Top 5 Multitools

[Steelej1976]

I know everyone has different needs and what they would consider a "Multitool" but for my purposes I am curious what are your Top 5 Multitools.  Here are mine in order:

1) Tinker Swiss Army Knife: I can just throw this in my pocket and go and deal with most tasks I come about in daily life.
2) Leatherman Wave: Probably the Best Pliers based Multitool IMO and what most people think of when it comes to Multitools.  I do like the Rebar but I feel like the Wave complements the Tinker better and less tool overlap.
3) Classic SD Swiss Army Knife: Great keychain tool and the scissors are excellent.  I probably use this tool more than anything else almost every day I use something on it.
4) Milwaukee Fastback 6in1 Utility Knife: I just got this knife and it is amazing.  Perfect knife for the jobsite, construction and a good edc knife as well.
5) Slipjoint Pliers: I know some will groan but every farmer I saw growing up carried one in a pouch on their belt and used it daily in real world work. Maybe that is why I appreciate them despite their shortcomings.   

[Aloha]

These are always fun. 

1.  Victorinox Manager.  I currently have a Midnite Manager but regardless its a tool I've carried for a number of years. 

2. Rovyvon A5.  Headlamp, hand held flashlight, Red flashing warning light, and  beacon all in a lip balm sized package.  I've enjoyed this light since day one.

I keep my Midnight Manager and Rovyvon A5 clipped to my keychain AT ALL TIMES.  This makes them indispensable tools for me.

3. LM Squirt.  It has consistently been my companion for a good number of years.

4.  Because this tool lives on my work belt I'll say LM Surge.  I do not carry it for any other reason than work.

5.  Pocket Wrench 2.  It's a tool that I really enjoy but primarily it lives on my work belt.  I have another that I enjoy carrying outside of work as well.  Fantastic wrench as well as all purpose scraper/driver/pry tool. 
           

[Farmer X]

Okay, I'll play along!

1. Leatherman Squirt E4/ES4. If you've wired anything, you know the value of a good wire stripper. The Squirt E4/ES4 have a very effective wire stripper in a pocket-friendly package.

2. Leatherman Wave or Rebar. I can't make up my mind on which of these I prefer. But both are solidly built and have great tool loadouts.

3. Any 84/91/93mm SAK. Pick the model that suits your needs and size preference and enjoy.

4. Gerber Shard/Mullet. Small but mighty, these little guys can handle quite a few tasks, including nail pulling.

5. Latshaw PocketWrench II. In addition to the obvious, you awlso get a bit driver and a pretty sturdy pry tip.

Let's see how this list changes over time, eh?

[Echotech]

In no particular order 

1. SAK Manager/Rambler - by far my most carried and used tool, have one on me from when I get up until I go to bed. On my keychain paired with a Rovy Von or Nitecore keychain torch and a peanut lighter. A lot of utility for very little space or weight

2. Vic Spirit (butter blade model). Pairs brilliantly with pretty well any EDC knife I decide to carry, whether something like a Buck 112, a fixie, a trad or whatever

3. SAK FX or PX depending on country or city. Huntsman or Climber same thing, hard to pick just one SAK

4. LM Rebar. Can’t beat the weight to tool ratio, shame it doesn’t have a diamond file but very easy to edc. Prefer carrying it over my ST300 and more comfortable in use than my Wave, but like Farmer X above, close run thing

5. LM Juice CS4. Had one for close to 20 years, it’s the tool I take when I travel and an absolute fave, love it

Choosing 5 is always going to be hard so special mentions to SAK’s Ranger, Compact, Cadet, Bantam alox and Waiter and LM’s PST II, Skeletool, Juice S2, Squirt P4

 

[Frenchephaistos]

1. PST2. (Shoutout to Aloha who started this addiction!) Always on me 24/7, in my wallet. Wouldn't leave the house without it.
2. Pocket Wrench 2, also in the wallet. 'nough said.
3. Wave, if I need heavier work and sport a belt pouch.
4. Juice S2, my fave before the PST, great for a light EDC, and just the cool factor.
5. Not carried, but for archeological purposes : my first MT ever, a small Tinker. If I had only one Vic to pamper (84mm titanium scales and what not, that would be the one to benefit). Alas, I rarely carried it enough to justify the investment.

