The best multi-tool is the one you still carry after a month. Too big and it lives in the truck. Too small and the pliers cannot turn a stuck nut. So this guide sorts multi-tools by how you will carry and use them, not by tool count.
We compare 11 multi-tools from Leatherman, Victorinox and Gerber. Every price, tool list and spec below was checked against the live Amazon listing or the maker’s spec sheet on October 6, 2026. We did not invent star ratings or test stories. Where a number comes from a third party, we link it.
Quick answer: The Leatherman Wave+ is the best multi-tool for most people: 18 tools, 8.5 oz, replaceable wire cutters. On a budget, the Leatherman Wingman was about $50 (29% off) when we checked. For trade work and big hands, get the Leatherman Surge, which has Leatherman’s largest pliers.
Best Multi-Tools: Quick Picks
| Multi-Tool | Best For | Tools | Price (Oct 6) | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leatherman Wave+ | Best Overall | 18 | $129.95 | Check Price |
| Leatherman Surge | Best Heavy-Duty for Trades | 21 | $159.95 | Check Price |
| Leatherman Rebar | Best for Electricians | 17 | $99.95 | Check Price |
| Leatherman Wingman | Best Value / Best Gift | 14 | $49.95 | Check Price |
| Leatherman Wave Alpha | Best Premium Blade | 16 | $199.95 | Check Price |
| Leatherman Charge+ | Best All-Locking EDC | 19 | $159.90 | Check Price |
| Leatherman Skeletool CX | Best Lightweight | 7 | $99.95 | Check Price |
| Victorinox Spirit X Plus Ratchet | Best Bit Driver | 35 functions | $155.21 | Check Price |
| Gerber Truss | Best Budget Full-Size | 17 | $55.24 | Check Price |
| Gerber Suspension NXT | Best Under $40 | 15 | $35.37 | Check Price |
| Leatherman Micra | Best Keychain | 10 | $49.95 | Check Price |
Multi-Tool Spec Comparison
Weights and steels come from the Amazon listing or the maker’s spec sheet. “Not listed” means we could not confirm the number from a primary source, so we left it out rather than guess.
| Multi-Tool | Weight | Blade Steel | Replaceable Wire Cutters | Sheath Included | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leatherman Wave+ | 8.5 oz | 420HC | Yes | No (sold separately) | 25 years |
| Leatherman Surge | About 12 oz (335 g) | 420HC | Yes | Check listing | 25 years |
| Leatherman Rebar | Not listed | 420HC | Yes | Check listing | 25 years |
| Leatherman Wingman | About 7 oz (198 g) | Stainless | No | No (pocket clip) | 25 years |
| Leatherman Wave Alpha | 8.26 oz | CPM MagnaCut | Not listed | No (sold separately) | 25 years |
| Leatherman Charge+ | 8.3 oz | Corrosion-resistant stainless | Not listed | Check listing | 25 years |
| Leatherman Skeletool CX | 5 oz | 154CM | No | No (pocket clip) | 25 years |
| Victorinox Spirit X Plus Ratchet | 210 g (7.4 oz) | Swiss stainless (1.4110) | No | Yes (nylon pouch) | Lifetime (defects) |
| Gerber Truss | 8.4 oz | Stainless | No | Yes (MOLLE) | Gerber limited lifetime |
| Gerber Suspension NXT | 6.4 oz | Stainless | No | No (pocket clip) | Gerber limited lifetime |
| Leatherman Micra | Keychain size (2.5 in closed) | Stainless | No | No | 25 years |
Full-Size Pliers Multi-Tools
These are the tools that replace a pair of needle-nose pliers, a wire cutter and a screwdriver on a job site. Expect 7 to 12 oz and a belt sheath or deep pocket.
1. Leatherman Wave+ – Best Overall
The Wave+ is Leatherman’s best-selling all-rounder, and the balance is why. It packs 18 tools into an 8.5 oz body. You get needle-nose and regular pliers, a saw, spring-action scissors, a ruler, a bit driver and four outside-opening blades: a plain knife, a serrated knife, the saw and a file.
The outside-opening blades matter more than the tool count. You can open the knife or saw with one hand without unfolding the handles. The current version also has premium replaceable wire cutters, so a nicked cutter is a cheap part swap, not a new tool. Both knife blades are 420HC steel, which is easy to sharpen in the field. For a deeper look, read our full Leatherman Wave Plus review.
Skip this if: you want a belt sheath in the box. This listing says the sheath is sold separately.
