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Top 10 multitools
Pocket jack of all trades
Author: Stepan Kagner
The first representative of the class of universal tools "pocket" format is considered to be the Swiss folding knife - indeed, in 1891 one could have at hand several useful items in one compact "fold". However, it was the main "working body" of the Swiss knives that limited their functionality: they still remain just knives to this day. Therefore, additional tools in them are seriously limited in length and thickness to fit into the handle - if you have ever had a Swiss knife with pliers like the Victorinox Skipper, then you already know how much they are “souvenir” there. But it is precisely pliers that are often more necessary at hand than a knife.
Well, the answer was invented almost a hundred years after the creation of the Swiss knife: only in 1980, Tim Leserman patented the device, which was called the "multitool". These were complete pliers, in the arms of which, according to the principle of a Swiss knife, additional tools were hidden. The Leatherman brand still remains for those who like multituls “speaking” (and most of the current rating of the best multituls won deservedly), although it does not produce them just lazy. This word has spread to the tool, whose design to the idea of the original Leatherman PST has nothing to do - for example, bicycle multitools, which in essence are “Swiss knives without a knife”. Given the huge selection, it is not surprising that you can get lost in the multitools laid out in shop windows. Which ones are really worth the purchase?
Top Multitools Top 10
| Category | A place | Name | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Multitools High Class | 1 | Leatherman surge black | 9.8 / 10 | 12 150 |
| 2 | Victorinox SwissTool X Plus | 9.7 / 10 | 13 560 | |
| 3 | Leatherman crunch | 9.5 / 10 | 10 900 | |
| The best multitools of the middle class | 1 | Leatherman rebar | 9.6 / 10 | 6 340 |
| 2 | Gerber Multi-Plier 600 | 9.5 / 10 | 6 870 | |
| 3 | Leatherman skeletool | 9.1 / 10 | 6 250 | |
| Best budget multitools | 1 | Ganzo G109 | 9.1 / 10 | 1 200 |
| 2 | Metabo MULTI TOOL | 8.9 / 10 | 650 | |
| Best unconventional multitools | 1 | Leatherman tread | 9.7 / 10 | 13 860 |
| 2 | Leatherman pump | 8.9 / 10 | 2 540 |
Top Multitools High Class
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Leatherman surge black
12 150
It opens our rating of an expensive, but unambiguously high-quality multitool from the company “progenitor” of this whole class of tools. In the "power" line of Leatherman, the beginning of which gave another PST of 1983, this multitool is the most multifunctional, and it stably holds the bestseller pennant. So, what is hidden under the black coating of the multitool?
First of all it is, naturally, pliers with a narrow-nose pliers. Their sponges are equipped with quick-change blades for cutting the wire, which favorably distinguishes the Surge against the background of even many “highly specialized” pliers, which, when the cutting edges become blunt, become useless for working with the wire forever. Electricians will need pliers for stranded wire with crimp, located on the back side of the hinge pliers. For electricians, there is also a tool for stripping insulation from the wires: of course, he is very far from a specialized automatic stripper, but hardly anyone would manage to stick this into the multitool format. And as a "wrench" will fit and Leatherman. There are two knives in the multitool — regular and serrated; both are made of 420HC steel (the rest of the tool is also made of it, except for the pliers blades). Although by the standards of “Nozheman” this material can’t be called top, it doesn’t take away from him decent corrosion resistance due to the content of up to 14% of chromium in the alloy, and a good sharpening retention while maintaining the flexibility of the blade: The difference from the overcooked 440C on Chinese copies, which do not bend, but burst.So, for example, in a campaign Surge knives will also be useful. As a complete file (and quick-change) and openers for canned food. Also in the multitool there is an awl, two files (including diamond), which are installed in the file socket, scissors, two screwdrivers, a bit holder. Traditional for Leatherman "trick" - this is an easy disassembly of the multitool and the presence in the sale of individual tools. That is, you can customize your multitool if you wish, replacing unused tools with more useful ones. Other manufacturers do not offer this, but it is a pity. True, in Russia to buy components is problematic, but eBay will always help out. To summarize: multitul out strong "universal", and literally strong. Alas, the price spoils the impression: if you translate the price in the United States into rubles, it turns out that “at home” it costs almost half the price than ours. Main advantages:
Minuses:
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 9.8 / 10
Rating
Reviews
An excellent, truly working tool. I bought before the crisis, the price was much "tastier." |
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Victorinox SwissTool X Plus
13 560
The most famous manufacturer of Swiss knives could not stay away. The multitool produced by Victorinox in the best Swiss traditions is “stuffed” to the limit: the manufacturer proudly declares 37 functions in it. Made the same multitool, of course, stainless steel (the name of the company itself includes "inox", which is just stainless steel and means).