[colt 1911]

In no order

Leatherman P2
Victorinox Spirit butter blade
Skeletool CX
Gerber pro scout
Gerber Octane


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[pa_strunk]

1. Victorinox Swisstool Spirit RT
2. Leatherman Charge Plus G10 Earth
3. Leatherman Surge
4. Leatherman Crunch
5. Victorinox SwissChamp

[Sos24]

My top 4 are easy and in no particular order:

- SAK Rambler or Classic - easily carried on key or lanyard and none threatening.
- SAK Yeoman - All that I need most of the time but still easily carried
- SwissTool Spirit MX or MXBT - if I need more than the Yeoman, this has what I need.  Favorite plier based multitool
Leatherman PS Style - When you can’t have a blade, this still lets you have useful tools on you

For number 5 there was a few options that crossed my mind but no clear winner.  Therefore, I am just going to end my list at 4 and add a couple others as honorable mentions.
-SAK Outrider
- SAK Farmer X
- Leatherman Wave
- Leatherman Signal

[customod]

Here's my shoot from the hip list:

1. LM Surge (big, strong and versatile; if you can't get the job done with a Surge, it is probably beyond the scope of a non-dedicated tool).
2. Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit (so many good things to say about these, with so many easily accessible tools at such a high quality in such a compact package)
3. LM Crunch (beyond what meets the eye, I'm always learning new and better ways to make use of it, the tool is massively versatile and can help in ways so few other mt's can)
4. Skeletool CX (just a fantastic combination of the right amount of balance between real world function, quality and portability)
5. Gerber "Mr. Pinchy" Multi plier (this one might be divisive but it is a lot of tool in a bullet proof package, quick to deploy and re-holster and it is super easy to disassemble, clean and reassemble)

Honorable mentions would go to many with very small margins to my top 5 but especially LM Juice series and SAK 58mm and 74mm models deserve a proper shout out.

[HarleyXJGuy]

Excellent thread idea OP.

Still working on my five but noticed some things already.

A lot of you spoke about the LM Juice. Would never have e thought it was so popular. Need to look into that.

Also surprised there isn’t more love for the Spirit. Such an amazing pliers based tool.

[HarleyXJGuy]

In no order

Leatherman P2
Victorinox Spirit butter blade
Skeletool CX
Gerber pro scout
Gerber Octane


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Why butter blade over say a X model with the plain edge?

Also why the P2? Is it that much lighter/thinner then the p4?

[enki_ck]

Ok, here's mine.

The first 4 were easy, the fifth one gave me trouble.

In no order of preference ...

LM Wave
My car EDC, love the blade shape and size, excellent pliers, and with the bit kit, it's hard to find a job it won't be able to do.

Victorinox Spirit X
It's simply a marvel of engineering, such a well built tool, with everything easily accessible from the outside, great file, just wish the scissors would be the 91mm kind and it had a slightly beefier blade.

Victorinox Ranger 91mm:
My EDC for years now, with the newer SS file it has almost all the tools I'd ever need sans the pliers. It's one of the most feature packed tools in a easily EDC-able size.

Victorinox Rambler:
Always on my keys, the combo Phillips/bottle opener tool gives it sooo much more utility over the Classic. I once disassembled my laptop when someone spilled wine over it.

Victorinox Executive
Classy carry, for when I want to have some capable scissors and a somewhat bigger knife than the 58mm, but don't want to telegraph that I'm carrying.

Honorable mention....
Victorinox Outrider and Compact, Wenger Forester and SI, SOG Paratool, LM Juice CS4 and SC2, Pulse, ...

[Echotech]

Why butter blade over say a X model with the plain edge?

In my case because it gives more options when carried with a dedicated PE knife 

Do check out the Juice line, not as heavy duty as many LM's but that's kinda the point, almost more like a SAK with pliers for more everyday tasks

 

[HarleyXJGuy]

Spirit: Thin not to heavy and a selection of tools that can get work done. Only wish it had regular SAK scissors.

