Multitools for EDC, Camping & Work
Comparing tool access, carry weight, and tool selection for EDC, camping, and work.
The Short Answer
Full-size default: Leatherman Wave+. It covers pliers, replaceable cutters, 2 blades, scissors, files, and drivers without jumping to Surge weight.
Budget default: Leatherman Wingman. Gerber Suspension NXT is the lighter alternative when all-locking outside tools matter more than its weaker scissors.
Light pliers carry: Leatherman Skeletool. It carries 7 essentials at 5 oz. If it rides in the pocket instead of living in a drawer, the smaller tool wins.
Browse used Leatherman listings on AuctionMapper, then check the exact model against recall notices.
Used Charge Recall Check
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled specified Leatherman Charge+ and Charge+ TTi tools on July 31, 2025 because the knife tip may remain exposed when closed. Stop using an affected tool and follow Leatherman's recall inspection and free-repair process. The notice covers specified Charge variants sold from July 2024 through March 2025.
Why Your Multitool Choice Matters
A multitool trades stand-alone-tool leverage for a compact set of pliers, blades, drivers, and other implements. The right tool depends on which of those implements you need and how you carry it.
Tool access, weight, blade type, driver format, scissors, and warranty eligibility are concrete differences. Start there. Brand and tool count alone do not settle the choice.
Brand Breakdown: Top Multitool Makers
Leatherman
Strengths
- 25-year warranty for the original or primary owner
- Replaceable wire cutters on Wave+, Surge, and other named models
- Outside-accessible blades on Wave+, Alpha, ARC, and Skeletool
- Current full-size, compact, outdoor, and heavy-work configurations
- Maker repair process for covered material or manufacturing defects
Weaknesses
- Leatherman flat bits need the separate extender for standard 1/4-inch bits
- Package contents vary by model and seller; verify whether a sheath is included
- Warranty excludes corrosion, abuse, and unauthorized or unreasonable use
Consider it for: A broad current lineup and a published repair policy. Leatherman says its standard 25-year warranty covers only the original or primary owner, and authorized-dealer proof may be required. Do not assume a used purchase is covered.
Gerber
Strengths
- Entry-level and driver-focused configurations
- Center-Drive uses a full-size center-axis bit driver
- Suspension NXT uses all-locking outside tools and spring jaws
- Maker-published limited lifetime warranty
Weaknesses
- Suspension NXT scissors struggled beyond thin paper in a January 2026 review
- The same review found Wingman more refined than Suspension NXT
- Center-Drive original and Plus have different secondary tools
Consider it for: An occasional-use budget tool or driver-first configuration. Pro Tool Reviews favored the Center-Drive it tested, but that does not certify every Gerber model.
Victorinox (Swiss Army)
Strengths
- Rambler includes scissors and a magnetic Phillips driver
- Compact knife-style and plier-based Swiss Tool lines
- Spirit MX Clip carries 24 lockable functions
- Spirit MX Clip includes a one-hand blade and removable clip
Weaknesses
- Classic Swiss Army knives and Swiss Tools use different mechanisms
- Spirit MX tested with a stiff blade pivot and slick handles
- The Spirit MX opening tab favors right-hand thumb deployment, making one-handed left-hand opening awkward
Consider it for: Rambler-size pocket carry or the plier-based Spirit MX Clip. Victorinox lists the Spirit's functions as lockable; Pro Tool Reviews praised its build and plier action while documenting the handling limits above.
Features That Actually Matter
Plier Design
Needlenose vs Regular: Needlenose reach into tight spaces; broader jaws put more surface on larger fasteners. Match the jaw to the task.
Spring-Loaded: The jaws reopen between squeezes. Decide whether that mechanism helps your repeated pliers work.
Replaceable Wire Cutters: Wire cutters dull and chip. Current Wave+ and Surge specifications list replaceable cutter inserts.
One-Hand Opening & Blade Access
Outside-accessible blades: These open without unfolding the plier handles. Current Wave+, Skeletool, and Gerber Center-Drive specifications list outside-accessible blades.
Lock type: A lock name alone does not prove strength. Check the exact tool's geometry, engagement, and maker instructions.
All tools locking: This describes whether each implement has a lock. A lock does not replace safe handling or the maker's instructions.
