Best Multitools in 2026
Leatherman vs Gerber vs Victorinox: what actually matters when choosing a multitool for EDC, work, or survival.
The Short Answer
Full-size default: Leatherman Wave+. GearLab's October 2025 comparison selected it for the average user. Wave Alpha is the premium alternative for a MagnaCut blade, G10 grip, and larger scissors.
Budget default: Leatherman Wingman. GearLab's October 2025 comparison selected it as the value pick. Gerber Suspension NXT is a lighter-duty alternative with all-locking outside tools, but an independent January 2026 review found its scissors weak.
Light pliers carry: Leatherman Skeletool. It weighs 5 ounces and carries seven tools. Neither the base model nor Skeletool CX has scissors.
Save on multitools: search used Leatherman on AuctionMapper
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: The Big Three
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
- Current product descriptions list sheaths separately on the models below
- 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 tested poorly in one January 2026 review
- Fit and finish vary by model and configuration
- Center-Drive original and Plus have different secondary tools
- Check the exact product number before using a review result
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 tested Spirit MX blade was awkward for left-hand opening
- Choose by exact model, not the Victorinox brand name alone
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. Charge+ is retired and affected used examples must be screened against the 2025 recall.
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 are separate carried items. FREE P4 uses fixed drivers, and Charge+ is retired.
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. A sheath or pack may be practical, but carry method is the user's call.
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
- Knife blade (and maybe a 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 loadout. Buy for the tools you expect to use, not the highest count.
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. The sheath is sold separately.
- 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, G10 handles, and larger scissors. 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 and larger scissors while favoring ARC's tool access.
- Tools: 18
- Blade Steel: CPM MagnaCut
- Key Features: Reverse-tanto MagnaCut blade, larger scissors, 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 preferred that access for EDC, but found Alpha's G10 grip and larger scissors better. Pick between those tradeoffs. The evidence does not support dismissing ARC as jewelry or declaring either premium tool universal.
- Blade Steel: CPM MagnaCut
- Key Features: MagLock tool retention, premium fit and finish, FREE one-hand opening
Leatherman Wingman / Gerber Suspension NXT
GearLab's October 2025 comparison selected Wingman as its value pick. It has spring-loaded pliers and scissors, an outside-accessible combo blade, and a removable clip. Suspension NXT is the occasional-use alternative with all-locking outside tools. A January 2026 Hunting Gear Guy review found the NXT scissors flimsy on material tougher than paper.
- Weight: 7 oz (Wingman) / 6.7 oz (Suspension NXT)
- Tools: 14 (Wingman) / 15 (Suspension)
- Key Features: Spring-loaded pliers, package opener, 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.
- Weight: 5 oz
- Tools: 7
- Blade Steel: 420HC (Skeletool CX uses 154CM)
- Key Features: Carabiner clip, outside-accessible blade, minimalist design
Leatherman Surge
One of Leatherman's biggest and strongest current tools, with 21 tools, replaceable cutters, and a blade exchanger for its saw and file. At 12.5 ounces, a sheath or pack may be practical. Leatherman sells the sheath separately; pocket tolerance is personal.
- Weight: 12.5 oz
- Tools: 21
- Blade Steel: 420HC
- Key Features: Replaceable hard-wire cutters, largest blades, blade exchanger
Gerber Center-Drive
This card is the original 30-001193N: a center-axis standard-bit driver, plain main blade, secondary serrated blade, and fabric sheath. Center-Drive Plus 30-001417N adds scissors and a leather sheath. 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 |
| S30V | None among picks above | Charge+ TTi | Leatherman retired list |
| MagnaCut | Wave Alpha, ARC | None named | Leatherman specifications |
Read the exact row: FREE P4 uses 420HC, not S30V. Charge+ and Charge+ TTi are retired, so their steels are historical examples rather than current picks.
Essential Accessories
Sheaths & Carry
- Leather sheath: Classic, quiet, breaks in nicely
- Nylon/MOLLE: Lighter, more durable, tactical look
- 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 bits: Security Torx, tri-wing for electronics
The Bottom Line
For a broad full-size tool set: Start with Wave+. GearLab selected it for the average user in October 2025. Wave Alpha changes the tool mix and adds G10 grip, a MagnaCut blade, and larger scissors. ARC trades those strengths for easier tool access.
If you want something you'll actually pocket-carry:Skeletool is the 5-ounce pliers option here. Base and CX use different blade steels and edges; neither includes scissors.
For a budget full-size tool: Wingman is the default. Suspension NXT is lighter and all-locking, but its scissors are the documented compromise.
Before buying used: Check the exact model, recall status, and condition. Leatherman's standard warranty covers the original or primary owner and may require proof from an authorized dealer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Bring a Multitool on a Plane?
No, you cannot bring a multitool with a blade in your carry-on bag, TSA prohibits knives of any length. Since nearly every multitool includes a blade, it must go in checked luggage. Some bladeless tools may be allowed, but TSA officers make the final decision at the checkpoint. Scissors with blades under 4 inches from the pivot point, and tools like pliers and screwdrivers 7 inches or shorter, are generally allowed in carry-on, but verify current TSA rules before you fly.
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
Open a multitool by spreading the handles apart to expose the pliers, then fold individual tools out from the handles using the thumb notches. Lock mechanisms (liner lock or frame lock) hold tools open during use. For pliers work, grip both handles firmly. For knife work, always cut away from your body. Close tools individually before folding the multitool shut to avoid pinching.
What Is the Best Multitool?
No multitool is best for every role. GearLab's October 2025 comparison selected the 18-tool Wave+ for the average user. Surge serves heavier work, Skeletool serves light pliers carry, and Wingman is the budget default here. Leatherman lists the former EDC option FREE P2 as retired.