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Credit:
Reviewed.com / Jonathan Chan
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Credit:
Reviewed.com / Jonathan Chan
Reviewed's mission is to help you buy the best stuff and get the most out of what you already own. Our team of product experts thoroughly vet every product we recommend to help you cut through the clutter and find what you need.
Learn more about our product testing
The Leatherman Wave Plus checks all the right boxes, from convenience to quality. All of the tools exceeded expectations, including the diamond-coated file and two high-carbon blades. Read More
Stark, cost-effective, and utilitarian, the MP600 held its own when put through its paces. The pliers have the widest arc of those we tested, and deploy with a flick of the wrist. Read More
At half an ounce, it's the lightest multitool we tested. The svelte build means no heavy-duty tools, but even without them, we think this will satisfy those looking to be a little more prepared. Read More
Despite its stylish looks and comfortable grip, the quality of the tools was poor. Read More
This multitool looks more like a museum piece than a multitool. The metal is so refined and polished that you don't want to place your grubby fingers on it. Testing found it's more beautiful than functional. Read More
Whether you're an outdoors enthusiast, a homeowner, or simply someone who exists in the world, a sturdy multitool is a must. But if you're going to pick just one knife-meets-tool kit to serve many purposes, you're going to want to look for the absolute best—like our favorite Leatherman Wave+ (available at Amazon for $119.95) .
Multitools are great for backcountry campers or anyone who needs their tool kit to be compact enough to fit in a small space—or in their pocket. Maybe you need to quickly fix a bike, screw something to the wall, or cut up a brick of cheese when you're on-the-go. Whatever the task, you want your multitool to be up for it.
With that in mind, we designed a series of tests to find out which pocket-sized collection of screwdrivers, files and scissors is really worth your cash. We tested 7 of the top multitools on the market to determine whether they were easy to use, versatile, and comfortable to carry. And after two weeks of non-stop tinkering, we're confident we've found the best ones you can buy.
Part of the testing included seeing how easily a multitool could extract a screw.
I'm Jon Chan, a product technician, everyday carry enthusiast, and staff writer. A huge portion of my job involves unpacking, installing, and unhooking large appliances like washing machines and fridges in Reviewed.com's test labs, which makes a multitool fairly essential for me. To be perfectly honest, I volunteered to test all these multitools so I could find one that could make my day-to-day easier. My own search for a high-quality, practical multitool that could work in many situations helped inform the testing process.
We tested for three major categories: whether the tools were portable, whether they were comfortable and effective to use, and whether they were durable.
To test portability, we weighed, measured, and recorded the number of tools on each model. At their core, multitools are supposed to be portable toolboxes, so more tools for less space calls was the ideal.
After noting the specs, we subjected each multitool to a series of very basic tasks: loosing a 1/4" and 1" hex nut, removing a screw from a block of wood, and cutting through a braid made of three strands of yarn. During this portion, we paid close attention to how comfortable our hands were and how easily the multitool could handle the situation.
We then took time to do some hard weather testing. Each multitool was subjected to 30-minute dip in an ice bath. The cold temperature test was to ensure each model could still function in bad weather. Not to leave out warmer climates, we conducted a similar test with a heater.
The front runners from the basic usability tests were then subjected to a round of practical scenarios. To cover large, medium, and small jobs, we used only the multitools to deal with: cutting tangled carpet strands off a vacuum brush, installing a dishwasher, and replacing a battery on a watch.
Comfortable to hold
Good spacing between tools
Knife not very sharp
Steel showed signs of pitting
Makes a good gift
beautiful design
Pliers don't open very wide
Not comfortable to use over time
Lightweight
High quality tools
Missing a few features
Certain tools are simplified
Affordable
Features plenty of tools
Tools are noticeably lower quality
Tools are hard to pull free
Jonathan Chan currently serves as the Lab Manager at Reviewed. If you clean with it, it's likely that Jon oversees its testing. Since joining the Reviewed in 2012, Jon has helped launch the company's efforts in reviewing laptops, vacuums, and outdoor gear. He thinks he's a pretty big deal. In the pursuit of data, he's plunged his hands into freezing cold water, consented to be literally dragged through the mud, and watched paint dry. Jon demands you have a nice day.
Our team is here for one purpose: to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and lab technicians obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we'll compare notes.
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