The ubiquitous multi-tool comes in hundreds of configurations and has quickly replaced the Swiss Army-style pocket knife in utility and function. The modern multi-tool was first developed by Tim Leatherman in 1984 and dozens of companies around the world soon followed suit. Tools can be found with up to 30 or more different functions, and some have branched off to become specialized, specifically for a certain type of weapon or for bicycles. Most survival kits sold these days include a multi-tool, which goes to show if you don’t have one handy in an emergency or for everyday carry, you’re missing out on this very versatile piece of gear.
Because it can fix anything no matter where you are, a multi-tool’s ability to do its job relies on your willingness to carry it. If your multi-tool is too big to carry comfortably then it is impractical; if it is too small to include the functions you normally need, it is unreliable. Somewhere in the middle — and the middle is different for everyone — is the perfect tool. Identify your needs: Do you often need to fix a rifle in the field? Are you a bike messenger? Are you looking for something to stave off the marauding hoards in a SHTF situation? Don’t worry, there’s a multi-tool seemingly made specifically for you.
SwitchPlier 2.0
With the flick of a button out springs the pliers and handle. Made from 420 steel, the silver and black tool contains 12 functions.
- Three-sided file
- Bolt grip channel
- Can opener
- Medium flat screwdriver
- Needle nose pliers
- Ruler
- Awl
- Bottle opener
- Hard wire cutter
- Mutli-angle needle nose pliers
- Phillips screwdriver
- Small flat screwdriver
MSRP: $64
PowerAssist EOD
Finished in black oxide, the PowerAssist EOD weighs 9.6 ounces and is 7 inches long when open. It comes with a tough nylon sheath.
- Three-sided file
- Can opener
- Bolt grip channel
- Fuzewell spike
- Large flat screwdriver
- Phillips screwdriver
- Small flat screwdriver
- Wire crimper
- Blasting cap crimper
- Bottle opener
- Full serrated blade
- Hard wire cutter
- Needle nose pliers
- Ruler
- Straight edge blade
MSRP: $126.50
Powerlock S60
With a total of 18 tools, the Powerlock has stainless steel covers protecting the tools while being stored. The tool weighs 9.6 ounces and is 7 inches long.
- Half-serrated blade
- Three-sided file
- Blasting cap crimper
- Bottle opener
- Hard wire cutter
- Medium flat screwdriver
- Phillips screwdriver
- Scissors
- Wire crimper
- 1/4 Drive
- Awl
- Bolt grip channel
- Can opener
- Large flat screwdriver
- Needle nose pliers
- Ruler
- Small flat screwdriver
- Wood saw
MSRP: $114
AR15 Tool
Keep your AR-15 in proper working order. Mount optics, lights, rails, etc., or override a jammed bolt. Disassemble and reassemble with this tool that comes with a MOLLE-compatible sheath.
- Combination needle-nose pliers
- Carbide cutter
- G10 grip plates
- Carbide glass-breaker
- Carrier scraper
- 10 function bolt/firing pin/cam pin scraper
- Cotter pin puller
- Bolt override tool
- A1 & A2 front site adjuster
- Interchangeable pin punch
- Interchangeable hooked pick
- 8-32 male and female thread receivers
- 25-inch 440c serrated Tanto knife
- 12 high quality bits with bit driver
- Tap hammer
- Metal file
MSRP: $79.99
Voodoo Tactical Multi-Tool (22-26)
Voodoo’s easy-to-grip and inexpensive multi-tool has 420 stainless steel tools that mount inside the stylish anodized aluminum handles. It measures only four inches when closed.
- Knife blade
- Phillips screwdriver
- Serrated blade
- Bottle opener
- Two-sided file
- Flat screwdriver
- Can opener
- Chisel
- Wood saw
MSRP: $10.95
Guppie
This pint-sized tool comes with a host of features making it a great addition to your pack or even as a keychain (also has a pocket clip). Only 3.5 inches long when closed, it weighs 4.1 ounces.
