The Best Lightweight Multi Tool Reviews Guide for 2017

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Our Guide to Finding the Best Pocket Multi Tool after 2015

Multi tools are a lot of fun, especially for men, because they offer so many different possibilities. If I want the best cycle multi tools, I will choose one with pliers, different drivers and maybe a knife, but if I want one for all-around use, I may need one with a file, scissors or bottle opener.

Leatherman 830850 Skeletool CX Multitool

Our favorite for 2017

Gerber Curve Multi-Tool

A great value option

Leatherman 830846 Skeletool 7-in-1 Multi-Tool

A fantastic tool from Leatherman

If the tool is durable and easy to open, it’s really hard to find any fault in them – unless they’re missing vital tools that you need to get the job done.

When looking at the following multi tool reviews, you’ll want to compare the following:

  • Tools Included: The most important feature. If a model has 16 tools, that doesn’t mean it’s better than a 7 tool model if you’re never going to use the included functions. You really need to know what tools you’ll need, or potentially need to choose the right multi tool.
  • Length: The length of the tool is very important. If you want a pocket tool, you’ll obviously want to go with a smaller length. But you also need to remember that the smaller the overall tool is, the smaller the individual tools will be, which can be an issue with knives.

Again, you’ll want to also consider your budget because there are good all-around tools, and then there are great tools that you can use daily without much of an issue. It’s all a matter of how often you plan on using your tool. If your tool is part of an emergency kit and will only be used once a year, it will need to be less durable than a tool that is used weekly.

Top 5 Multi Tool Reviews

LEATHERMAN Skeletool CX Multitool – Weighing just 5 ounces, this is one of the lightest multi-tools on the market, and it is made with a carbon fiber handle to reduce weight while including stainless steel parts that are all extremely durable.

You’ll even be able to open this tool (and the many additional tools) with just one hand.

And while this may be a more expensive tool, it has to be one of the best multi tool reviews we’ve ever given. The Skeletool CX comes with: outside accessible blade (very sharp, and great for protection), pliers (regular and needlenose), wire cutters (2 types), bottle opener and a large bit driver.

If you want the best, look no further than the Skeletool CX.

Gerber Curve Pocket Multi-Tool – Small, compact and an amazing design is the best way to describe this Gerber tool. First, it’s a great budget option, and it comes packed with tools that you can use when camping, hiking or simply keep on you for those unexpected times you need a knife, screwdrivers or a nail file.

Oh, and I almost forgot, you can clip the Curve to your belt and use it to open beers.

When closed, the entire tool spans just 2.25 inches, and the blade length is 1.25 inches with a weight of just 8 ounces.

If you’re looking for an entry-level multi-tool, this is a great choice.

Leatherman – Skeletool® – Another Leatherman Skeletool, and this one comes with the same great weight – just 5 ounces. You’ll find that you can purchase this model with or without a sheath, and it includes: combo blade, bit driver, pliers, bottle opener and a removable pocket clip.

What’s really special about the Skeletool is that you’ll be able to use it as a real screwdriver, meaning that it’s compact enough that you don’t need to twist the tool awkwardly during use. And the knife can be used as a real knife for protection, albeit the blade is a little short unless you’re going for up close combat.

Gerber Dime Multi-Tool, Black – When looking for multi tool reviews, you’ll find a lot of people talking about the Gerber brand. The “Dime” that the company offers is great because it’s cheap yet durable. It’s not the best multi tool on this list, but it is one of the most affordable. And for the price, you won’t find much better in this price range.

This isn’t the best cycle multi tool, but it is one of the better ones. Why? It comes with a lot of great features, including: fine edge blade, package opener, medium and crosshead driver, tweezers, bottle opener, file, scissors and wire cutter. And this tool opens up with an accessible butterfly opening.

Spanning just 4.25 inches when opened, this tool closes to be just 2.75 inches in length. With 10 tools in 1, this is an amazing buy.

SOG Specialty Knives & Tools S66N-CP – An amazing tool that acts as an 18-in-1 tool. Complete with a satin finish and a nylon sheath, this tool comes with assisted steel blades and power assist to make it easy to deploy when you need it most.

A wide handle allows for an improved grip, while you’ll be able to lock the blade and tool in place for the utmost in safety. This tool comes with a limited lifetime warranty, and a plethora of tools in one, including: crimper, can opener, file, 2 screwdrivers, rulers, bottle opener, v-cutter, lanyard ring, pliers/ gripper, serrated and fine edge blade all packed into just 9.3 ounces of stainless steel.

The only downside with this model (and the only reason it came lower on our list) is its higher price.

Buyer’s Guide – Should You Go for the Lightest Multi Tool on the Market?

Many people think that the best multi tool is the lightest tool, but this isn’t always the case. While you need to consider weight, you also need to keep in mind that if the tool is very light, it may be sacrificing durability as a result.

a selection of multitoolsLighter isn’t always better, but I do recommend looking at the material the tool is made with. Most, I would say 99{63e9163d2c17d0b069b8deee763be7330d4e0c7ed51605edf339b1f505433272}, are made with stainless steel, and a few offer a carbon handle, which makes them much lighter without sacrificing durability in the process (very important).

When buying your multi tool, you’ll want to keep the following points in mind:

  • Budget: If you’re on a small budget, you’ll be buying a tool that cannot withstand daily usage. The higher priced models are what you’ll want to consider if you’re going to be using your tool often.
  • Functions: How many different functions can you use your multi tool for realistically? You would be surprised by the versatility that a 10-in-1 model can offer, but these models aren’t for everyone. Consider which functions are important to you, and choose a model based on these needs.
  • Weight: We discussed weight before, but you’ll want a tool that is under 12 ounces in most cases. This is a tool that should be durable yet able to fit in your pocket without weighing you down in the process.

Multi tools are very accommodating, so choose one that will meet all of your needs without sacrificing quality in the process.