This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. Please read our Affiliate Disclosure for more.
A mini multi-tool is a compact handheld device that combines many functions into a single unit. It’s easy to slip into your pocket or a belt pouch and be ready for action anywhere you are. You may not realize it, but multi-tools have existed since ancient Romans, and they’ve even played a part in space missions.
Nothing beats finding the exact instrument you want for a task, right where and when you need it. Multi-tools pack a lot of otherwise heavy, clunky tools into a compact, lightweight package so that you’re ready for anything anywhere.
![Gerber Gear Vise Pocket Tool, Black [31-000021]](https://www.svetools.com/wp-content/plugins/aawp/public/image.php?url=YUhSMGNITTZMeTl0TG0xbFpHbGhMV0Z0WVhwdmJpNWpiMjB2YVcxaFoyVnpMMGt2TXpFMmQzTnRiRzB5VFV3dVgxTk1NVFl3WHk1cWNHYz18MTczMjQ3NDU0Ng=)
Picking the Best Mini Multi-Tool – The Buying Guide
This is a query we get from time to time. At first sight, they all seem to be somewhat similar.
A regular multi-tool is one that has functions and functionality that can come in handy if the worst happens. Many standard mini multi-tools are designed for basic, low-impact tasks that you could perform around the house.
They have a wide range of roles that are both flexible and useful. You could use it to build a shelter one moment and ignite a fire the next. If you’re in a tough situation, a mini multi-tool is better than nothing because there’s a lot of overlap in terms of functionality. Still, we wouldn’t put our lives in its hands.
What Qualities Should We Look For in an Efficient Mini Multi-Tool?
When choosing the right multi-tool, there are a few things to consider. Fortunately for you, we’ve already done it (you’ll be satisfied with all of the items on our list).
Versatility
It’s always a smart idea to be prepared, but the value of a multi-tool isn’t always determined by how many tasks it can do. In reality, we choose multi-tools that don’t have a lot of extra gadgets that we won’t need. It’s a good idea to start by asking yourself what kinds of things you’ll be doing on a daily basis and working backward from there.
Strength and Durability
The strength and ability of a tool to perform immediate tasks is what determines its durability. You can find yourself in a position where you need to use a lot of force on this piece of equipment, and you don’t have any other options.
If that’s the case, will it be able to handle the pressure, or will it snap? Even the strongest multi-tools aren’t invincible, but the breaking point can be very strong.
Long-term durability is more apparent. This is the length of time and usage a piece of equipment will last until it breaks down.
Weight and Size
Full-size multi-tools are more ergonomic and have more leverage for long-term use. Tiny, lightweight multi-tools, on the other hand, can be a perfect choice for daily carry since they can fit easily in a pocket without looking bulky or coming in the way.
Consider what you’ll be taking and what you’ll be safe holding.
Portability
Multi-tools should be compact. It’s one of the things that makes them so important, to begin with.
If you’re flying and don’t want to have to search your tool, you’ll need one that’s TSA-approved. These versions usually lack a knife blade, and any sharp features, such as scissors, must be kept to a minimum length. Keep in mind that there’s no assurance that any multi-tool would be allowed into airport screening, so choose a low-cost multi-tool that you won’t mind leaving behind.
Price
Great quality is often worth paying for when it comes to a multi-tool you’ll carry with you and use every day. That said, some of our favorite multi-tools are delightfully affordable and very effective.
This is something you’ll have for years and depend on heavily in an emergency situation. The marginally more costly instruments on the market, in our opinion, are much superior to the less expensive ones.
Obviously, this isn’t something you can go into debt for, but if you can afford it, we suggest saving the extra money.
Best Mini Multi-Tool – Top 10 Reviewed
Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD
Features
- Dimensions: 5 x 5.3 x 0.39 inches
- Weight: 0.74 ounces
- Color: Red, blue, green, black, yellow, and various other colors
- Material: Stainless steel
- of tools: 7 (small blade, scissors, nail file, screwdriver, keyring, toothpick, tweezers)
- Made in Switzerland
This miniature multi-tool is one of the smallest and compact Swiss Army tools available. It weighs less than an ounce which allows you to carry it around without having to worry about space and storage. Even though it is tiny, this multi-tool has an impressive number of tools. This is a 10-in-1 Swiss Army knife that is constructed with stainless steel and covered in Alox scales, which give the product its beauty and strength.
