An EDC (Everyday Carry) multi-tool is an indispensable companion for guys looking to be prepared for life’s unexpected challenges. Whether you find yourself in need of a quick fix, emergency assistance, or simply a handy tool for everyday tasks, an EDC multi-tool has you covered at home and at work, too. There are dozens of options, but the best offer a dozen or more tools while remaining small enough to fit into the pocket of even your tighter-fitting pants.
What Can a Multi-tool Be Used For?
Multi-tools are incredibly versatile and can be used for a wide range of tasks. They come in handy for opening packages, cutting wires, tightening screws, and even outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and fishing. Additionally, they are useful for DIY projects, small repairs around the house, and can be a convenient tool to have in emergency situations or as part of a first aid kit.
What Multi-tool Do Navy SEALs Use?
Navy SEALs often rely on the Leatherman MUT (Military Utility Tool) for their missions. Specifically designed for military use, it features a carbon scraper and cleaning rod/brush adapter. With its durability and tailored tools, the MUT proves reliable in demanding conditions.
Is an Oscillating Multi-tool Worth It?
Oscillating multi-tools offer versatility, making them worth considering. With the ability to tackle tasks like sanding, cutting, and scraping, they are helpful for DIY enthusiasts, contractors, and homeowners.
The Best EDC Multi-tools
Gerber Center-Drive Multi-Tool
Innovatively designed with a center-axis driver, the Gerber Center-Drive Multi-Tool provides maximum torque. It features a full-size screwdriver and knife blade, making it ideal for heavy-duty tasks and precision work. It has 14 tools, including a knife, pliers, wire cutters, saw, file, screwdrivers, can opener, bottle opener, and more. The most unique feature of the Center-Drive is its full-size, center-axis driver, which allows you to apply more torque and rotation when turning screws. Because of all this, the Gerber Center-Drive Multi-Tool is popular among professionals such as electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians.
Leatherman Charge + TTI
The Leatherman Charge + TTI is a premium – and compact – multi-tool with 19 different tools. It features titanium handles for lightweight strength and includes replaceable wire cutters and a versatile bit driver. Designed for outdoor adventures and professional use, it also comes with a sheath for easy storage and access. All of the tools on the Charge+ TTI lock into place when opened, so you can use them safely and effectively. Its key feature is the Replaceable wire cutters, so you can extend the life of your multi-tool, and the one-hand operation. Many of the tools on the Charge+ TTI can be opened and operated with one hand, which is convenient when you need to keep your other hand free.
Leatherman Signal
The Leatherman Signal is a lightweight and compact multi-tool that is designed for outdoor enthusiasts and survivalists – but it’s handy for the rest of us, too. It has 19 tools, including a knife, pliers, screwdriver, saw, file, wire cutters, crimper, can opener, bottle opener, ferro rod, whistle, and emergency whistle. It also includes a lanyard hole and a carabiner clip. This tool is made from high-quality materials and construction, so it is built to last. It has a durable stainless steel body and a black oxide finish that protects it from rust. The tools are also made from high-quality materials, such as 420HC stainless steel for the knife blade and spring-loaded jaws for the pliers.
Gerber Stake Out
The Gerber Stake Out is designed for camping and outdoor activities, and is a more approachable option for the hobbyist outdoorsman. It has 11 tools, including a stake puller, saw, knife, scissors, awl, file, tweezers, ruler, ferro rod striker, bottle opener, and carabiner. The stake puller is a unique feature of the Gerber Stake Out that makes it easy to remove tent stakes from hard ground. The saw is a good size for trimming firewood kindle or pruning branches, so you won’t be the one unable to keep the fire going the next time you camp. The knife blade is sharp enough to handle most camping tasks, such as preparing food or cutting rope. The scissors are also sharp and can be used to cut bandages, fishing line, or other materials. The awl is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, such as sewing leather, punching holes in belts, or starting fires. Above all those, though, the coolest part of the Stake Out is the ferro rod striker, which can be used to start fires in wet or windy conditions.
Van Staal Fishing Pliers
Van Staal fishing pliers are known for their durability, corrosion resistance, and ease of use, even among non-anglers. They are made from high-quality materials and construction, and they are backed by a lifetime warranty. Models include either 6″ Titanium Pliers, 7″ Titanium Pliers, or 8″ Titanium Pliers. Regardless of which you choose, all Van Staal pliers feature spring-loaded jaws, which makes them easy to open and close with one hand. They also have replaceable tungsten carbide cutters, which are sharp enough to cut through braided line with ease. These pliers are the perfect choice for serious anglers who need a reliable and durable pair of pliers that can withstand the rigors of saltwater fishing. They are also a good choice for freshwater anglers who are looking for a pair of pliers that will last for years.
Leatherman Super Tool 300M
The Leatherman Super Tool 300M is a heavy-duty multi-tool that is designed for military professionals and demanding users. It has 18 tools, including a knife, pliers, screwdriver, saw, file, wire cutters, crimper, can opener, bottle opener, and ruler. It also includes a 4-post front sight adjuster with a built-in bit driver. The Super Tool 300M is made from high-quality materials and construction, so it is built to last. It has a durable Cerakote finish that protects it from corrosion and wear. The pliers are spring-loaded and have replaceable wire cutters and hard-wire cutters. The knife blade is made from 420HC stainless steel and is sharp enough to handle any task.
Gerber Dime
The Dime has 10 tools, including a knife, pliers, wire cutter, scissors, screwdriver, file, and bottle opener. t is only 4.25 inches long and weighs 2.2 ounces, so it is easy to fit in your pocket. The knife on the Dime is a 2.25-inch high carbon stainless steel blade that is sharp enough to handle most everyday tasks. The pliers are spring-loaded and have wire cutters built in. The scissors are also spring-loaded and are sharp enough to cut through paper, cardboard, and even light fabric. The screwdriver is a flathead/Phillips combination driver that can be used to tighten or loosen screws of all sizes. The file is a double-cut file that can be used to sharpen knives, remove rust, and smooth out rough edges. The bottle opener is durable and easy to use.