What do we offer in the kit? Note that with a set of functions, the manufacturer is a slave: the number "37" includes a set of bits that will have to be turned by a separate key from the kit. Even the corkscrew is worn separately from the multitool and, if necessary, is inserted into its socket on the handle. So, if you remove the "external" elements, the functionality of the multitool will look paler. We will not describe the complete tools in the handles of SwissTool X Plus: they are all individually familiar from Victorinox knives. Steel, although they are soft, but it insures against damage. And the “built-in” functions of the multitool are good in their versatility, this cannot be taken away from it. Given the fact that the tool is completely made of stainless steel, it is perfect for hiking use. Another thing is that the price he now is not particularly "tasty" ... Main advantages:
Minuses:
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 9.7 / 10
Rating
Reviews
I already had Victorinox knives, so I took the multitool with confidence in quality. I think I did not lose. |
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Leatherman crunch
10 900
While for the vast majority of multitools the tool “around” which they are assembled is narrow-nose pliers with pliers, the Leatherman Crunch is made on the basis of self-tightening ticks (popularly called for some reason “goebbels”). So it can also serve as a clamp-clamp, if you need something not to hold, but to fix. In fairness, the same nuts are sometimes more convenient to turn with a self-tightening tool if you don’t need to be constantly intercepted: the brush gets tired at times less, because the handles don’t need to be squeezed all the time.
However, the self-locking mechanism with a maximum grip width of 25 mm inevitably “ate” a decent amount, so additional tools in this multitool are minimum: only a serritor knife, a small file, a cross screwdriver and two slotted ones (one of them is combined with a bottle opener). What, and all? Not really. Although there is no space left for the toolkit in the second handle, you can unscrew the adjusting screw from it and find that it opens the hex socket for the standard bits.And on the lever of the mechanism there is a special groove for stripping wires — an engraving specifically indicates this. Main advantages:
Minuses:
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 9.5 / 10
Rating
Reviews
Multifunction Goebbels - this is interesting and convenient. You can, after all, use it like ordinary pliers. |
The best multitools of the middle class
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Leatherman rebar
6 340
The price of this full-sized multitool is quite low by the standards of Leatherman. This immediately indicates a simplified design: although the quick-change pliers blades are saved here (and this is great!), The tool package hinges are already non-separable, that is, it is impossible to change something in the package. But the set here is what is needed - and two knives, and a file, and a file, and openers with screwdrivers. Wire stripping and terminal crimping are also provided. In short, despite the simplification of the design, the multitool has retained wide functionality and high quality. It is made entirely of stainless steel, so it is not afraid of water and sweat. Accordingly, in this section of the ranking, the multitul Leatherman takes first place not only as a tribute to the “founding fathers” who created such a class of instrument: the multitul is really excellent. Main advantages:
Minuses:
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 9.6 / 10
Rating
Reviews
It is cheap by today's standards (for Leatherman), but it’s made great. Pliers, of course, weaker than the "power" series, but the price is less than twice! |
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Gerber Multi-Plier 600
6 870
No less famous than Leatherman, the American manufacturer (which, however, is now owned by the Finnish company Fiskars) offers us a full-sized multitool, which, alas, requires special attention when buying. The fact is that this very series of Gerber is very fond of the Chinese, and on the very same “Aliexpress” you can find fakes for just over a thousand and a little. But the quality at the same time will be incomparable, which the author, as the owner of both the original and “China,” knows by itself. For example, sponges here can be “thrown out” from the arms with a quick movement of the hand - but if the “American” takes it for granted, because it was conceived by the creator, then the “Chinese” regularly fly off the spring brackets holding the fingers of the hinge stroke handles. Simply put, the "Chinese" is not only made of useless steel, but also literally falls apart in the hands. So, having discovered an online store that offers Gerber at a price of a couple of thousand cheaper "officials", do not rush to remember your bank card number: you seem to want to sell a fake.