Bit Drivers & Screwdrivers
Fixed vs bit driver: Fixed screwdrivers stay onboard. Leatherman's large driver takes its flat bits; the separate Bit Driver Extender is required to use standard 1/4-inch bits. Gerber's Center-Drive uses standard bits directly.
Bit storage: Spare bits and the Leatherman extender require separate pouch or pocket carry.
Driver alignment: Gerber's Center-Drive puts its standard-bit driver on the tool's axis. That is its defining role advantage.
Size & Weight Classes
Keychain (under 3 oz): Gerber Dime is 2.2 ounces; Leatherman Micra is 1.8 ounces. These trade full-size pliers for compact carry.
Light and full-size: Skeletool is 5 ounces, Wave+ is 8.5 ounces, and Center-Drive is 9.5 ounces. Tool mix matters more than the label.
Heavy work: Surge is 12.5 ounces; Super Tool 300 is 9.6 ounces. At 12.5 oz, Surge is hard to ignore in a pocket. A sheath or pack is the practical answer.
Read Past the Tool Count
Makers count functions differently. A combined driver may be counted by its separate uses, and interchangeable bits may be counted individually. Compare the actual implements, not just the total.
Common tasks to match against your own use:
- Pliers (needlenose + regular grip)
- Wire cutters
- Plain main blade and secondary serrated blade
- Flathead screwdriver (or bit driver)
- Phillips screwdriver
- Scissors (if included)
Decide whether a can opener, saw, file, awl, or bottle opener earns its place in your carry. Buy for the tools you expect to use, not the highest count. The fuller tool sitting in a drawer loses to the simpler one you can reach.
Multitools by Role
Leatherman Wave+
GearLab's October 2025 comparison named the Wave+ Best for Most People. It carries outside-accessible plain and serrated blades, replaceable wire cutters, scissors, and Leatherman's flat-bit driver. GearLab also noted limited stock carry options and material compromises. Verify package contents with the seller before adding a separate sheath. To evaluate everyday carry versus outdoor survival features, see our Leatherman Wave+ vs Signal comparison. For the lighter Rebar tradeoff, see our Leatherman Wave+ vs Rebar comparison.
- Weight: 8.5 oz
- Tools: 18
- Blade Steel: 420HC
- Key Features: Outside-accessible blades, replaceable wire cutters, all-locking tools
Leatherman Wave Alpha
The first Wave with a reverse-tanto MagnaCut blade and G10 handles. It also adds an awl and drops Wave+'s dedicated serrated blade, so it is not simply a Wave+ with two upgrades. Outdoor Life preferred Alpha's grip while favoring ARC's tool access.
- Tools: 18
- Blade Steel: CPM MagnaCut
- Key Features: Reverse-tanto MagnaCut blade, replaceable wire cutters, all-locking tools
Leatherman ARC
Leatherman's current ARC has a MagnaCut blade, an integrated removable clip, and outside-accessible tools that open one-handed with FREE technology. Outdoor Life highlighted that access for daily pocket use. Choose Alpha for its G10 grip; choose ARC for outside access across its tool set.
- Blade Steel: CPM MagnaCut
- Key Features: MagLock tool retention, premium fit and finish, FREE one-hand opening
Leatherman Wingman
GearLab's October 2025 comparison selected Wingman as its value pick. It has spring-loaded pliers and scissors, an outside-accessible 420HC combo blade, a package opener, and a removable clip.
- Weight: 7 oz
- Tools: 14
- Blade Steel: 420HC stainless steel
- Key Features: Spring-loaded pliers, package opener, pocket clip
Gerber Suspension NXT
Gerber lists all-locking outside tools, spring-loaded pliers, and a pocket clip. A January 2026 Hunting Gear Guy review found its scissors flimsy beyond thin paper. If scissors matter, that weak result should settle the tie.
- Weight: 6.7 oz
- Tools: 15
- Blade Steel: Stainless steel
- Key Features: All-locking outside tools, spring-loaded pliers, pocket clip
Leatherman Skeletool
The 5-ounce base model carries pliers, a 420HC combo blade, Leatherman flat-bit driver, and carabiner clip. Skeletool CX keeps the same weight and swaps in a plain-edge 154CM blade. Neither model has scissors. Choose the exact blade format you need. For the weight-versus-tool-set decision, compare the Leatherman Skeletool and Wave+.
- Weight: 5 oz
- Tools: 7
- Blade Steel: 420HC (Skeletool CX uses 154CM)
- Key Features: Carabiner clip, outside-accessible blade, minimalist design
Leatherman Surge
Surge is one of Leatherman's largest current tools, at 12.5 oz, with 21 tools, replaceable cutters, and a blade exchanger for its saw and file. Verify package contents before adding a separate sheath. If deciding between this and the lighter default, compare them in our Leatherman Wave+ vs Surge comparison.
- Weight: 12.5 oz
- Tools: 21
- Blade Steel: 420HC
- Key Features: Replaceable hard-wire cutters, largest blades, blade exchanger
Gerber Center-Drive
The original Center-Drive, SKU 30-001193N, has a center-axis standard-bit driver, plain main blade, and secondary serrated blade. Center-Drive Plus 30-001417N adds scissors. GearLab's screwdriver award applies to Plus, not automatically to this original.
- Weight: 9.5 oz
- Tools: 14
- Key Features: Center-axis driver, magnetic bit holder, one-thumb opening
Leatherman Micra
Built around spring-action scissors, Micra also carries a knife, flat/Phillips drivers, file, tweezers, and bottle opener in a 1.8 oz package. It has no pliers.
- Weight: 1.8 oz
- Tools: 10
- Key Features: Spring-action scissors, keychain size, screwdrivers + file
Blade Steel Quick Reference
| Steel | Current examples | Retired example | Source note |
|---|---|---|---|
420HC | Wave+, Wingman, Surge | FREE P4 | Leatherman specifications |
154CM | Skeletool CX | Charge+ | Leatherman specifications |
MagnaCut | Wave Alpha, ARC | None named | Leatherman specifications |
Essential Accessories
Sheaths & Carry
- Leather sheath: Quieter in use, but slower to dry
- Nylon: Light and available with modular webbing
- Pocket clip: For clipless models, adds convenience
Bit Kits
- Leatherman Bit Kit: Flat bits carried separately
- Bit Driver Extender: Adds standard 1/4-inch bit compatibility
- Custom 1/4-inch bits: Security Torx and tri-wing bits require the Bit Driver Extender with Leatherman flat drivers
The Bottom Line
For a broad full-size tool set: Start with Wave+. Wave Alpha changes the tool mix and adds G10 grip and a MagnaCut blade. ARC trades those strengths for outside access across its tool set.
If you want something you'll actually pocket-carry:Skeletool is the 5 oz pliers option. Base and CX use different blade steels and edges. Pick the blade you need, then stop adding weight.
For a budget full-size tool: Wingman is the default. Suspension NXT is lighter and all-locking. The product cards above carry the full tradeoff.
Before buying used: Check the exact model against CPSC and maker recall notices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Bring a Bladed Multitool in a Carry-On?
TSA prohibits multitools with knives of any length in carry-on bags. Pack them in checked luggage with sharp parts sheathed or securely wrapped. TSA lists bladeless multitools with scissors under 4 inches from the pivot as carry-on eligible, but the final decision rests with the officer at the checkpoint.
What Is a Multitool?
A multitool is a compact, folding hand tool that combines pliers, knife, screwdrivers, and other functions into one portable device. Common tools included: pliers, knife blade, screwdrivers, wire cutters, bottle opener, saw, file, and scissors. Leatherman popularized the modern multitool in 1983. Today they range from keychain-sized (Leatherman Micra) to full-sized professional tools (Leatherman Wave+, Gerber Center-Drive).
How to Use a Multitool
Check the model's instructions before opening an implement. On models with an outside-accessible blade, keep the handles closed while opening it. If an implement locks, confirm that the lock is engaged before applying force. Cut away from yourself, disengage locks carefully, and close each implement before folding the tool.
What Is the Best Multitool?
No multitool is best for every role. The Wave+ is the full-size default here, the 12.5 oz Surge covers heavier work, the 5 oz Skeletool covers light pliers carry, and the Wingman is the budget default. Choose by the tools you will use and the weight you will carry.