The best multi-tools
Pliers, blades and screwdrivers in one: the tool that ends up in every glovebox, shed and rucksack.
A good multi-tool is the classic present for the person who fixes things: open a parcel, tighten a screw, snip a cable tie or cut a rope, all without fetching the toolbox.
One thing worth knowing in the UK: most pliers-style multi-tools have locking blades, and carrying a locking blade in public needs a good reason (like work or camping). A folding pocket knife with a non-locking blade up to 3 inches, like the Swiss Army knife here, is the one for everyday carry.
What matters
- Pliers-based for jobs, pocket-knife style for everyday carry.
- Locking blades: safer to use, but need a good reason to carry in public.
- Weight: 100g for a pocket, 250–400g for a belt pouch.
- Warranty: the big names cover them for decades.
#1 of 5
Best overall
Leatherman Wave+ Multi-Tool (black)
£129.95 RRP
The multi-tool most others are measured against: 18 tools, including pliers, replaceable wire cutters, blades and scissors that open from the outside with one hand, and a 25-year warranty.
What owners say: Owners find it excellent and versatile, sturdy and reliable, with pliers, screwdriver and blade they use for everything.
Heads up: Its blades lock, so under UK law it needs a good reason to carry in public (work, fishing, camping): it lives in the toolbox, van or camping kit rather than a pocket.
A closer look: Wipe the black coating with a drop of light oil now and then, as Leatherman suggests, to keep it looking good. The wire cutters can be swapped when they wear.
- 18 tools
- Blades open one-handed from outside
- Replaceable wire cutters
- Every tool locks in place
- 25-year warranty
Best for: A tool for life
- Functions
- 18
- Pliers
- Yes
- Locking tools
- Yes
- Weight
- 241g
#2 of 5
Best to carry
Victorinox Huntsman Swiss Army Knife (red)
£45.00 RRP
Fifteen functions, including a wood saw, scissors and a corkscrew, in the classic red Swiss Army knife. Its blades don't lock and are 7cm long, so it's within the UK's rules for an everyday pocket knife.
What owners say: Owners find it versatile, with blades that stay sharp for a long time, and love how small it is for a pocket.
A closer look: Close the blades carefully: they don't lock, so keep fingers clear of the edge. A drop of oil in the joints once a year keeps them opening smoothly.
- 15 functions, including saw, scissors and corkscrew
- Non-locking 7cm blade
- 91mm long, about 100g
- Made in Switzerland
- Lifetime warranty
Best for: Everyday pocket carry
- Functions
- 15
- Pliers
- No
- Locking tools
- No
- Weight
- 97g
#3 of 5
Best value
BIBURY 21-in-1 Multi-Tool with Bit Set
£20–£30 Price range
Solid stainless steel pliers with 21 functions, plus a hex socket that takes four screwdriver bits at two angles, for a fraction of the big names' price.
What owners say: Owners find it great value, with a solid feel, a good array of bits and blades that sharpen easily.
A closer look: The bit socket is the clever bit: it makes the pliers a proper screwdriver for flat-pack and plug sockets. At 400g it's a belt-sheath tool, not a pocket one.
- 21 functions
- Needle-nose and combination pliers
- Hex socket with 4 bits, two angles
- 3Cr13 stainless steel
- Tool lock and sheath
Best for: Lots of tool for the money
- Functions
- 21
- Pliers
- Yes
- Locking tools
- Yes
- Weight
- 400g
#4 of 5
Bosch 16-in-1 Multitool
£20–£30 Price range
Sixteen functions in stainless and high-carbon steel, with soft grips, a tool lock and a belt bag, from the German toolmaker.
What owners say: Owners find it excellent value and well built, with a good locking mechanism and reliable for household jobs.
A closer look: The soft grips make a difference when squeezing the pliers hard. Keep it in the car or the kitchen drawer for all the jobs that don't justify getting the toolbox out.
- 16 functions: pliers, wire cutter, screwdrivers, knife, saw
- Soft-grip handles
- Tool lock system
- Storage bag
Best for: The car or kitchen drawer
- Functions
- 16
- Pliers
- Yes
- Locking tools
- Yes
- Weight
- 280g
#5 of 5
Best looking
Rosewood 22-in-1 Multi-Tool with Belt Pouch
£10–£20 Price range
Rosewood handle scales make this look far dearer than it is, and it's properly useful too: two sets of pliers, a 10-bit set, a saw and a can opener.
What owners say: Owners find it well made with sturdy pliers and good value, and think it looks expensive.
A closer look: Rub the wooden handles with a little oil (olive or teak) once in a while to keep the grain looking rich. It's a nice one to have engraved.
- 22 functions
- Rosewood handles
- Needle-nose and standard pliers
- 10-piece bit set
- Belt pouch
Best for: A handsome present
- Functions
- 22
- Pliers
- Yes
- Locking tools
- Yes
- Weight
- 320g
How they compare
| Feature | #1Leatherman Wave+ | #2Victorinox Huntsman | #3BIBURY 21-in-1 | #4Bosch 16-in-1 | #5Rosewood 22-in-1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Best to carry | Best value | Best looking | ||
| Picked Rating | 9.4 | 9.4 | 9.3 | 9.3 | 9.2 |
| Price | £129.95 RRP | £45.00 RRP | £20–£30 Price range | £20–£30 Price range | £10–£20 Price range |
| Functions | 18 | 15 | 21 | 16 | 22 |
| Pliers | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Locking tools | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 241g | 97g | 400g | 280g | 320g |
| Best for | A tool for life | Everyday pocket carry | Lots of tool for the money | The car or kitchen drawer | A handsome present |
| Check price | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
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