Rambler/mini champ/ nail clip: Choose your favorite and attach your keychain to it. So handy and will always be there waiting to save the day. What more could you ask of such a small device?

Rebar: Much like the Spirit it’s thin and easy to carry but brings next level pliers with cutters that you can just replace if they are damaged. The long Phillips with bit adapter capability is great too.

Skeletool: bit driver, pliers and an outside accessible knife in a super light package? Why yes that would be great. Even has one board bit storage when you just need a couple bits.

Alox X model: Hook it to a pocket dangler and watch it disappear till you need it. Tough with the metal scales that only look better as they wear.

[customod]

Great choices, I am trying to warm up to the Rebar still, but I can see why people really like it (I've rounded out the edges of the locks on mine which has helped a bit). Pictures are a nice touch.

[HarleyXJGuy]

Great choices, I am trying to warm up to the Rebar still, but I can see why people really like it (I've rounded out the edges of the locks on mine which has helped a bit). Pictures are a nice touch.

Thanks.

As far as the Rebar is concerned I could see picking the Wave over it if your willing to pack an extension for the stubby bit holder thing.

The Wave is noticeably larger though and if I am going bigger why not Surge?

[Echotech]

Spirit: Thin not to heavy and a selection of tools that can get work done. Only wish it had regular SAK scissors.
(Image removed from quote.)
Rambler/mini champ/ nail clip: Choose your favorite and attach your keychain to it. So handy and will always be there waiting to save the day. What more could you ask of such a small device?
(Image removed from quote.)
Rebar: Much like the Spirit it’s thin and easy to carry but brings next level pliers with cutters that you can just replace if they are damaged. The long Phillips with bit adapter capability is great too.
(Image removed from quote.)
Skeletool: bit driver, pliers and an outside accessible knife in a super light package? Why yes that would be great. Even has one board bit storage when you just need a couple bits.
(Image removed from quote.)
Alox X model: Hook it to a pocket dangler and watch it disappear till you need it. Tough with the metal scales that only look better as they wear.
(Image removed from quote.)

My list is almost exactly the same apart from including the Juice CS4 

[customod]

Thanks.

As far as the Rebar is concerned I could see picking the Wave over it if your willing to pack an extension for the stubby bit holder thing.

The Wave is noticeably larger though and if I am going bigger why not Surge?

I think part of it for me is that if I want to pack small, it is usually for EDC and then I also want it to be as convenient as possible, which usually means a pocket clip and as quickly open and closed as possible (outside opening and/or OHO) and most likely I won't need some tools like maybe a saw or serrated blade. If I'm carrying it on my belt and doing the toolbox approach, size and weight are much less of an issue and I will likely have something like the Surge which is more capable and faster. I like the Rebar (I need to try carrying it more) and I think it has a great tool set and a great plier head and I appreciate the locking tools and overall size but I just haven't yet found a place for it in my use cases.

Also, most of the screws and bolts I need to work on are either hex or torx, so I am anyways carrying a bit extension at all times... actually I carry both styles always since the Rebar/Juice etc. extensions fits so many other models as well, including all my Gerbers, some Vics and other modified makes and models. This most likely influences my experience as well.

Here's an example of the bit caddy that complements all my tools in my wallet (not inconvenient to carry as my wallet's thickness with it in there is still only 1 cm). I hope this doesn't hijack the thread, I just thought it was relevant to share a different perspective since we're discussing great tools and that is at least partially subjective.

[ToolJoe]

Here are my 5 in no order:

Vic Spirit, Vic Super Tinker, Maratac AA Light, Knipex Cobra/Pliers Wrench (equally as effective) and Fisher Space Pen.

[charlie fox]

I'll play

- SAK Classic: Just an easy and useful choice for every day use.
- SAK Craftsman: All the tools I need and none that I don't. Light use to be sure, but still extremely useful.
- SAK Fieldmaster: A great tool for camping, never left at home when I'm out in the woods.
- Leatherman Wave: Mine is circa 2003 and has been a great tool for all over use. No small bits to lose
- Leatherman Wingman: A great combo of tools that are useful and easy to carry - the pocket clip is a great addition.

[in_sympathy]

Oh man it’s been a while since I posted anything- good to see you guys

1. Spirit X Plus Ratchet - one pouch to fix whatever I ever had to and no I don’t ever mind the weight
2. Work Champ
3. Swiss Champ
4. Wave + bit kit and extension
5. Micra

2 & 3 could be swapped - still can’t really make up my mind

[HarleyXJGuy]

I think part of it for me is that if I want to pack small, it is usually for EDC and then I also want it to be as convenient as possible, which usually means a pocket clip and as quickly open and closed as possible (outside opening and/or OHO) and most likely I won't need some tools like maybe a saw or serrated blade. If I'm carrying it on my belt and doing the toolbox approach, size and weight are much less of an issue and I will likely have something like the Surge which is more capable and faster. I like the Rebar (I need to try carrying it more) and I think it has a great tool set and a great plier head and I appreciate the locking tools and overall size but I just haven't yet found a place for it in my use cases.

Also, most of the screws and bolts I need to work on are either hex or torx, so I am anyways carrying a bit extension at all times... actually I carry both styles always since the Rebar/Juice etc. extensions fits so many other models as well, including all my Gerbers, some Vics and other modified makes and models. This most likely influences my experience as well.

Here's an example of the bit caddy that complements all my tools in my wallet (not inconvenient to carry as my wallet's thickness with it in there is still only 1 cm). I hope this doesn't hijack the thread, I just thought it was relevant to share a different perspective since we're discussing great tools and that is at least partially subjective.

Except for firearms and optics for firearms I hardly use hex or torx.

What do you find your self using them on so often?

[HarleyXJGuy]

My list is almost exactly the same apart from including the Juice CS4 

Great minds and all that.

Never had a chance to get a Juice. They look super easy to carry and still with some good tool selection.

[Echotech]

Great minds and all that.

Never had a chance to get a Juice. They look super easy to carry and still with some good tool selection.

If you see a Juice for a reasonable amount I’d grab it, unfortunately people often want silly money for them

I kind of see them as SAKs with pliers and prefer the slimmer models like S2 and C2 with my sweet spot being the CS4

[Frenchephaistos]

Except for firearms and optics for firearms I hardly use hex or torx.

What do you find your self using them on so often?

Ikea, doorknobs, electric tools… =)

[Frenchephaistos]

If you see a Juice for a reasonable amount I’d grab it, unfortunately people often want silly money for them

I kind of see them as SAKs with pliers and prefer the slimmer models like S2 and C2 with my sweet spot being the CS4

The S2 is, in fact, the ultimate SAK for me, almost at the same pocket space. Wish I was into multis when the first Juice came out, I would have gotten me a couple of new ones.

[customod]

Except for firearms and optics for firearms I hardly use hex or torx.

What do you find your self using them on so often?

They are used on a lot of wood screws here (the terrace, sauna and shed are all torx), a lot of recreational equipment uses hex (I often adjust things and work on my bike but also snow and lake equipment), other tools and knives, some tips and electing equipment and then other random things. For example the other day I was at someone's house when their kitchen faucet handle popped off and it ended up being a loose hex screw that was the culprit.

[Farmer X]

Oh man it’s been a while since I posted anything- good to see you guys

Good to see you, too!

[in_sympathy]

Good to see you, too!

Thanks man

[charlie fox]

Oooh, can I play?

5 - SAK SwissChamp: lots of tools, some more handy than others

4 - SAK Swiss Tool: like a 111mm bigger, tougher brother

3 - Leatherman PST II: scissors baby!

2 - SAK Craftsman: NO FISH SCALER!!!

1 - Leatherman Wave: specifically the ones made before adding the tiny bits that can (and will) be easily lost.

Honorable Mention

1 - SAK Tinker: useful without being too bulk

2 - Gerber Dime: cute tiny tool that's still useful