We’ve all had that experience when pliers or a screwdriver would save the day, but all your tools are at home, miles away. However, one of these capable multitools stashed in a briefcase, purse, or glove compartment just might save the day.
(Courtesy of Gerber)$145
This no-nonsense multitool features needle-nose plier jaws that slide out with the flick of a thumb and can grasp bolts or strip and cut wire. It’s well-equipped, with a pry bar, serrated knife, strap cutter, file, awl, and a selection of 13 bits for the locking center-axis bit driver engineered for maximum torque, all stored in a military-grade sheath.
(Courtesy of Leatherman)$139.95
Every Signal can be completely customized to make it truly one of a kind. Nine handle colors are available, and both sides of the partially serrated blade can feature a customer-provided image, a 20-character message, or one of 14 patterns, from a flag to woodgrain. To make it even better, the 19 tools include a firestarter rod, an emergency whistle, a diamond-coated sharpener, and even a hammer.
(Courtesy of Victorinox)Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit X
$132.99
The highly polished stainless-steel handles of the Spirit X give it an elegant look, while the 24 functions make it just as functional as it is beautiful. This compact problem solver weighs a little more than seven ounces yet has a chisel, needle-nose pliers, a wire cutter and stripper, a wood saw, scissors, a knife, two screwdrivers, a can opener, and more all tucked into an attractive sheath.
(Courtesy of SOG)$99.95
From the company originally founded to provide combat knives to special forces operators, the PowerAccess uses a patented gear-driven compound leverage system designed to deliver twice the gripping and cutting power of conventional pliers. With an impressive 21 tools, including a magnetic hex bit holder complete with 12 bits, two knife blades, a saw, a chisel, a hook-shaped strap cutter, and assorted screwdrivers, it’s ready for duty.
(Courtesy of Garrett Wade)Garrett Wade 19-In-1 Key Ring Tool
$18.50
Sized to fit on a key chain, this little dynamo crafted of durable stainless steel opens to reveal 19 tools, including six screwdriver tips, a wire cutter, micro pliers, a hand drill, metric and standard rulers, and a nail file. The compact size makes it easy to carry all the time, while the tools are engineered to provide years of service.