My Three Favorite Multitools

When I moved to the West Coast, I moved to Portland, Oregon–the multitool capital of the world. The city is home to two prominent multitool companies: Leatherman and Gerber.

As I settled into my new region, I noticed a handful of people who always carried multitools. At first, I thought they were strictly pocketknives carried in self-defense, but then I asked someone about it.  It was a risky move, I know.

The man I asked showed me some features of his multitool, including saws, screwdrivers, awls, knives, and more. Instantly, I knew I needed my pocket companion, which contained more than a dozen tools in a snug pocket device.

Naturally, most multitool carriers were passionate about the outdoors, which made sense since a vast wilderness surrounds Portland.  Mountains, beaches, and nearby forests are in every direction, making it easy to find recreational activities.

Both major manufacturers sold multitools at local markets and outlet stores, making it easy for me to acquire multiple multitools for my arsenal. Thus, my obsession began.

Multitools Are Great Investments

Let me begin by stating that multitools are like any other investment.

Cheap investments yield a low-quality multitool that could break early with regular use. However, higher-end investments are worth their weight in gold, and companies that produce them back them with excellent warranties.

Investing a bit more money in a multitool is wise for peace of mind. This doesn’t mean spending hundreds of dollars on something that fits in your pocket, but I highly recommend spending more than $20.

I’ve tested numerous multitools at home, at engineering job sites, and in the great outdoors. They have saved me multiple times in every environment. Because of their value, multitools are an essential component of my inventory.

I’ll explore a few of my favorite multitools below.

My Three Multitool Picks

While the perfect, ultimate multitool does not exist (yet), investing in different multitools with complementary functions can improve our adaptability to unusual situations.

It’s natural for multitools to have overlapping functions, as each unit includes the most common tools designed to tackle everyday scenarios. However, I believe it’s far better to have redundancies between tools if something happens.

Here are three multitools that have served me well since my obsession began:

Leatherman MUT

This multitool is rugged to the core. Its build is heavier than others, as it was made to clean guns and perform heavy-duty utility work.

Although I don’t use this on guns, it has been a reliable tool in my daily experiences for addressing minor issues that arise. The Leatherman MUT is equipped with the following:

1. Needlenose Pliers

2. Regular Pliers

3. Premium Replaceable Wire Cutters

4. Premium Replacable Hard-wire Cutters

5. Strandard-wire Cutters

6. Electrical Crimper

7. Combo Knife

8. Saw

9. Replaceable Cutting Hook

10. Hammer

11. Bolt Override Tool

12. Replaceable Bronze Carbon Scraper

13. Cleaning Rod

14. Replaceable Firearm Assembly

15. Carabiner/Bottle Opener

16. Large Bit Driver

This multitool can be further enhanced by acquiring the drill bit pack and a drill bit extender, which provides additional torque when screwing and unscrewing different bolts.

Gerber Dime

Don't be fooled by this thumb-sized multitool. Although an investment around $20, it is one of the most valuable tools in my arsenal. It is equipped with a dozen handy tools for emergencies. 

Unlike the Leatherman MUT, the Gerber Dime has spring-loaded pliers, a critical feature in many cases where the grip on material needs to be reworked. 

The features of this multitool include:

1. Needle Nose Pliers

2. Spring-Loaded Pliers

3. Wire Cutters

4. Tweezers

5. Bottle Opener

6. Fine Edge Blade

7. Retail Package Opener

8. Scissors

9. Medium Flathead Driver

10. File

11. Small Flat-Heat Driver

12. Lanyard Ring

Victorinox Evolution S54 Tool Chest

Swiss army knives are famous multitools that have become the mainstay of survival in Swiss Culture. Standard tools that include the basics are great for curious people who wish to enter the field.

Additionally, Swiss produces much larger multitools with upwards of 100 tools built into them!

I have discovered that the larger Victorinox Evolution S54 Tool Chest Plus offers a high ROI due to its versatility. I must admit I bought this multitool before inflation, and its price has doubled over the past five years.

For the right user, that price remains an investment. 

The tools on the S54 Tool Chest are as follows:

1. Key Ring

2. Toothpick

3. Tweezers

4. Wood Saw

5. Reamer (Awl)

6. Metal Saw

7. Magnifying Glass

8. Can Opener

9. Compass

10. Serrated Edge Scissors

11. Combination Pliers

12. Fish Scaler

13. Large Blade

14. Corkscrew

15. Nail File

16. Universal Wrenches (M3, M4, M5)

17. Phillips Screwdrivers (1, 2)

18. Bottle Opener

Combining Multitools Is Key

Multitools are useful pocket-sized gadgets for handling life’s curve balls. While no one-size-fits-all multitool can do everything, thoughtfully choosing our multitool sets can prepare us for most circumstances.

Some multitools are made with care and require investment, while others are more generic. Based on your needs, it is beneficial to consider both options–budget versus luxury—and determine what is best for you.

Do you have a multitool you find helpful?  Leave a link in the comments section below!