Two things are essential for a multi-tool that is effective: it must be bomb-proof and it must be functional. There are very few options that can satisfy both the former and the latter.
This article will help you sort through the clutter and guide you as you look for the perfect multi-tool that will last for many years. We have tried to cover as many sizes and budgets as possible, and we will share some of our top picks.
Quick Look: The Top Multi-Tools
Summary: The Top Picks For Multi-tools
The Leatherman Wave is the ultimate multi-tool if you are looking for a large-sized tool and don’t mind spending a lot of money.
The 17 tools can be used in almost any situation. Its build quality is exceptional.
The Leatherman Micra is a great choice if you are looking for something small that you can carry around in your pocket without thinking about it, or something that costs less. The Leatherman Micra is 51g in weight and has 10 functional tools that are practical, useful, and sturdy.
All Leatherman multi-tools made in France are constructed with the same high-quality stainless steel. You can expect them to last well beyond their 25-year warranty period, if taken care of properly.
The Leatherman Wingman is the best mid-range tool (between a micro- and full-size tool), because it’s affordable. (Notice the pattern?
It is small enough to be carried in your pocket but large enough to handle more difficult tasks.
If budget is your main concern, the Gerber Suspension Multi Plier, which is a full-sized multi-tool at an affordable price, is our top pick. Although it isn’t as good as Leatherman’s, it’s still a solid tool and a great option for those who arent quite ready to spend the extra money.
Leatherman’s most loved and best-selling model is the Wave. It is hands down the industry’s largest full-size multi-tool. Gerber, Hoffman, Swiss Army Knife – none of them are comparable in terms quality and functionality.
The tool is larger, measuring approximately 3 cm x 3cm x 10cm (closed), and it weighs in at 241gm. However, you can still keep it in your jacket pocket or pants (although not as discreetly as the Micra).
The 17 tools are all fully functional and well-placed. This is in contrast to the Swiss Army Knife, where the tiny scissors and tweezers were notoriously ineffective. This tool is highly functional and brilliantly designed.
Wave users love the fact that they can open the file, knife blades and saw without having to use pliers. This clever design improves the performance of primary tools such as the screwdrivers and knife blades.
They also added a locking mechanism for each blade and every separate tool to the original design in 2004. This allowed for improved performance and added safety.
Wave is the undisputed leader in full-size EDC multitools for decades.
Things we enjoyed
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Everything. We don’t consider any tool on Wave to be unnecessary or inapplicable.
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Operable with one hand – all tools/blades on the Wave are designed to be opened/closed with one hand
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It comes with a quality sheath (leather, nylon, same price).
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There are tons of options for Leatherman bit kits such as this
Things we didn’t like
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The Wave’s only negative is its weight. Many people love to keep it in their pocket, especially if it’s being used as an EDC.
If you are looking for an EDC that is smaller and more affordable than the Wave, the Leatherman Micra is the best option.
It is lightweight at 51g and only 6cm in length, making it the perfect everyday bag.
It also has a clip for keyring attachment. We know many people who keep it there with their car keys or boat keys.
The Micra’s central tool is not a pair or pliers like the larger Leatherman models. Instead, it has a set spring-loaded scissors. Although they won’t cut through cardboard made from industrial perforated, they are functional and far more useful than the Swiss Army Knife scissors.
If you’re interested in getting into the Leatherman vs. Swiss Army Knife controversy, read our detailed article here.
The Micra comes with a pair of tweezer, a 4cm knife blade, three screwsdrivers and a file. There is also a bottle opener and a 12cm ruler on the outside frame.
In addition of course to its tiny size and practical/comfortable EDC potential, our favorite feature of the Micra is its price. Although it is still considered expensive for such a small tool, it can be a great gift idea and a cost-effective way to enjoy Leatherman quality without spending countless hours.
Things we enjoyed
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What else can you say about size/compactness?
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Attachment for key ring
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For nipping fishing lines/tying new hooks/lures, scissors are the perfect tool.
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There are many color options
The Wingman is a middle option between the Wave and the Micra in terms of size and price. It measures 10 cm (closed) in length and weighs 198 grams, but it’s still quite large.
