How to choose a multi-tool

By Catalogs Editorial Staff

Before shopping, know how to choose the perfect multi-tool for the job

With knives, bottle openers, tweezers, screwdrivers, pliers, scissors, flashlights, wire cutters, and beyond, a multi-tool is an all-in-one device: all the tools you’ll ever need can be found in one small and easy to carry package.

But, when it comes to making the purchase, what should interested buyers be looking for: should they concern themselves with cost, weight, total number of tools, comfort, etc.? For those looking to add more tools, you’ll be adding weight — and most likely, higher cost — to something that you’ll most likely need to carry around all day. So, it should be as lightweight and comfortable to carry as possible.

In an effort to choose a useful multi-tool that fits into your wheelhouse, it’s also important to understand which component parts you’ll need by recognizing what types of activities and uses for which it will be used.

Below, let’s take a look at its potential component parts, prospective uses for buyers, comfort level, and more. Read on to learn everything you’d ever want to know about these all-purpose tools!

The Parts

Starting with more basic versions of the tool, buyers should find options like:

A knife blade; in many instances, more than one
A screwdriver
A bottle or can opener
Pliers
Tweezers
A small accompaniment of scissors, and more

When looking to purchase a more sophisticated brand of multi-tool, accompanying components may include items such as:

A nail file
Multiple screwdrivers
A corkscrew
A flashlight
A bottle opener
A wire cutter
Multiple scissors
A can opener
A miniature saw, and more

What Will It Be Used For?

Basically, when you’re buying for yourself — or someone else — it’s important to look for the lightest, most comfortable and efficient option for its planned usage.

What does this mean exactly? Well, for example, if your work takes you to dark spaces or if you mainly work at night, the tool you purchase should probably be equipped with a flashlight for the specific working conditions.

If you are someone who works as a woodworker it could pay to find a multi-tool that provides tweezers in case of splinters or other such wood-related incidents. The miniature saw could come in handy in tight spots as well. In terms of buying for what you need, it’s just common sense to ascertain what your everyday needs will be and then find a tool which fits the bill.

And it’s not just for woodworkers, but plumbers, mechanics, builders, electricians, construction workers, and many others, who at one time or another, needed a handy apparatus close at hand in order to fix a work (or home) related problem. Below, let’s take a look at a few options for more specific classes of buyers.

For Camping or Hiking

For campers or hikers, you may look for tools which offer accessories such as:

A regular knife
A flashlight
Pliers
A fish scaler
A can opener
A serrated knife, and more

In many instances, it’s not about purchasing a tool which offers the most tools within. Instead, it’s more important to find something that’s as lightweight as is humanely possible, can be attached to a belt, backpack, or even raft, and offers a rugged construction meant to take on the elements without too much wear and tear.

For Tech Guys/Repair Men

Look for a tool which contains:

A smaller version of a USB drive
A flashlight
A laser pointer (if necessary)
Pliers
A pen
Wire strippers, crimpers, and cutters to boot!

For Handymen

Look for a tool which offers both portability and convenience. It should contain all of the necessary components — such as pliers, Phillips and flathead screwdriver options, and screwdriver bits (most times sold separately from the tool) — and fit on a tool belt for ease of access.
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Remember to think about weight, as well. You want it to be lightweight enough that it’s not a cumbersome operation to carry for work but not light enough that it doesn’t contain all the necessary tools of the trade.

So, how should you choose a multi-tool? Carefully and with due diligence. By understanding your own specific needs and potential uses, you’ll be able to find the perfect tool in order to get the job — quite literally, all the jobs — done quickly and efficiently. So, head out and buy one today!