with a lifetime guarantee that protects buyers against manufacturing defects.