- E.D. flashlight
- Carabiner
- Flat screwdriver (2)
- Phillips screwdriver (2)
- Knife blade
- Adjusting wrench
MSRP: $39.99
Zilla-Tool (32-36)
At 6.5 inches and 7.4 ounces, it is a large tool, but the included sheath makes it easy to carry. Made from black glass-filled nylon it is sparse on tools but high on quality.
- Pliers
- Wire cutter
- Flat screwdriver
- Phillips screwdriver
- Knife blade
MSRP: $49.99
Juice XE6
It comes in two colors (granite and moss — shown) with an optional sheath and engraving. The XE6 is 6.9 ounces, only 3.25 inches long (closed) and has 18 tools. 
- Needle nose pliers
- Regular pliers
- Hard-wire cutters
- Wire cutters
- Knife
- Serrated knife
- Saw
- Spring-action scissors
- Awl
- Can opener
- Bottle opener
- Corkscrew
- Wood/metal file
- Diamond-coated file
- Phillips screwdriver
- Medium/large screwdriver
- Small screwdriver
- Extra-small screwdriver
MSRP: $99.85
MP1
The tool’s molded composite G-10 grip is slip-proof and it comes with a molded sheath. The tool is 8 ounces and 4.38 inches long (closed). The pliers are 6450 carbon steel and the knives are 420 stainless steel.
- Pliers
- Bottle opener
- Full serrated blade
- Pry bar
- Large flat screwdriver
- Smooth knife
- Wire strippers/cutter
- Phillips screwdriver
- Flat screwdriver
MSRP: $131.99
Surge (47-52)
One of Leatherman’s largest tools, it features the largest tools in the line. It weighs 12.5 ounces but is only 4.5 inches (closed) and is available in either stainless steel or black (shown).
- Needle nose pliers
- Regular pliers
- Wire cutters
- Hard-wire cutters
- Stranded-wire cutters
- Electrical crimper
- Wire stripper
- Knife
- Serrated knife
- Saw
- Spring-action scissors
- Awl w/ thread loop
- Ruler
- Can opener
- Bottle opener
- Wood/metal file
- Diamond-coated file
- Blade exchanger
- Large bit driver
- Large screwdriver
- Small screwdriver
MSRP: $109.85
Charge TTI
This multi-tool is a combination of all of Leatherman’s most requested features into one. It features titanium handles and a leather sheath, as well as a multitude of drivers in a separate pack. It weighs 8.2 ounces and is 4 inches long (closed). 
- Needle nose pliers
- Regular pliers
- Hard-wire cutters
- Wire cutters
- Crimper
- Wire stripper
- Knife
- Serrated knife
- Saw
- Spring-action scissors
- Cutting hook
- Ruler
- Can opener
- Bottle opener
- Wood/metal file
- Diamond-coated file
- Large bit driver
- Small bit driver
- Medium screwdriver
MSRP: $169.85
CRKT Tool (59-64)
Creatively designed to allow a variety of tools in a small space, the CRKT tool is 4 inches long (closed) and 5.1 ounces. The skins are glass-filled nylon, while the main blade is 5CR15MoV steel. It comes with a molded nylon sheath.
- Utility blade
- Sawtooth blade
- Multi-fit box wrench
- Wire stripper
- Phillips screwdriver
- Flat screwdriver
- Bottle opener
MSRP: $54.99
Diesel (65-70)
With innovative slide locks, the pliers can be accessed with one hand. Made from stainless steel, it weighs 8.6 ounces and is nearly 5 inches long when closed. It comes with a nylon sheath. 
- Needle nose pliers
- Wire cutter
- Serrated knife blade
- Phillips screwdriver
- Small flat blade screwdriver
- Medium flat blade screwdriver
- Large flat blade screwdriver
- Can opener
- Bottle opener
- File
- Saw
- Scissors
MSRP: $83.99
Editor’s note: A version of this article first appeared in the April 2015 print issue of American Survival Guide.