Pros: One-hand access to the blades, saw and file; replaceable wire cutters; 25-year warranty.
Cons: Sheath not included on this listing; 420HC dulls faster than premium steels.
2. Leatherman Surge – Best Heavy-Duty for Trades
Leatherman says the Surge has its largest pliers and longest blades, and it targets electricians, mechanics, plumbers and construction workers. It has 21 tools, including bigger spring-action scissors than the Wave+ and an awl.
The saw blade and file are interchangeable, so you can swap the saw for the file when you need it. The trade-off is size. At about 12 oz (335 g per Knivesandtools), it is a belt tool, not a pocket tool. If you wear gloves or have big hands, the bigger handles are a plus, not a minus.
Skip this if: you want something that disappears in a pocket. Look at the Wave+ or Charge+ instead.
Pros: Biggest Leatherman pliers; longest blades; 21 tools; replaceable wire cutters.
Cons: Heavy for pocket carry; $30 more than the Wave+.
3. Leatherman Rebar – Best for Electricians
The Rebar is a modern version of Tim Leatherman’s original PST. Every tool locks, and the body is 100% stainless steel. It is the one tool here that lists an electrical crimper and a wire stripper together, next to replaceable wire and hard-wire cutters.
Leatherman says the pliers were redesigned for strength, and the Rebar was the first 4-inch Leatherman with replaceable cutters. The 17 tools include knives, a saw, an awl, a file and a ruler. The trade-off: blades open from inside the handles, so it is a two-hand tool for most jobs. Pair it with a proper set from our pliers for electricians guide for daily work.
Skip this if: you want one-hand blade access. The Rebar’s blades open from inside the handles.
Pros: Crimper plus stripper; all tools lock; replaceable cutters; $99.95.
Cons: No outside-opening blades; no scissors.
4. Leatherman Wave Alpha – Best Premium Blade
The Wave Alpha, released in October 2025, is a Wave with a better knife. The blade is a reverse tanto in CPM MagnaCut, a premium steel that holds an edge far longer than 420HC and still resists rust. A thumb stud opens it one-handed, which helps when you are wearing gloves.
It also gets machined black G10 handle scales with a textured grip and what Leatherman calls the largest scissors on any plier-based Leatherman. It weighs 8.26 oz, per Gear Patrol, and has 16 tools, two fewer than the Wave+.
Skip this if: you mostly use the pliers and drivers. You would be paying $70 extra for a blade.
Pros: MagnaCut blade; thumb stud; G10 grip; big scissors.
Cons: $199.95; sheath sold separately; fewer tools than the Wave+.
5. Leatherman Charge+ – Best All-Locking EDC
The Charge+ is the Wave+’s upscale sibling. It has 19 tools in a 4-inch body at 8.3 oz, including pliers, wire cutters, spring-action scissors, a ruler and a can and bottle opener. The listing calls out a corrosion-resistant steel blade.
This black version was $159.90 on October 6. The stainless version was out of stock. If you are choosing between the Charge+ and the Wave+, the Wave+ costs $30 less and covers the same jobs. The Charge+ makes sense if you want a lighter, better-finished tool and do not mind paying for it.
Skip this if: price matters. The Wave+ does almost everything the Charge+ does.
Pros: 19 tools at 8.3 oz; corrosion-resistant blade; compact 4-inch body.
Cons: $159.90; stainless finish was out of stock.
What about the Leatherman Arc? The Arc ($249.95 at Leatherman) adds a MagnaCut blade and magnetic one-hand opening. It was out of stock on Amazon when we checked, so we did not rank it. If one-hand access matters most, it is worth checking Leatherman’s own spec page.
Mid-Size and Budget Multi-Tools
This is the gift range. These tools cost $35 to $160 and suit home repairs, the glovebox and the camp box.
6. Leatherman Wingman – Best Value and Best Gift
The Wingman is the cheapest way into a full Leatherman. It has 14 tools: knife, pliers, screwdrivers, wire cutters, a wire stripper, scissors, a package opener, bottle and can openers, a file and a ruler. Leatherman says every tool opens with one hand, and the blade locks.
It was listed 29% off at $49.95 on October 6. It is about 3.8 inches closed and about 7 oz, with a removable pocket clip instead of a sheath. That makes it the multi-tool we recommend most for gifts. It is also on our tool gifts for dad list.
Skip this if: you cut hard wire often. The Wingman’s cutters are not replaceable.
Pros: One-hand opening; 25-year warranty; about $50 on sale.
