You must have a helpful mini multi-tool, or pocket multi-tool, if you plan on heading out into the wild. A quality tool comes with both a strong body and a variety of functions, such as a knife blade, wire stripper, needlenose pliers, regular pliers, and the ubiquitous cork screw. Any unit that is easy to take out and put back in is always worthwhile too.
But to see how helpful a pocket multi-tool can be, you must see what options are available. Here are a couple of the best individual tools that you could be using for all your basic needs.
1. SOG Crosscut
The first of the mini multi-tools to look for is the SOG Crosscut. On the surface, it has the appearance of traditional spring-loaded scissors. But the scissors feature is only one of many points that you will get out of this multi-tool.
The 420 stainless steel tool has nine separate attachments built into the handles and is easy to take out and use. A leather carry case is even included to keep the tool protected when it is not in use.
When closed, the knife is about 2.5 inches in length. The knife is around four inches long when the main blade comes out.
The Compound Leverage feature uses several pivot points to improve upon how you add force or pressure while using it. About twice as much cutting power is produced on average when compared with what other similar tools produce.
Also, the individual parts inside the handles have a series of small opening levers to help you take them out and put them back in as necessary. The sharp parts are always secured inside the main body, thus keeping it from being at risk of added harm. SOG has made this for most basic uses.
Tools Offered
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Nail file and cleaner
- Two flat screwdrivers in different sizes
- Bottle opener
- Lanyard loop
- Small pick
2. Gerber Curve
For basic needs, the Gerber Curve is a smart choice to utilize. It is 3.5 inches long and is around 2.25 inches when closed. Designed to be linked to a keychain or lanyard, the Curve has a series of locks that keep each part secure in its space without anything potentially slipping out of its main body.
Stainless steel compounds are added to create stronger metal parts. The blades are very sharp and do not require far too much maintenance. The steel does not put all that much weight onto the knife either as it is around one ounce in mass. Basic functions can be fixed up with this model.
Parts Featured
- Small series of screw drivers
- Large blade
- Sanding file
- Can opener
- Open space on the back handle to connect to a keychain or other small item
3. Swiss+Tech ST53100
Those who are looking for a mini multi-tool that is more diverse in features will enjoy the Swiss+Tech ST53100. The primary body of the tool is designed to look like a standard gripping wrench, but there are extra features beyond just that one singular part.
Six separate screwdrivers and two hex wrenches fit around the main body. Each comes in its own specific size. These added pieces are found inside the handles and can be pulled out at any time. All features fit in a body that is only around three ounces in weight. It not only works for survival needs in the wild but could also be used for a few small repair needs around your home.
Tools Offered
- 2 hex wrenches
- 6 screwdrivers
- Hand drill
- 2 rulers; these use standard and metric measurements and come with their own extensions
- Pliers
- Cutter and stopper
- Bottle opener
- Wire crimper
4. Leatherman Squirt PS4
The Squirt PS4 has a basic plier body with several tools hidden inside the main handles. The individual parts are accessible in both a folded or closed position. 420HC stainless steel is used in most parts to create sturdy bodies that do not rust and are easy to clean off and sharpen as required.
Most of the parts are spring-loaded. Each is easy to use and cut with while the risk of excess pressure will be relatively minimal. The heat-treated body also ensures that the metal will not be subjected to corrosion or fatigue over time.
A key ring attachment appears on the end part. It links to a lanyard or keychain among other small portable items. You could even add this onto a buckle if necessary.
Parts Offered
- Needle nose pliers
- Spring-action pliers
- Wire cutters
- Basic knife
- Standard and Phillips screwdrivers
- Scissors
5. Workpro Multi-Tool Key Chain
Workpro makes this final option for those who need something that is certainly compact and not too hard to use. It only weighs about an ounce and is a little more than two inches in length.
The stainless steel arrangement on its body fits in perfectly with the compact size. The individual blades are also hiding inside the handles with a series of grooves used to expose the opening latches for every part. The items can move out all the way from the handles although you also have the option to keep them only part of the way out.
The needle nose plier design that appears when the unit is it its basic form is also useful. It provides you with a strong grip on anything you want to work on.
The tool set comes with a protective nylon pouch with a thick body. This is for when you are not using the key chain ring at the end of one handle. The unit is designed with basic repair and fixing needs in mind without being too rough or hard to use in any situation.
Items Included
- Series of small blades
- Can opener
- Scissors
- File
- Needle nose pliers
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