Multi-Tools

A multi-tool puts a toolbox on your belt — pliers, blades, drivers, and openers in one folding package that handles the daily repairs, adjustments, and cutting tasks that otherwise mean a trip to the garage. Impact Guns carries full-size plier-based multi-tools, compact keychain tools, and one-piece utility tools from Leatherman, Gerber, SOG, and other proven makers.

Read our full Multi-Tools Buying Guide ↓

Full-Size vs. Compact vs. Keychain

Full-size multi-tools (Leatherman Wave class) carry real pliers, full-length blades, and saws — the choice for belt carry and genuine work. Compact models trade plier size for pocketability and cover most daily tasks. Keychain tools handle packages, screws, and bottle caps in a package you forget you’re carrying. Most owners end up with two: a full-size in the truck or on the belt, a compact in the pocket.

What Separates Quality Multi-Tools

Three things: plier joint smoothness under load, tools that lock open (a non-locking blade or driver folding on your fingers under pressure is the classic cheap-tool injury), and outside-accessible tools you can deploy one-handed without opening the pliers. Leatherman built its reputation on all three; Gerber and SOG compete closely at lower prices. Warranty matters too — Leatherman’s 25-year coverage is the category standard.

Multi-Tools for Shooters

Several multi-tools are built specifically for the range: Leatherman’s MUT and Gerber’s gun-specific tools integrate bronze carbon scrapers, bolt-override tools, front-sight adjusters, and 1/2-28 cleaning rod attachments for AR-platform maintenance. For anyone who shoots regularly, a firearm-focused multi-tool consolidates the small tools that otherwise rattle around a range bag. See our gun cleaning section for full maintenance gear.

One-Piece and Specialty Tools

Not every multi-tool folds — one-piece designs (pry bars with driver slots and openers) carry on a keychain with zero moving parts, and specialty tools serve electricians, EMS, and hunters with trade-specific implements. These complement rather than replace a plier-based tool: the one-piece handles the 80% of small tasks, the full-size waits for the rest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What multi-tool should I buy first?
A mid-size plier-based tool with locking implements and outside-accessible blades — the Leatherman Wave+ is the perennial answer, with Gerber and SOG offering strong value alternatives. Buy once at this tier and the tool lasts decades.

Can I fly with a multi-tool?
Not in carry-on — TSA prohibits any multi-tool with a blade in the cabin. Checked baggage is fine. Bladeless multi-tools exist specifically for travelers and are cabin-legal.

Leatherman vs. Gerber vs. SOG?
Leatherman leads on build quality, warranty, and resale; Gerber offers the best budget entry points; SOG’s compound-leverage pliers deliver the strongest grip in the category. All three are legitimate — spend more for a tool you’ll carry daily, less for a glovebox backup.