Cons: No saw; no replaceable cutters; smaller pliers than the Wave+.
7. Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X Plus Ratchet – Best Bit Driver
If you drive more screws than you cut wire, look here. This Swiss-made tool has 35 functions and a ratchet rated at 30 Nm, with Phillips, Pozidriv, Torx and hex bits in a bit case. Most pliers multi-tools make you twist the whole handle. The ratchet lets you turn a screw without re-gripping.
It is 115 mm (4.5 in) long and about 210 g, per Knivesandtools. The listing also includes a wood saw, a metal saw, a 7 mm chisel, a wire stripper, cable cover cutters, a soft-wire cutter and a hard-wire cutter. It ships with a nylon pouch. The downside is price: it costs more than the Wave+, and the small loose bits are easy to lose on a job site.
Skip this if: you rarely drive screws. The Wave+ is cheaper and covers cutting and gripping just as well.
Pros: Ratchet bit driver; 35 functions; pouch included; Swiss made.
Cons: $155.21; loose bits are easy to lose; wire cutters are not replaceable.
8. Gerber Truss – Best Budget Full-Size
The Truss gives you a full-size tool for about half the Wave+ price. It has 17 tools, including needle-nose and standard pliers, wire cutters, a saw, a wire stripper, scissors, a plain blade and a separate serrated blade. Tools lock, and this version ships with a MOLLE-compatible sheath.
It uses Gerber’s butterfly opening: the two handles swing open around the pliers head. It weighs 8.4 oz, per GearJunkie. This black MOLLE version was $55.24 (15% off) on October 6. The gray version was out of stock.
Skip this if: you need replaceable cutters or one-hand blade access. The Truss has neither.
Pros: 17 tools for about $55; sheath included; two separate blades.
Cons: No replaceable cutters; blades open from inside the handles.
9. Gerber Suspension NXT – Best Under $40
The Suspension NXT is the cheapest tool we would hand to someone. It has 15 tools: needle-nose pliers, a wire stripper, three flathead drivers, two cross drivers, an awl, a nail file, scissors, can and bottle openers and a 2.25-inch partially serrated blade.
The listing gives 4.25 inches closed and 6.4 oz, with a pocket clip and lanyard point. It was $35.37 (12% off) on October 6. It is the kind of tool to leave in the glovebox, boat bag or kitchen drawer.
Skip this if: you plan to use it daily on a job site. Spend more for a Wave+ or Rebar.
Pros: About $35; light; pocket clip.
Cons: No saw; partially serrated blade only; no replaceable cutters.
Lightweight and Keychain Multi-Tools
10. Leatherman Skeletool CX – Best Lightweight
The Skeletool CX is a pocketknife with pliers. At 5 oz, it is the lightest pliers tool here. It covers the core jobs with 7 tools: a straight-edge blade, pliers, wire cutters, a bit driver and a bottle opener.
The blade is 154CM steel, a step up from 420HC for edge holding. This Onyx version was $99.95 on October 6. The classic black and silver version was out of stock. If you already carry a utility knife on the job, our best utility knife guide covers that side.
Skip this if: you need scissors, a saw or a file. The CX has none of them.
Pros: 5 oz; 154CM blade; slim pocket carry.
Cons: Only 7 tools; $100 is a lot for 7 tools.
11. Leatherman Micra – Best Keychain Multi-Tool
The Micra is built around spring-action scissors instead of pliers. Its 10 tools include the scissors, a small knife, a nail file, tweezers, screwdrivers and a bottle opener. It is 2.5 inches closed and clips to a key ring.
It is made in the USA and carries the same 25-year warranty as the full-size tools. It is the right pick for an office bag or as a small stocking stuffer. For small screws on electronics, a dedicated precision tool set will do better.
Skip this if: you need pliers. The Micra has none.
Pros: Keychain size; good scissors; US made.
Cons: No pliers; small knife; $49.95 for a keychain tool.
Which Multi-Tool for Which Trade
Most multi-tool guides are written for campers. Here is how we would match these tools to work.
| Work | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | Leatherman Rebar | Crimper, wire stripper and replaceable hard-wire cutters in a 4-inch tool |
| Mechanic | Leatherman Surge | Largest pliers for grip and leverage; big handles work with gloves |
| HVAC / appliance tech | Victorinox Spirit X Plus Ratchet | Ratchet bit driver with Torx and hex bits for panels and covers |
| Carpenter / general contractor | Leatherman Wave+ | Outside-opening saw and knife, replaceable cutters |
| Farm and ranch | Leatherman Surge or Gerber Truss | Big pliers for fence wire, sheath carry |
| Office and everyday carry | Skeletool CX or Micra | Light enough to carry every day |
A multi-tool backs up your main tools. It does not replace them. An electrician still needs dedicated wire strippers for a full day of terminations.