The multitool made of stainless steel has a functionality that can be called “basic” - pass-pliers with or without narrow-nose pliers (there are different versions), nippers with non-replaceable edges, one cross-head screwdriver and three flat gauges. There is also, of course, an opener, knives and a file. The quality of the multitool is decent, the latches work reliably and easily move with the thumb. However, unlike the same Leatherman Surge, knives cannot be opened with one hand. Main advantages:
Minuses:
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 9.5 / 10
Rating
Reviews
I often take with me to the hunt - you never know, you will have to get into the gun, not to carry the tool kit with you. Therefore, it was Gerber who took the stainless steel. |
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Leatherman skeletool
6 250
Skeletool-like pocket multitools are designed more for EDC-wearing “for everyone”, and not for permanent use in work, the steel is usually simpler, and the set of functions is trimmed. Therefore, despite a number of unambiguous advantages of Leatherman, their “pocket” model in our rating is inferior to the full-size Gerber.
Skeletool, measuring the size of ordinary folding knives, is much more functional than they are, and some of the structural elements combine several possibilities at once. For example, a carabiner with a spring clip will not only allow hanging up the multitool, but also opening bottles. Blade - combined, with serreytor closer to the base, made of steel 420HC. For screws and wood screws a standard size bit holder is provided, there are four complete bits (two flat, two - under the Philips “cross”). And, of course, there are pliers, narrow-nose pliers and wire cutters. Multitul weighs a little - only 142 grams. Just what you need for EDC. So, choosing a compact multitool, pay attention to this model, the benefit of the main features of Leatherman (easy disassembly, quarter-century warranty) are not passed by. Main advantages:
Minuses:
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 9.1 / 10
Rating
Reviews
Good "pickpocket" from a well-known company. Well, for the money, the full-size “Leserman” I did not pull, which is already there. |
Best budget multitools
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Ganzo G109
1 200
The representative of the budget class from the brand, which is well known to those knife lovers: for its price, the quality of Ganzo is very decent, so we decided to take a closer look at the multitool from this Chinese company. The main steel used by the manufacturer is 440C. We have already warned above that the “Chinese” should be more careful with it: when the quenching technology is violated, it becomes excessively fragile. It's nice that there are not many complaints about Ganzo. Note the ergonomic shape of the handles, both in the “pliers mode” and when using the tools built into the handles. Their set is minimalist: flat and Phillips screwdrivers, a file, two knives, a bottle opener and an awl. It is a pity that there is no file: then we would definitely recommend Ganzo as an inexpensive option for hikes, which, if something happens, it would not be a pity to lose. Main advantages:
Minuses:
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 9.1 / 10
Rating
Reviews
A good cheap multitool, I use often, and I have nothing to complain about. |
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Metabo MULTI TOOL
650
A simple and extremely cheap multitool and called just as simple. At such a price, you can buy it simply according to the principle “to be”, take hiking and hunting, without fear of drowning in the swamp (especially when you consider that there is no cover included, and the clip with belt clip is not very reliable) or you can forget tents. The set itself is just a “hiking and hunting”: two knives, a file, openers. Screwdrivers, frankly, do not impress with special strength, so their help should be resorted to only as a last resort. Handles with alloy lining are quite ergonomic, although they tend to collect dirt. In general, we face the classic cheap “Chinese” with all its pluses and minuses. Main advantages:
Minuses:
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 8.9 / 10
Rating
Reviews
A lot of space in the glove compartment or pocket does not occupy, it is inexpensive, and sometimes it comes in handy. |
Best unconventional multitools
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Leatherman tread
13 860