This is one of the very few multi-tools that can easily double as your manicure kit and at the same time work as a knife or scissor at hand to slice an apple or cut your fishing line. Hence, this tool has all your needs covered in one beautiful-looking durable package.
Leatherman Micra
Features
- Dimension: 5 x 5.3 x 0.39 inches
- Weight: 1.8 ounces
- Color: Gray, green, red, stainless silver, blue
- Made in the USA
- Nr of tools: 10 (knife, scissors, screwdrivers, ruler, nail cleaner, tweezers, bottle opener, nail file, medium and extra-small screwdriver)
Leatherman is a brand that is synonyms for multi-tools. It has been making quality products that are still a cult favorite. Where there are bigger multi-tools for survivalists, Leatherman has also given us some of the greatest mini multi-tools as well. The Leatherman Micra is arguably their best mini multi-tool. Its size is as small as a lighter, yet it unbelievably packs tools in it just like the company’s bigger multi-tools.
The Micra, like most mini multi-tools, has a key ring attachment, so you can carry it around without any hassle of holding a bulkier one while still having all the necessary tools at hand.
Read complete review: Leatherman Micra
Gerber Vise Pocket Tool
Features
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 6 x 5.5 x 0.75 inches
- Weight: 0.32 ounces
- Color: Black
- Made in USA
- Nr of tools: 10 (bottle opener, pocket-sized pliers, three different types of screwdrivers, two types of files, surgical blade, serrated knife, keyring)
The Vise mini multi-tool by Gerber is a very durable yet little multi-tool that fits nicely in your pocket or even in the palm of your hand. Its blades are made of surgical-grade stainless steel, making it really sharp and giving it an excellent cutting edge. In spite of its small size, the Vise still delivers a firm grip. It is a lightweight, extremely useful companion for all your survival and DIY needs or a functional gift for any outdoor enthusiast.
Read complete review: Gerber Vise
SOG PowerPint
Features
- Dimensions: 5 x 3 x 2 inches
- Weight: 4.2 oz
- Color: Silver
- Material: Stonewash metal
- Made in China
- Nr of tools: 18 (three-sided file, awl, bottle opener, can opener, full serrated blade, gripper, hard wire cutter, needle nose pliers, Philips screwdriver, protractor, ruler, scissors, flat screwdriver, straight-edge blade, magnetic hex bit driver, jewelry driver, line cutter, soft wire cutter)
The PowerPint by SOG is a very strong and tough knife built to last, designed with survival or utility work in mind. It comes with 16 powerful tools that can meet a wide range of needs in the most effective manner possible while ensuring maximum efficiency, longevity, and quality.
SOG’s Compound Leverage System provides smooth functioning and gives it increased gripping power; it lets you crimp, cut, and tighten easily.
Read complete review: SOG PowerPint
Leatherman Squirt PS4
Features
- Dimensions: 3.1 x 2 x 1.18 inches
- Weight: 1.9 oz
- Color: Black, blue, red
- Made in the USA
- Made of stainless steel
- Nr of tools: 9 (Needle nose pliers, regular pliers, wire cutters, knife, scissors, two screwdrivers, bottle opener, wood and metal file, medium screwdriver)
People often call the Squirt PS4 by Leatherman the best mini multi-tool overall. This lightweight mini-tool comes in handy for anything from snipping a fishing line to wrapping a birthday present on the run with pliers, scissors, and a pocketful of other features. It is ergonomically designed and built to be used single-handedly.
Besides being highly versatile, the compact size of Squirt PS4 is very appealing. It measures a miniature 2.25 inches and weighs only around two ounces. It is so small and lightweight that you will hardly notice carrying it.
Read complete review: Leatherman Squirt PS4
Gerber Dime
Features
- Dimension: 5.5 x 4 x 0.6 inches
- Weight: 2.1 oz
- Color: Black, green, red
- Made of sturdy stainless steel
- Made in China
- Nr of tools: 10 (Includes needle nose pliers, wire cutter, plain blade, package opener, scissors, flat and crosshead screwdriver, bottle opener, tweezers, file)
The Gerber Dime is a tiny 2.75 inches when closed, meaning you can carry it around easily. Even though it is compact and lightweight, it still boasts an impressive variety of tools. Gerber is an American brand that is famous for producing well-crafted problem-solving multi-tools, and Dime is also one of their most popular creations.
Read complete review: Gerber Dime
Victorinox Swiss Army Executive
Features
- Dimensions: 1 x 6 x 9 inches
- Weight: 1.28 oz
- Color: Black, red
- Made in Switzerland
- Nr of tools: 10 (Large blade, small blade, scissors, nail file, nail cleaner, orange peeler, screwdriver, keyring, toothpick, tweezers)
The Victorinox Swiss Army multi-tools are top-quality multi-tools made with the highest-grade materials and craftmanship. The Executive is elegant and discreet, made for everyday use, whether at the office or home.
This Swiss Army pocket knife is like an assistant at hand who can perform up to 10 different functions and take care of all your needs; from peeling an orange to opening letters, it keeps you going strong through the day.
Leatherman Style CS
Features
- Dimensions: 2.9 x 2.2 x 1.1 inches
- Weight: 1.4 oz
- Color: Black, red
- Made in the USA
- Nr of tools: 6 (spring-action pliers, knife, scissors, flat and Philips screwdriver, tweezer, nail file, bottle opener)
The Leatherman Style CS is a good-quality, inexpensive, basic, and ultra-portable multi-tool that comes with six extremely useful functions to cover your every day tweaking needs. It fits easily in your pocket or clips on your backpack for instant access and single-hand use.
Read complete review: Leatherman Style CS
Gerber Shard
Features
- Dimensions: 2.75 x 0.25 x 0.5 inches
- Weight: 0.6 oz
- Color: Silver
- Made in China
- Nr of functions: 7 (small and medium flat driver, wire stripper, pry bar, bottle opener, Philips head driver, lanyard hole)
The Shard from Gerber is a keychain tool. It is very small in size but still functions really well for a mini-tool. It is also one of the few mini-tools which are safe to travel with, which means you can carry it along at airports.
In a tiny frame, the Shard is capable of effectively carrying out seven different functions.
Swiss+Tech ST53100
Features
- Dimensions: 1.89 x 1.3 x 0.24 inches
- Weight: 0.9 oz
- Color: Silver
- Nr of tools: 19 (1/4-inch Hex Wrench, 7/16-inch Hex Wrench, three different screwdrivers, three different Philips screwdrivers, pliers, wire cutter, wire stripper, wire crimper, nail file, hand drill, bottle opener, inches ruler, mm ruler, two ruler extensions)nr
Swiss tools are very well known for carrying dozens of functions within a compact casing. It has the capability of helping you in a wide range of tasks, from something as complicated as fixing a machine to a simple task to tightening a nut.
Swiss+Tech ST53100 is full of functional tools which are strong and durable to last all your heavy-duty jobs and help you solve all your problems.
Read complete review: Swiss+Tech ST53100
Conclusion
Multi-tools are there to assist you no matter what the situation is. You name it; they’ve got it covered. Any of the versions on our list of best mini multi-tools could be passed down as a family heirloom. However, owing to their superior construction quality and versatility, a number of them stand out.
Your multi-tool can be dependable and practical, but most importantly, personal. You may be a minimalist at heart, or you may like the security of ensuring that all of your bases are covered. A fantastic mini-multitool demonstrates the foresight to provide just what you need on a daily basis and the discipline to cut out what you don’t.
Any of the ten listed multi-tools will be a great option for you. However, go through our buying guide to help you get a better idea of what you should look out for when purchasing a multi-tool. Hopefully, the points we have covered will help you to find the most suitable product.
Hi, I’m Johnny, the chief editor at Svetools.com. Since I was a kid, DIY has been my thing – playing around with all sorts of tools, from power tools to classic wrenches. I started the Svetools blog to share my love for DIY and all things a house Handyman should know. Whether it’s product reviews or essential how-to’s articles, I cover it all. Need assistance or have a question? Hit me up using the details on our contact us page.