Blade Steel Explained: 420HC vs 154CM vs MagnaCut
The knife is the tool you use most on a multi-tool, and the steel decides how often you sharpen it.
- 420HC (Wave+, Surge, Rebar): a tough, rust-resistant stainless steel. It dulls sooner, but it is easy to bring back with a basic sharpener.
- 154CM (Skeletool CX): holds an edge longer than 420HC. Still easy to sharpen at home.
- CPM MagnaCut (Wave Alpha): a premium powder steel. It holds an edge much longer and resists corrosion very well. It costs more and takes longer to sharpen when it does dull.
For most work, 420HC is fine. Pay for MagnaCut if you cut cardboard, rope or zip ties all day and hate sharpening.
How to Choose a Multi-Tool
Pliers-based or knife-based
A pliers-based tool (Wave+, Surge, Rebar, Truss) unfolds into full pliers. A knife-based tool (like a Swiss Army knife) has no real pliers. For work, buy pliers-based.
Size and weight
Under 6 oz is easy pocket carry. 7 to 9 oz works in a pocket with a clip or a small sheath. Over 10 oz is belt carry. Be honest about where it will live.
One-hand access and locking
Outside-opening blades (Wave+, Wave Alpha) let you cut without unfolding the handles. Locking tools stop a blade or driver from folding onto your fingers under pressure.
Replaceable wire cutters
Cutters are the first part to wear out, especially on hard wire. The Wave+, Surge, Rebar and Charge+ have replaceable cutters. Cheaper tools do not.
Sheath and carry
Check the listing. Several Leatherman listings now sell the sheath separately. The Gerber Truss and Victorinox include one.
Warranty
Leatherman offers a 25-year warranty on its Portland-made tools. Victorinox covers manufacturing defects for life. Gerber offers a limited lifetime warranty with more exclusions, so read the terms before you rely on it.
Can You Fly With a Multi-Tool?
Not in your carry-on if it has a knife or scissors. TSA does not allow multi-tools with blades through the checkpoint, and the final call rests with the officer. Pack it in your checked bag, in a sheath or wrapped so it cannot cut a baggage handler. Source: SlashGear, citing TSA rules, retrieved 2026-10-06. Check the TSA “What Can I Bring” tool before you fly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best multi-tool to buy?
For most people, the Leatherman Wave+. It balances size, tool count and one-hand access, and it has replaceable wire cutters.
Leatherman vs Gerber vs Victorinox: which is better?
Leatherman has the strongest warranty and the most work-focused lineup. Gerber is the budget choice: the Truss gives you 17 tools for about $55. Victorinox wins on drivers, thanks to the ratchet on the Spirit X Plus.
What multi-tool do electricians use?
The Leatherman Rebar is the best fit here because it adds a crimper and wire stripper to replaceable hard-wire cutters. It backs up your main pliers and strippers. It does not replace them.
Is a multi-tool the same as a Swiss Army knife?
No. A Swiss Army knife is knife-based, with small tools that fold out of a knife handle. Most multi-tools are pliers-based. Victorinox makes both, and the SwissTool line is its pliers-based range.
How do I clean and oil a multi-tool?
Rinse it in warm, soapy water, work each tool open and closed, then dry it fully. Put a drop of light oil on each pivot and wipe off the extra. Do this after it gets wet, muddy or full of sawdust.
Is the Leatherman Wave+ worth it?
Yes, if you will carry it. At $129.95 you get 18 tools, outside-opening blades and replaceable cutters with a 25-year warranty. If you only need basic pliers and a blade, the Wingman costs less than half as much.
Bottom Line
- Best overall: Leatherman Wave+
- Best for trades: Leatherman Surge
- Best for electricians: Leatherman Rebar
- Best value and best gift: Leatherman Wingman
- Best premium blade: Leatherman Wave Alpha
- Best bit driver: Victorinox Spirit X Plus Ratchet
- Best under $40: Gerber Suspension NXT
- Best lightweight: Leatherman Skeletool CX
Prices were checked on October 6, 2026 and change often, especially around Black Friday. Click through to confirm the current price before you buy.
