#Best multi tool keychain drivers#
#Best multi tool keychain full#
#Best multi tool keychain free#

The Phillips screwdriver shank flares out at the end, so that all four points on the head are the same size, making for very solid engagement. And the file itself did a nice job cleaning up the edges when we were done. The teeth run along the edge of the file, so we didn’t expect much, but it cut through mild steel hardware surprisingly well. This is the first multi we’ve tested that has a metal saw.

#Best multi tool keychain drivers#

While the needle-nose pliers with wire cutters, scissors, standard screw drivers (in three sizes), and the can opener were good, it was the other tools that really impressed us. We’re not faulting Victorinox for this, though, because the tool is still great without counting those. For the record, the company claims 24, but one is a coupling for a corkscrew that doesn’t come included with this model, and the other is a point to connect a lanyard. You need to open the SwissTool only to use the pliers, which eliminates wasted time fiddling with opening and closing it repeatedly if Victorinox had placed the 22 tools/functions on the inside. All the tools-save one-deploy from the outside of the frame. The tools are packed into the frame very closely, like scientific instrumentation. Below, you’ll find the best multitools available, some surprising values, and maybe a cautionary tale.įresh out of the box, the SwissTool Spirit X impressed us with its fit and finish. No tool was left untouched.Īfter all that was said and done, we averaged the recorded scores, noted our impressions, and made our final judgements. Finally, we filed wood, metal, and even our own fingernails. We disassembled and reassembled an old British carburetor, an electrical junction box, and a standard three-prong outlet. We opened bottles, cans, and shipping packaging. We carved white pine boards and maple branches. With the pliers, we gripped, squeezed, twisted, and turned various bits of hardware. In our test, we cut rope, twine, lamp wire, 14-gauge indoor branch circuit wire, maple saplings and branches, paper, and plastic-we also stripped the wire we cut and crimped electrical connectors. In our scoring, we counted these as one, since the functions are often performed by one regular, full-size tool. Note that, in their descriptions, manufacturers often count different capabilities of a specific tool individually to arrive at a higher number of “tools.” For example, pliers may be counted three or four times if they can function as needle-nose pliers, regular pliers, wire cutters, and/or wire strippers. How well they did earned them a score on a scale of one to five, and then we calculated the average of all scores to determine how that model stacks up against a mythical ideal multitool. How We Testedĭuring testing, we performed tasks to utilize every tool or every function of each tool on each model. When buying, prioritize which tools are most important to you and select a model where those are well designed and function appropriately. This might mean there’s room for only one screwdriver, or that it isn’t positioned for optimal use. When brands try to pack greater functionality into a limited amount of space, compromises must be made. However, not all multitools are created equal, and even among the best, some of the individual tools may not work as well as you’d hope.

#Best multi tool keychain full#

Multitools are designed to fill in when carrying a full tool box isn’t practical-and they can definitely get you out of a jam.

#Best multi tool keychain free#

Easiest Tool Access: Leatherman Free P2.

Best Key Chain Multitool: Swiss+Tech Key Ring.

Best Mid-Size Multitool: SOG PowerLitre.

Best Pocket Knife Multitool: Gerber Armbar Drive.

Best Overall: Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X.

Take a look below at some things to consider when buying your next one, then scroll down to see the results of our test. We called in a batch to see how well they work. Today there are dozens, from a slew of manufacturers, some with more than 20 tools/functions. These implements have come a long way from the Swiss Army knife you dreamed of as a child. If you often encounter the unexpected, like to be prepared for any situation, or fancy yourself a real-life MacGyver-the type of person that waltzes in to save the day, with your tool kit in miniature at the ready-then chances are you carry a multitool.