It is just as useful as its larger and more expensive cousins. The Wave’s 43gm weight loss is also noticeable. However, many people prefer to carry it on their belts for everyday use.
The Wave doesn’t have nearly the same tools as the Wave, but it does include a bit driver and a saw blade. The Leatherman Rebar, which is similar in price to the Wingman, offers the saw option.
Although the Wave pliers are more powerful than the Wave ones, we find it difficult to imagine a situation where they could handle something the Wingman ones couldn’t.
Last but not least, the multi-tool’s favorite feature is its ability to access the blade without having to open the pliers. This is great for people who intend on using it as a knife.
Things we enjoyed
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Price! The Wave is substantially less expensive than this model, and has almost all of the same features and tools.
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The full-size Wave is slightly lighter than the Wave at a little more weight
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Performance of piers equals that of more expensive models
Things we didn’t like
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There are no bit driver options, other than screwdriver tools.
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No saw
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It doesn’t include a belt holster or sheath
The Gerber Suspension multiplier is a great option if you are looking for a full-size multitool, but don’t want to spend the money on a Leatherman.
It is almost as expensive as the Leatherman Micra but has all the functionality and tools of the full-size Wave.
Hence the huge price difference.
The main differences lie in the materials and construction. Leatherman products are engineered to a higher standard and will last for decades, especially if used in harsh conditions such as saltwater fishing.
The Gerber Suspension multitool is a great choice and a good value for money. Gerber claims that the unique plier/hinge design was inspired by Portland’s suspension bridges. It is said to give maximum squeeze power to pliers. Marketing gimmick? You can decide.
The pliers are great and more comfortable than the Leatherman’s.
The Gerber includes 15 tools, including a bitdriver (no bits), two straight and serrated knife blades, a saw, awl and Phillips screwdrivers. There are also all the usual goodies such as a bottle opener, scissors and a /stripper.
Some users complained that it was difficult to engage or disengage the locking mechanism. However, once it is in place, it adds an extra level of safety and performance.
Things we enjoyed
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Price, price and more price. As we mentioned, you’d be hard-pressed to find a full-size, better-quality multi-tool for the price.
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Lifetime guarantee
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The plier handles have a comfortable curved design that puts less strain on your hands while you squeeze.
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Includes a nylon ballistic sheath
What Are The Key Features Of A Quality Multi-tool?
It is ironic to think about what specifically you should look for in a multitool. If there were only a handful of things that a multitool was good at, then it wouldn’t be a good tool. They are designed to do all.
Durability is one of the most important things to look for, as we mentioned earlier. The term bomb-proof was used before and is probably not as exaggerated as you might think.
Multi-tools that are built to last will perform better. We’ve seen many poor quality tools that slip or become loose at the hinge.
MANDATORY Multi-tool Features
No matter what tool you choose, these are a few things that you should consider before you press the button.
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Pliers
Tim Leatherman, founder of Leatherman, agrees that a good pair of pliers is the most important tool. If you aren’t using a small multi-tool like the Micra or a smaller model, ensure that your set includes pliers.
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Knife
This is obvious. A self-respecting multi-tool is only as good if it has a quality knife. We chose each of the tools we discussed above, second only to the pair of pliers. This is due to the knife’s effectiveness.
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Punch/Awl
Even though the multi-tool doesn’t come with a punch or an awl, it should have a screwdriver and can opener that you can use on any multi-tool. The short-shaft punch/awl can be used for prying, pricking and jabbing.
Here’s a video showing the Leatherman Wave in action.
Conclusion
It is difficult to pick a winner in a product roundup, as we try to include tools of a variety sizes, uses, applications, and so forth.
However, the Leatherman Wingman would be our recommendation if could choose one single tool.
The full-sized EDC is lighter than the Leatherman Wave and has all the essentials like a set of pliers or a knife. It is also far more durable and constructed quality than the Gerber Suspension, which is much less expensive.
Finally, it’s a Leatherman, so you can be sure that you are getting the best. And if something does go wrong, the solid warranty/guarantee will always be there to help you.