This multitool is the only one that can be on hand even when you have not only free pockets in clothes, but also clothing itself.After all, in its essence, this is an ordinary bracelet, assembled from multifunctional links, which, according to the “Lezerman” tradition, can be bought separately and assemble the instrument “by itself”. The standard kit includes screwdrivers, hexagonal bits, and socket jacks for nuts. There is even a carbide tip for breaking the glass, and the opener is hidden in the clasp of the bracelet. All items are made of high quality stainless steel. Of course, any multitool becomes a victim of universality: each element of it is less convenient than a specialized tool of the same type. The design was added to the problems here: no matter how hard the nuts are by the bracelet removed from the hand, the normal key or at least the pliers will be more convenient. But such a multitool will be interesting even just as an accessory of the “techie”, and as an option for the “most extreme case” also has the right to life - it’s not for nothing that the Chinese are already stamping fakes with might and main. In the end, there are cases when even a completely “decorative” tool helps: the author once repaired a motorcycle that stood in the middle of a forest road “… ten” kilometers from the nearest dwelling, generally using a “keychain” multitool and twigs and, frankly, such a bracelet would help him out much better. This multitool bracelet has an even more amusing version - Leatherman launches Tempo multitool, the bracelet of which is assembled from the same links. Indeed, if “just a bracelet” you can forget at home, then you probably will put your watch on. So at least for a great idea, the manufacturer should add “pluses”. The Inner Hamster has already started to push aside the Toad, isn’t it? Main advantages:
Minuses:
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 9.7 / 10
Rating
Reviews
Honestly, used once in a lifetime. But damn, I still like him! |
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Leatherman pump
2 540
And again Leatherman! But, if the previous model from this section of the best multitools rating may interest even people who will never use it, the Leatherman Pump is a very narrowly specialized multitool, and its very name indicates the target audience. Naturally, the word pump in this case does not mean water pumps, but pump guns - it was for them that the multitool was invented. However, it is useful for other types of firearms. The multitool includes a universal key for interchangeable chokes (even if you have the MP-155, even the Benelli Raffaello, it fits), a mini-screwdriver for adjusting the sights (it's unlikely that you will have a tactical drums sight on the rifle) use it as a spanner key. There is also a removable key for bits, two double-sided screwdrivers (flat / Phillips slot, hexagon / Torx) and a stroporez, it is also a skinning knife. It is a non-retractable knife and spoils the impression of the multitool most of all: just putting it in your pocket, you risk breaking the entire lining. Therefore, a complete case (by the way, with MOLLE mount) is definitely useful. If we take into account that this multitool is inexpensive, it will be an interesting option for a gift to the lover of the hunt or the usual "postrelushki." Main advantages:
Minuses:
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 8.9 / 10
Rating
Reviews
Got a multitool as a gift. Done well, a lot does not take place. Stuff is good. |
What to look for when choosing a multitool?
First of all, the multitool is the pliers, on the basis of which its design is conceived, in fact.Attention should be paid to their material and the quality of its heat treatment: even in the not cheap Leatherman some owners managed to break the hinge, and with such a breakdown the multitool turns into two half-useful halves. But the nedolotnye pliers, too, is not a gift: it is the wear of the notches on the sponges, and the cutting edges of the pliers, which are quickly falling into disrepair. In this regard, multitools with interchangeable pliers blades are most interesting: pliers can be made harder, leaving the hinge steel sufficient for reliable viscosity. And, even if such nippers and lose their working capacity, they are easy to repair, replacing the blade.
The mechanism of folding pliers is different. Personally, the author in this regard likes “flickering” Gerber: you can use such pliers, even if the second hand is busy, just by shaking the multitool. But simpler and potentially safer, of course, the classic "swivel" option, when the handles are deployed around the lips hidden inside.
Naturally, the rest of the multitool tools should also have good steel. For example, cheap models sin with “raw” built-in screwdrivers, which are literally enough for several times. Such a multitul is better to take with a nest under the bits: even if regular ones and are made of the same “raw meat”, it is not difficult to replace them with strong ones. The flip side of the coin is that you have to carry bits with you, and sockets for storing them in multitools are rare - usually separate cassettes are offered.
What should be in the toolbox? See for yourself according to your needs. A mistake will be to buy an expensive multifunctional multitool, in order to find out later that it uses only pliers and a knife. But you have to carry extra weight all the time.
Have a good shopping!
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Updated: 18.01.2019
Rating in categories:
